Few things are as big a part of many weddings as flowers are. Every marriage will have flowers on the tables, flowers in pots, and flowers just about everywhere else. So, picking your wedding bouquet and ensuring it looks exactly the way you want is also very important. Flowers look good and can also fill a room, hall, or area with a delightful scent.
With these flowers playing an instrumental role in your wedding, you want to ensure you get some good pictures with your bridal bouquet. This will help you never forget your big day and what the bouquet you chose looked like. Unfortunately, while this seems straightforward, this isn’t always the case. With that in mind, this article will go over a few tips for taking the perfect photo with your bridal bouquet.
Gorgeous flower arrangements are an inevitable part of a picture-perfect wedding. Flowers have the amazing ability to transform and uplift the entire wedding scene, making even a drab location picturesque. However, flowers are expensive and your floral budget can quickly get out-of-hand, unless you plan well.
Fortunately, it is possible to stay within budget and still have fabulous floral décor at your wedding. Here are our insider tips to help you stretch your floral budget and get great value for the money you invest.
1.Highlight bigger blooms
Larger blooms are not only more dramatic, they cover more space. So, you will need fewer large blooms to complete floral arrangements, and they will create a strong impact. Discuss with your florist to find out which blooms are in season at the time of your wedding. Design your floral décor with the largest of these, and there should be significant cuts in overall cost. A larger flower like an orchid may be pricier than roses. However, with the larger size you will need fewer of them to complete the arrangement. Sunflowers, orchids and hydrangeas are other good choices for maximum impact and economical prices.
2.Keep your centerpieces simple
Although your centrepieces are important, finding budget-friendly choices that pack a punch isn’t too difficult. Expensive exotic flower installations can eat into your budget. However, a similar impact can be achieved with cheaper choices. Focus on the colours in the design. Your florist can suggest economical choices that will tie with your theme. You can also use few exotic flowers and complete the rest of the arrangement with cheaper seasonal fare.
3.Budget-friendly choices work for designs that are seen from far
While your centerpieces will be viewed up-close, other parts of your floral décor won’t receive too much focus. For instance, the flowers on the altar or lining the edges of the aisle or hall will not be scrutinized from too close. Hence, use cheaper flowers in these arrangements to save money. Filler flowers like carnations are saturated with color and hence the best choice for pops of color. However, these are cheaper than roses. Seen from afar, your guests won’t be able to make out the difference. As long as the effect is similar, it won’t matter whether you used carnations or roses in the actual arrangement.
4.Opt for seasonal and local blooms
This is often the cheapest way to get fantastic blooms. Since local flowers are easily available, transportation costs are minimum. Also, since local produce is fresh, it will look amazing. Seasonal blooms are another good way to keep your costs down. If you must have off-season varieties in your floral décor, prepare to spend extra as they have to be shipped from elsewhere. Off-season flowers may not hold up well, in the weather conditions at the time of your wedding. So, avoid the risk and splurge on local and season flowers instead.
5.Don’t splurge on the bridesmaids bouquets
The more bridesmaids you have, the more money you will have to spend on their bouquets. The prices can quickly add up, and its value isn’t really justified. Instead, invest in a spectacular bridal bouquet. Then plan your bridesmaids bouquets as miniature versions that aren’t too costly. Your florist can whip up alternatives that match yours. Once again, focus on the colors and design instead of the actual flowers in the bouquet.
6.Find alternatives to corsages
Corsages are pretty pricey, since there is a lot of effort involved in creating them. Unless you are very particular about having them, find an alternative to serve the purpose. Use single flowers without fillers, and they will cost less. Your Wedding blog suggests several alternative corsage options from feathers to starfish and even buttons. We think this is a great way to tie it to the theme of your wedding, while deviating from the traditional floral corsage idea with an unexpected twist. Isn’t it a great way to get noticed? Check it out and get inspired.
7.Add extra greenery
Have you ever realized that the greens in your bouquet are rather inexpensive when compared to the blooms? Make the most of this factor, by choosing more greens and adding flowers as accents in your bouquet. Ivory or ferns cost far less, but fill space. They also add beautiful texture to floral bouquets, enhancing its appeal. So, use lush greenery in your bouquet and centerpieces. You will need fewer blooms, but have floral arrangements of noticeable size and impact. So, choose from foliage , herbs and ferns to add a lush effect to your bouquets for much lesser.
8.Add details like ribbons or lace
Simple additions to your flower bouquet, like a ribbon or lace will help it appear larger. It is also a romantic addition that will enhance the appeal of your bouquets. The same applies to centerpieces as well. Satin ribbons add saturated pops of color that will enhance the beauty of your flower arrangements. Lace adds a romantic note. So, these are classy choices that will help you create a better looking flower arrangement sans the cost.
