There’s no question in my mind that I would prefer fresh flowers for my wedding. This is for my bouquet, my bridesmaid’s bouquets, the boutennieres, Damien’s mother’s corsage and for the tables. We have set ourselves a very strict budget for the wedding and we aren’t going over it. I did allow $100 for flowers and going on what I did the ‘last time round’, I thought it would be more than enough to cover what I needed.
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From memory (I could go and look at old wedding photos but I won’t), I had plain white Oriental lillies and white roses in my bridal bouquet last time around and the two bridesmaids had small bunches of jonquils. There were only two buttonholes of perhaps one small white rosebud, two corsages for the Mums and small bunches of jonquils for the centrepieces. I’m am positive that whole lot cost me around $50. The florist I found went to the flower market the day before, arranged the flowers and delivered them to me on the morning of the wedding. Admittedly it was back in 2001 but this time around the quotes for very simple purple flowers with a bit of greenery ranged from $490, the lowest, up to $1,000. I just cannot justify that sort of money even if I wanted to extend the budget for the sake of fresh flowers.
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| The is the type of thing I was wanting for the three bridesmaids. |
For weeks I toyed with the idea of going to the flower market myself, the day before the wedding, and buying the fresh flowers and making the bouquets. Because the wedding ceremony and reception will be at our house, I thought it would be one major stress I had to do that I really didn’t need. I belong to quite a few wedding Facebook groups and when I saw the beautiful artificial wedding flowers that were being made, I looked into it a bit further.
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| The boy’s boutonnieres. |
So after researching prices at local stores, watching Youtube clips on how to make bouquets, digging around in my craft stash and adding a couple of personalised adornments that fit with the theme of the wedding, I had a crack at making my own. I also figured if I made them now, they could be packed away ready for the wedding and one more thing crossed off my to do list.
The cost of the flowers for 4 bouquets, 4 boutonnieres and a corsage all came to the pricely sum of $15. I purchased them from an overseas ebay seller. The same flowers were available in local stores for triple the price. The twine I had and the cute little handmade guitar brooches came from a German etsy seller. I was pretty pleased with how they turned out. Looking at them, I know they aren’t real but it’s like comparing oranges and apples. For all the reasons I mentioned earlier, they are suiting me for so many reasons and I think they look nice and suit our personalities and our wedding theme.
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So many people are opting out of fresh flowers for so many reasons and trying to be a little bit individual I guess. Check out the creativity with this boutonniere. Even the the title of the sheet music is “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. Love it!
The bouquets were a little more effort. I had to arrange them the way I wanted and wind it all with florist tape and then the twine. Really, the whole lot took a couple hours one Sunday afternoon. I added a couple small stems of ivory roses to my bouquet just because.
I used some of Nanna’s vintage lace around the handle plus finished with a $3 rhinestone encrusted guitar brooch which is sticking with the theme.
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With the money that I saved, I can now go and pick up a few bunches of fresh flowers a day or so before the wedding from a local flower market or even the supermarket for my table centrepieces. It’s a spring time wedding so the reception area will be sweet with the scent of fresh flowers. Don’t forget I’m growing some myself which will help with the costs. They are coming along nicely with all the rain we’ve been having.
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If you’ve got the budget for fresh flowers and that’s what you want, go right ahead. I’d love it as well but I’m very happy with what I’ve decided to do. If you want to do something a little more individual, there are so many talented, creative people out there who are making absolutely gorgeous bouquets with things such as brooches, paper flowers, fabric flowers, buttons and whatever else you can think of. It’s your wedding, your choice.
I have seen teh most amazing button creations instead of flowers too.
Aren't they gorgeous Karen? So many talented, crafty people out there.
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And Anne, although it may not have been your first choice – you can keep them FOREVER! Love the little additions, they really make it special and all about the two of you. You are so creative, they are beautiful! xx
Ahh you're very clever. I wish I was talented and patient enough to make my own floral arrangements. We were lucky enough to find a cheap florist for my bouquet, the bridesmaids bouquets and the men's corsages. In the church we had fake flowers and nobody could tell the difference 🙂 #teamIBOT
Thanks Renee!
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I used to suffer badly from hay fever so there was no way I was going to risk ruining my big day by having real flowers! Back in those days, Copperart used to sell a huge range of fake flowers and even had somebody who made up the bouquets for us at a very reasonable price – it was a lot cheaper than fresh, I do remember that much. You can see some pics here: http://www.middleagedmama.com.au/favourite-wedding-memories/. The only bouquet they didn't make was mine, I borrowed that from my sister in law.
I think that's a great idea Anne, and if you're saving hundreds of dollars, it's even better. Plus these will keep for years to come which is even better. xx
They look terrific Anne
Great idea Anne, thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop, pinning. tweeting.
Your flowers look gorgeous, Anne. It's lovely to be able to keep the bouquets after the wedding too. It's such a nice idea to be able to incorporate things that are special to you in the arrangements – like your Nanna's vintage lace – as well. I've pinned this post to my Weddings board on Pinterest and I'm sharing it on stumble upon as well 🙂 Thank you for sharing it with us at the Hearth and Soul hop.
Just priceless ideas…soooo pretty
How cool is that bouquet of jewels-I would be very happy with that!
I love all of these gorgeous ideas and think that your choices were absolutely perfect! Well done you!
Thanks so much for joining in with the #sundaysdownunder link up. It was so wonderful to see you fabulous posts among this week's collection.
Best wishes for a fab weekend. Stay warm!
Natasha in Oz