If you're not familiar with my "When You'd Rather Not…" series, I encourage you to read the backstory and see which other wedding resources I've covered.
One of the worst parts of my job comes at the end of the reception. The party is winding down, the guests are leaving, and I'm facing a hundred vases filled with still lovely flowers.
I've stuck them in fridges. I've wrapped them in wet paper towels. I've done everything I can to preserve the blooms that my clients labored over picking. But even then, the end of a wedding often finds me throwing out handful after handful of beautiful plants.
This, I realize, is a tired argument: "Why buy flowers? They just die anyway." Of course, that argument leaves out just how gorgeous a well-made bouquet is, how flowers make things feel festive without even trying, and how hard florists work.
So, if you want flowers but not waste — either of your budget or your sanity — consider these options.
Ask about à la carte options
Some florists will offer flowers à la carte, as in you buy what you need — a bouquet here, a bout there — rather than a full suite of flowers. This is most cost-effective if your flower needs are minimal and not all florists offer the service. Hit me up if you want recommendations for the Portland area; I know several florists who offer this!
Google “flower farm”
If you haven’t already, explore flower farms. Often flower farmers will also work as florists or, at the very least, have solid recommendations on florists with whom they regularly work.
Go green
One bride I know couldn’t have cared less about flowers. (Her focus: photos.) So she opted for all greenery. Think ferns and filler. The result accomplished what she wanted — a little plant life here and there — while allowing her to pay more for the elements of her wedding that she actually cared about.
Pick your favorites
I recently Googled "flowers you need at your wedding." Bad idea. One list I found had 33 different flower arrangements that you "needed" for a wedding including "powder room decorations." I don't know about you, but I don't really need to look at flowers while I poo, so here's a tip: Only buy your favorites.
Do you want everyone in your wedding party to have flowers? Great. Boutonnieres and corsages it is for anyone in your processional. Couldn't care less? Skip 'em. Did you buy truly spectacular arrangements for your ceremony? Designate someone to haul them to the reception. Planning to toss your bouquet? Use a bridesmaid's or ask for yours back rather than buy a "tossing bouquet."
Not all florists may like — or accommodate — this "pick your favorites" mentality, but I encourage you to ask for what you want. If the florist insists that they have to do centerpieces and also bouquets but you only want bouquets, keep shopping (and don't hesitate to tell the vendor that you are). A little competition can go a long way to changing the conversation.
Still feeling floral?
Go for it. Flowers are beautiful. They're also one of the quickest ways to make a space feel elegant.
But you don't have to have them. No one's not going to know that's your mom if she doesn't have a matching corsage, and your marriage will still be legal even if you don't carry a bouquet.
Have something to share? Email me at elisabeth@elisabethkramer.com