9.Add a unique touch to your décor with non-floral centerpieces
Expensive flower arrangements with exotic blooms are always impressive. Nevertheless, this isn’t the only way to create impact. You can achieve the same effect by adding few cheaper and unusual items. You can find elements that tie to your chosen theme. The best part is that such items can also be reused in your home décor later. Take a look at this article on the Bridal Guide for some interesting suggestions along these lines. From Bird cages for garden weddings and rustic themes to pin wheels for outdoor weddings, there are plenty of amusing ideas to borrow and use.
10.Choose airy flowers that add bulk to arrangements
Similar to adding foliage to increase the bulk of your floral arrangement, add bunches of light and airy blooms to enhance the volume of the entire arrangement without costing much. Wispy strands of baby breath act as great fillers for bouquets and centerpieces. A single stem will occupy significantly more space than a single flower. Hence, this is one option to explore. Your florist can suggest more such options that are pretty and light and create the effect you desire.
11.Reuse and re-purpose to get the most out of your wedding flowers
In most cases, you will have your wedding ceremony at one location and the wedding reception in another location. Although it may be the same venue, your reception hall is likely different from the one for the wedding ceremony. In such cases, the common practice is to set up separate floral arrangements at either spot. However, the smarter option is to reuse the same flowers at the second location. Arrange to transfer the flowers from the first location to the second, and you will only have to pay the transfer cost. You will have to employ help to do this quickly and discretely after the ceremony. Plan this movement carefully before the wedding day, so it progresses smoothly on the day.
12.Go for non-floral bouquet options
Many substitutes for real flowers look just as good, or perhaps even better. Spend less by replacing your bridal bouquet and that of your bridesmaids with non-floral options. From fabric flowers to paper flowers, brooches, lace and even feathers, explore the variety of options available. There are endless options as long as you are flexible. The best part is that you will also have an unforgettable accessory that your guests are bound to remember. So, let your creative juices flow and come up with a non-floral bouquet option that ties to your wedding theme and is unique in every way. For more inspiration and ideas, take a look at this fantastic post on the Martha Stewart website.
13.DIY your wedding bouquets by going for what is cheap and available on the day
If you have time and are crafty, this is the best way to stretch your wedding bouquet budget. Visit the local market the day before your wedding, and find cheap flowers that fit your color scheme. You could even enlist the help of your bridesmaids or friends who are particularly talented in this area. However, remember that this is not an option if you are rather particular about what you want. On the other hand, if you are flexible and ready to go with what is available, this could be the cheapest way to find flowers for your bridal and bridesmaids bouquet at a bargain price. With a little creativity, you can easily find ideas for unique and beautiful bouquets with what is readily available.
14.Add seasonal bounty to the mix
Another idea for a non-floral bouquet is to add seasonal bounty like fruits, foliage and natural décor elements to your centerpieces. When you pair colorful fruits like limes, berries, apples or peaches, you can easily obtain the pop of color you choose. These also add texture and unexpected beauty to an arrangement. The best part is that such seasonal produce is often inexpensive and will bring down your flower budget significantly. Take a look at this post on the Martha Stewart website for some stunning centerpiece arrangements bursting with fruits and even vegetables.
15.Start with the grocery store bouquet
If you must save on your flower budget, look no further than the regular flower bouquets available at grocery stores. These give you the right base to begin your arrangements and designs with. Rearrange the blooms, add a few extra embellishments like brooches, twine or lace for a touch of glamour and you are ready to go. Remember however, that this setup requires extra time. So, don’t embark on this route unless you have the time and skills to get creative and DIY the day before your wedding.
16.Mix and match by cost of flowers
Flexibility is key to achieving the desired impact while staying within budget. If you want your floral arrangements to look lush and expensive, mix and match expensive and inexpensive flowers in your arrangements. One way is to go with alternating arrangements of flowers that fit each category. The other option is to use few large blooms of the expensive flower of your choice, and alternate it with inexpensive flowers as the fillers. Flowers like baby’s breath and daisies are perfect for this option.
Weddings are very expensive, and every penny that you save goes towards your future. So, it is wise to consider your options and make budget cuts wherever possible. Even if flowers are a priority in your wedding plans, you can achieve startling results without breaking the bank. The above suggestions should help you with this. Have we missed anything? If you have any more ideas, don’t forget to share it with us in the comments section below. After all, it is all just a matter of thinking outside the box and finding choices that do not compromise on your main priorities.
For all your bridal needs and advice, our Best for Bride team of experts are here to help. Whether you want a stunning wedding dress, accessories, alterations or wedding day services, visit our website to find the best solutions to bring your wedding day ideas to life.
Every couple dreams of a wedding day that is unique and creative. Colours play a huge role in enhancing the overall mood and effect of this special day. Unfortunately, choosing the right colours for your wedding isn’t as easy as it seems. Although you may have specific favourite colours, you cannot simply put them together and plan your wedding around them.
