Getting the best bloom for your buck

Some of the most expensive components to a wedding are flowers.  A bridal bouquet can run anywhere from $100 - $300.  Add ceremony alter and aisle pieces, reception centerpieces and you can find yourself well above your budget.  Although quite expensive, floral is a must at a wedding.  The type of floral can set a tone and overall feeling of a wedding.  Take lush orchids, their bold and beautiful colors are perfect for a beach side wedding.  Or black magic roses, their velvety and rich color just oozes romance for a formal, winter wedding.  I recently had the opportunity to sit down with a very talented floral designer, Clare from The English Rose, located in Ankeny, IA. Her knowledge of how flowers create that special feeling is second to none.  Clare walked through each and every arrangement as it were to be a piece of art.  Now that's passion!  She also talked about seasonal flowers and how that can be a huge savings. For example, my wedding will be around Memorial Day weekend, and peonies are in prime season.  Their cost is significantly lower at that time than any other time of year.  Hydrangeas are more available mainly in the winter months.  Here is a chart that shows flower seasons by color.  If you can use flowers that are in season, you may have a little cash in your pocket to splurge on other things.

 http://www.weddingflowersinmaleny.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=126&Itemid=113