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Beginner June 2020

Flowers

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Melissa, on July 27, 2019 at 1:20 PM

Posted in Planning 32

Ok y’all, how much are you paying for flowers? I really want lavender so I’m not choosing an expensive flower, but I want flowers on my arch/chuppah, obviously the bouquets and bouttenierres (sp?) for the bridal party (5 of each) corsages for the parents, 15 centerpieces (some recycled from bridesmaid bouquets) and maybe some flowers on the ceremony chairs (6).

I thought we had a healthy budget of 3,000 but the florist we just met said she couldn’t do anything less than $4,000 and made it sound like we had a minuscule budget. Flowers are the only decoration I’m using.

I live in Austin, Texas. Do I have unrealistic expectations? Is she overpriced? We’re meeting with more florists this week but it seems like they all charge similar prices. I was really heartbroken after our consultation.

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32 Comments

Expert August 2019
Susan · on July 28, 2019 at 2:35 PM
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We live in NC, and every single florist that I spoke with quoted us around 3-5K.
We decided to do our own, and we ordered the flowers from Sam's. We are doing a bridal bouquet, 1 bout, 6 small centerpieces, cake flowers, 9 large centerpieces, and two barrel wreaths and we spent just under 600. I had to sacrifice some of the flower types that I wanted, but it's okay...it will still be beautiful.
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Super September 2019
Dana · on July 28, 2019 at 2:47 PM
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I am paying 4,200 in westchester new york for 10 boutonnières, a bridal bouquet, 9 bridesmaids bouquets, flowers at the alter, flowers in the pews, 4 corsages for mothers and grandmothers, toss bouquet, flowers for cake, a flower girl bouquet, arrangement for sweetheart table and 18 centerpieces. Originally quoted for 6200 but we know the guy and he is really going above and beyond. The picture is our centerpiece with his sample and the bouquets are similar to what they will look like
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Beginner June 2020
Melissa · on July 28, 2019 at 5:24 PM
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Holy cow! You got a great deal!! I can’t even believe it! You’re getting way more for your money and are basically paying the same as we were quoted. In Westchester, no less. I grew up in Westchester, I know it’s expensive I can’t believe Austin is almost the same.
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Expert September 2019
Jazmine · on August 10, 2019 at 1:34 PM
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I’m spending $3,000 including set up for one bridal bouquet (cascading), a flower crown, a flower crown and mini bouquet for the flower girl, boutonnieres (7), corsages (7), chair pieces (10), table decor (4), bar decor, full table decor for cake, cake flowers, loose flowers for photos before for rings etc., loose greenery for the easels and flowers for the seating area in Dallas, TX. My florist is R Love Floral and here are some of her pieces:
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Super August 2022
Lynne · on August 10, 2019 at 1:52 PM
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Is it possible to use artificial flowers? As a previous lady said, allergies could be an issue for some guests.
We are going with artificial flowers. That way we can incorporate the flowers later at home for decoration.
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Dedicated June 2021
KimandLarry · on August 11, 2019 at 10:14 AM
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I don't know if you're open to diy your own flowers but you could check out flower moxie.
Lavender and purple flowers
They have 3 different packages to choose from and give you a detailed sheet on how to put the arrangements together.
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Expert October 2019
Jess · on August 11, 2019 at 10:37 AM
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Our florist is known for being really cost effective so in total we payed around $800 for everything including aisle decor and all that jazz.

Before we picked the florist we have now, we had a lot of problems dealing with other ones actually. I feel like florists were the hardest and sometimes meanest vendors to deal with. I think the biggest thing for me is i’m willing to pay more if the person i’m hiring is nice and has a good attitude and is genuine.
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Savvy October 2020
Kaila · on August 11, 2019 at 10:50 AM
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I got fake boutonnières from hobby lobby for $1.50 each. I’m use of them for the groomsmen and FH will have real flowers on his. They have pretty lavender ones. But that saves me $30-40. Sams club, Trader Joe’s, any wholesale flowers are good for diy center pieces. That can stay under 300 depending on how many tables. I’m just doing boutiques, one boutonnière, hair flowers, and cake flowers though a florists and it’s about $300. If your up for diy you can probably get everything you want for about $1000
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Just Said Yes October 2021
Katy L · on October 10, 2019 at 11:40 PM
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Hey Melissa! Who did you end up going with? We also live in the Austin Area and just started our journey with florists. I'd love to hear any suggestions in the area. It has been the one thing that was stressing me out because I had already read they can be expensive. Thankfully we're having a smaller wedding so not a lot of centerpieces needed.
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Beginner June 2020
Melissa · on October 11, 2019 at 9:35 AM
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Hey Nancy!

We ended up going with someone called "Merci Bouquet." She was really nice, understood my vision and works out of her garage so her overhead is low. The only thing about her is that she doesn't do rentals, so we have to buy the vases, etc. and rent a chuppah, but her prices were low enough that it made sense and we figure whatever we buy (at wholesale prices) we can re-sell after the wedding if we don't want to keep them.
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Just Said Yes October 2021
Katy L · on October 12, 2019 at 11:04 PM
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Thank you for sharing, Melissa! Let's see what we find out in the next couple of weeks with the current appointments we have. This is a great suggestion to add to my list.
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October 2019
BHP Oct · on October 14, 2019 at 6:35 PM
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You are not the only one! I had a budget for $2,500-$3,000 in Chicago and I am having a smaller wedding, 80 guests and thought that was a generous budget! I was mistaken and had to shop around to find a florist that could meet my budget. Same thing you experienced, almost all couldn't do anything for under $4,000. My ceremony will be at the same hotel as our reception, so I will re-use those flowers, and save money by eliminating second delivery/transfer from off-site ceremony. I don't have any bridesmaids either so I was shocked at the quotes I received. I had to forego flowers around my welcome sign, flowers on the gift table, and escort card table.
Here's the breakdown for my florals:
4 tall arrangements (they're very elaborate)
4 short arrangements (we purchased the vases so guests can take them home)
5 boutonnieres
2 corsages
2 small floral arrangements for our sweetheart table
1 bouquet for me (no toss bouquet)
This was $2500 PLUS another $500 for delivery and set-up!
I tried to do research on flowers, and it was overwhelming, plus living in Chicago certain flowers are just not in season. Plus even though you see flowers in photos online, once you see them in person the color might not be what you expected, the size is off, or the florist tells you they don't really stand the test of time throughout the day during the season of your wedding. I'd suggest taking photos of centerpieces you like and have the florist give you suggestions on less expensive flowers that still look the same, or will give you the same type of lushness. Keep shopping around, you'll find that florist that will work within your budget, it just takes a little more time.
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