Wedding colour pitfalls are pretty standard, and they ruin the wedding ambiance. Fortunately, being aware of the likely mistakes will help you avoid them. Here is our guide to the common mistakes couples make when choosing wedding colours. Use it to steer clear of a visual overdose of colours and mix and match combinations that do not gel together.
Winter weddings are growing in popularity, with more and more brides opting for this romantic wedding season. I think these women are really clever, to make the most of this unusual choice to create fond memories.
Planning a wedding in winter shouldn’t be too difficult, if you actually consider it. There are several misconceptions associated with a winter wedding, and this is why many brides don’t even think of the idea.
Let us take a look at some of the most common winter wedding myths that you will most likely hear, if you announce you will be getting married during the coldest time of year. Don’t worry, for we are here to give you the actual facts and tell you if it is indeed something you need to worry about, or just another thing that you let it in one ear and out the other!
1.You cannot choose any wedding dress you want
If you think you should cover yourself up in a full-length, full-sleeve, turtle-neck wedding dress, to keep the cold at bay, you are mistaken. Don’t think too much about the strapless or backless gown that you simply love, just go for it!
The cold is a given factor whether you wear a full-sleeve gown or a sleeveless one. Take a cue from our designer collections for winter and fall. I’m sure you won’t find more than a handful of full-sleeve dresses there. This is because brides love and do wear dresses that expose the neck, shoulders, back and arm. Since you will most likely be having an indoor ceremony in a heated area, you won’t feel cold. And for those valuable outdoor photo moments that you cannot miss, this is the time to add style to your ensemble with a luxurious wrap, stole or jacket. You can view our fantastic collection here.
Shine brighter than any snowflake at your snow-kissed winter wedding with this beautiful Sophia Tolli Mon Cheri wedding gown. The sweetheart neckline adds a touch of romantic to an already ravishing wedding dress design. Check more details about this dress by visiting this link here.
2.Winter weddings are cheaper
Your wedding expenses depend entirely on the type of wedding you have, the number of guests attending and what you choose to have at your wedding. Winter is the off-peak season where weddings are concerned. So, you may be able to get a better rate if you negotiate, or snag a discount that a vendor advertise. You also have a better chance of finding such discounts this time of year, as vendors are more likely to search for clients, and not the reverse. Nevertheless, your wedding expenses will depend on how you plan your wedding. If you go with seasonal fare, choose flowers that are available, and search for the best discounts and deals, you will be able to pull off your wedding on a smaller budget. However, if your wedding menu will have items that are not easily available this time of year, or you want floral décor and bouquets with spring or summer flowers, be prepared to shell out extra.
3.You have limited options in bridesmaids dresses
Just like with wedding dresses, you may quickly assume that your bridesmaids will need full-length dresses that cover the neck and arms. Well, you don’t! The same rules that apply to you, go for your bridesmaids too. Feel free to choose short, sexy dresses, as long as your wedding is in a well-heated venue. They can always accessorize with a warm jacket, wraps or stoles if they have to spend time in the cold outdoors. Additionally, short dresses give them the chance to look stunning and stylish. Enter snow boots or knee-high boots and a cozy Pashmina shawl, and show me one girl who isn’t excited to wear the short dress that you choose for her.
Don’t you think this 8108S from the Alfred Angelo Bridesmaids collection is a delightful dress that your bridesmaids will love to wear? This cocktail length gown with a stunning sheer halter neckline features necklace beading and ends just above the knee. Not only does it look smart and glamorous, it is also a practical choice that your girls will think of reusing after the wedding. Check this bridesmaid dress out at this link to our collection.
4.An outdoor wedding is off-the-cards
Why should you limit yourself to the indoors when there is so much beauty in the landscape outdoors? We say, plan your event outdoors, and live your dream. It will be a memorable and unique event, when you do. All it takes is a little practical planning. You may have to keep your ceremony short, so its over quickly but is just as memorable, and make sure that the outdoor area is well-heated, so nobody feels too cold. I like this idea on The Knot website to arrange for shawls and hot cocoa for your guests. Additionally, inform your guests that you will be having an outdoor ceremony, so they can bundle up in warm woolens and come prepared for your spectacular event. Since winter weather is often tricky and you can’t predict how it will go, it is a good idea to have a backup plan, in case things don’t proceed in your favor on the day.
