11.26.07
Flower Seasons
The best way to save on flowers is to just go with what’s in season. If it’s not in season, florists will have to import them from greenhouses and that will prove to be much more expensive. You may have a particular flower in mind, but there is probably a seasonal flower that’s similar in color, size, shape, and texture.
For a more comprehensive list: flower-seasons.pdf
11.17.07
Instructional Videos for Flower Arrangements
Everyone knows that floral arrangements cost way too much. For large weddings, total costs can easily run up to $2,000.
Average Costs:
- Boutonniere: $8
- Corsage: $12
- Bridesmaids Bouquet: $50-75
- Bridal Bouquet: $ 80-150
- Centerpieces: $30-80
- Altar arrangements: $100-200
Why not do it yourself?! All you need is some green floral tape, wire, and ribbon. With two dozen roses going for $13.99 at Costco, you can make boutonnieres and corsages for about $1 each. Here are some instructional videos that I found helpful. Some of the flowers they used aren’t so great, but you can make up your own variations. Lastly, get lots of friends and family to help out! You don’t want to be staying up until 2am the night before the wedding wrapping flowers.
Simple corsage:
Simple Bouquet:
Floral bows:
There are many other centerpiece ideas that are cheaper than floral designs, but here are some options.
Simple centerpiece:
11.16.07
Walmart is still the Best
Even though their stuff isn’t the best quality, it’s super cheap! And…the stuff only has to hold up for a day anyway.
100 ft Aisle Runner: $19.96
Toasting glasses: $9.96
Do-It-Yourself Invitation Packages: $14.94-$17.96 (40-50 count packages) = ~$0.30/ invitation set!
Fancy Favor Boxes: $15 for 50 count. (Takes assembly)
Vases for centerpieces: $0.57 to ~$5. The fish bowls on the bottom row are only $0.77 each!
Floral supplies for making your own arrangements. Floral tapes is only $0.66. Green foam not shown.
Guestbook and cake cutting knives:
Everything you could possibly imagine: Organza bags, garter,veil, cake topper, hair pins, tiara, fake rose petals, fabric embellishments, fake bouquet, etc.
Los Angeles is the Easiest place to Plan a Wedding
1. It does not rain for at least 350 days of the year, so weather is not really an issue. Unless you’re stuck in a heat wave, the weather usually cooperates.
2. The Flower District is in downtown. Instead of getting a bouquet for $100, you can make your own for $15.
3. The Fashion district is also downtown, and the best part is that you can bargain! You can easily get bridesmaids dresses for under $50 each. This is also a great place to find flower girl baskets (~$10), ring pillows (~$10), and all the silly stuff that’s usually overpriced.
The two districts are right next to each other, so you can check them out at the same time. www.fashiondistric.org
