Choose locally grown flowers

Flowers grown in Canada, North America and South America are often less expensive than flowers grown in Europe or the Orient.

Choose flowers in season

Flower prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. When a certain flower is blooming there is a lot of supply. A lot of supply means – the cost will go down.

Choose inexpensive year-round blooms

Some flowers – such as carnations, daisies, gladiolas – are typically inexpensive throughout the year.

Get married mid-week

The cost of flowers increases throughout the week. Flowers for a weekend wedding must be purchased on Friday, which is likely to be the most expensive day of the week.

Avoid getting married at floral peak times

Flower prices at Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Christmas go through the roof. Wholesale prices can increase by 300% or more at these times – and florists have no choice but to pass those increases on to customers.

Pay upfront

Flower growers ask a premium because they do not have a guaranteed buyer for their blooms. Because their merchandise is perishable, they need to factor for the stems that will not sell and be thrown away. By ordering and paying for your flowers before the wedding, the grower has a committed buyer and we get a better price.

Offer service in trade

Many florists may offer some of their goods in exchange for your services and goods. For example – offer your accounting services to the florist, in exchange for flowers.

Select one or 2 types of blooms

Florists have to purchase large auction lots when buying their flowers. Even though you may only need 2 stems of ginger, for example, your florist may have to purchase 100. That risk of extra wasted inventory will cost you.

Rent glassware and other reusable components

Many florist will rent glassware and other non-perishable components. (Rentals usually cost 40-50% of the retail price). If you don?t plan on giving your flowers away consider renting vases, containers, etc. That way you can enjoy the flowers, but don’t have to pay for the expensive vases and containers.

Ask your florist for assistance

An experienced florist can advise what?s in season, what is better priced, etc. He/she can also advise you on blooms that can give you the gorgeous premium look you want at a surprisingly reasonable price.