Image Credits: Corrinne Allen, via Flickr
5.You have limitations when choosing your winter wedding décor
Unless there are budget constraints that restrict you from planning the wedding of your dreams, there is no other reason for a less-than-picturesque winter wedding décor. In fact, winter being closer to the holidays, you have plenty of festive options available than at any other time of the year. Look around the shops during winter and you will see that there are more décor choices than ever before. It is also likely that you will come across sales that you can make the most of. Make the most of the available and hot décor items like candles and baubles. With some creativity, you can easily transform them into any dream design you want, without looking like it was built for Christmas. So, if you aren’t keen on having a snowy winter wonderland wedding, just think of how you can use what is available and customize it to look different, but interesting. And, if you are a fan of snowy landscapes and dancing fairy lights that warm up the wintry scene, you will have no difficulty finding exactly what you want.
6.Most guests won’t look forward to a winter wedding
In our experience, the opposite is usually true. Most guests are bored with attending weddings in spring and summer. However, winter weddings are far fewer, and offer a welcome respite to look forward to, during the cold months. Also, not all your guests are bundled in at home throughout the day. Winter doesn’t prevent them from going to work and school. So, your wedding is just another occasion that they have to attend, despite the cold. Since it will usually be closer to the time when they are planning Christmas and Thanksgiving, it will give them a chance to relax and enjoy themselves at a party that they don’t have to do much at. Also, with the festive season on it’s way, most people are cheerful and happy. This allows them to enjoy your wedding, take part in the fun and return home with cheer.
7.Reduced daylight hours will dampen the party spirit
Not if you set the ambiance at your venue right. It has to be exciting, thrilling and full of party spirit. True that the shorter days may make it necessary to have a short outdoor ceremony. Nevertheless, you can continue the party inside with full pomp and show till late into the night, when you have a venue that is nice, warm and well-lit. The good thing about winter weddings is that it is easy to fashion a warm, glowing atmosphere with plenty of candles and soft yellow lights. It is a double bonus if you have snow; the image is simply spellbinding. If your venue has a roaring fireplace, it would add to the festive atmosphere. Make sure that the venue is properly warmed before the guests arrive, so they can quickly settle in. Activities like dancing and eating will do the rest of the job to heat up the atmosphere, and help everyone enjoy the beautiful event.
8.Your food choices are limited
Just like with décor, your menu choices are only restricted by your budget. Although you may have to spend extra to get items that are off-season, it is possible if you are prepared to pay for it. However, you needn’t worry about a boring menu at all, even if you go with what is seasonally and locally available. Winter has it’s own rich bounty of natural ingredients. All you need is a good caterer, who can whip up a gastronomical feast with what is readily available. The cold weather outside makes this the perfect time to consider hearty family-style comfort food, which will warm palates but not strain your pocket. So, do your research in advance, and plan out your options. Also don’t forget that hot cocoa stations and s’more bars are great ideas that are best executed in winter than in any other season.
9.Your photos will not look great
It is actually quite the opposite. If your wedding has light snowfall, imagine how romantic and beautiful your winter wedding photos will be in the outdoors. Although you may have to limit your outdoor shoots to when there is sunlight, indoor photography will not suffer on this account. Just make sure that your photographer has enough experience covering nighttime events, and brings the apparatus required for it. If there is a good flash light, and enough lighting at your venue you can get fabulous shots. Playing with light and shade will also give you some unusually impressive pictures, as well. Remember to tell your photographer in advance, if you want a soft, glowy and dreamy effect in your photos. It would be perfect to capture the winter wedding scenery in such a setting.
10.It is difficult to pull off a colorful palette
Many brides worry that they will have to either settle for a winter wonderland theme or a Christmas inspired palette, to keep it nice and attractive. This isn’t necessary. Warm, bright tones and metallic shades look wonderful in winter wedding palettes. This is the time when you can add bling to your décor to have sparkle and shimmer. Deep jewel tones like sapphire, emerald and berry colors make beautiful color palettes. If you are fond of patterns, you can even use this at your wedding. In fact, choose any color combination and any theme that you want, and find the right balance so you can pull it off successfully. Take a look at this Pinterest board for some glamorous and interesting combinations to inspire your wedding planning.
So, that brings us to the end of our discussion. Didn’t we tell you that you didn’t have to worry much about planning a winter wedding. It isn’t a compromise, and you needn’t settle for anything if you plan it properly. In fact, when you do plan it properly, winter weddings are one-of-a-kind. The best thing is that it is the perfect romantic start to the rest of your life with your partner. Now tell us, do you think you are more inclined to be a January bride, or would you take the safe route and get married in spring?
Every winter bride needs the perfect wedding dress to look the part. Whether you prefer glamorous and sexy, or elegant and classic, we have hundreds of wedding gowns for you to choose from. Come visit our bridal gallery at Best for Bride and make your pick today. Don’t forget the rest of the beautiful women in your bridal party. With dresses for bridesmaids, flower girls and mothers of the brides, as well as evening gowns and cocktail dresses for all your pre-wedding celebrations, we have you fully covered. So, what are you waiting for? Begin your wedding shopping experience right away.
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