10 Ways to Save on Flowers

1.  Research budget blooms.  Consider an affordable, year-round flower such as roses, stock flowers, chrysanthemums, and carnations.

2.  Let them do double duty.  Reuse your ceremony flowers at the reception in the entrance and on the cake table.

3.  Go "monobotanical."  Use just one type of flower for the centerpieces and bouquets, the look is stunning and cost-effective.  You will get a better deal if your florist can purchase flowers in bulk.

4.  Be flexible.  Don't insist on specific flowers, instead tell your florist the colors and look you want to allow her to consider the most budget-friendly options.

5.  Use bigger blooms.  In season, fluffy-headed blooms such as hydrangeas and peonies can stretch your budget, since you only need a few to fill a vase or bouquet.

6.  See what is in stock.  For the best deals choose blooms that are in season and readily-available in your area.

7.  Choose simple arrangements.  Less labor equals more savings. A loose grouping of flowers is not as time-consuming as a centerpiece that requires wiring a lot of individual stems.

8.  Raid grandma's cabinets.  Borrow teapots, water pitchers, silver bowls - anything that can be used in place of a traditional vase that you will have to buy or rent.

9.  Add flavor.  Buy herbs - sage, basil, rosemary - from a garden center, place them in a tiny terra-cotta pots, and group them as centerpieces.

10.  Think filler.  Greenery saves money and gives centerpieces a WOW factor.  Greens are about one-third the price of most flowers.  Eucalyptus, lemon leaf, or pittosporum can supplement flowers in centerpieces and bouquets.

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