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One of the biggest parts of a wedding that set’s it apart from just any event is the flowers! It’s one of my favorite details to photograph as well! I always say if you have beautiful florals and a great photographer you are golden!

But sometimes it’s hard to know what pieces you should spend your floral budget on, so I have asked some of the best florists Iowa has and they gave such amazing advice!!!

August Wolf Floral Design

If you’re toying with the idea of doing flowers yourself – don’t ask a florist if they can get you cheap flowers. I fully support brides doing their own flowers. No one should spend outside of their budget and sometimes that means getting flowers from Trader Joe’s (p.s. you can order them) or Sam’s Club and doing them yourself. If that brings you joy – go for it!

Floral designers have perfected the planning, design, and execution of your perfect vision – and that’s what you pay for…not just the flowers.

When working with a floral designer, spend money where it counts, a.k.a where it matters most to you. There are no rules as to what is most important. Always try to make whatever florals are used during the ceremony work double duty for you by using them at the reception. Even with hanging installations or arch florals, creative mechanics, proper flower selection and hydration can make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

One cardinal rule: Never cut corners on your bridal bouquet. It’s your chance for once in a lifetime flowers that will be forever memorialized by your photos and handed down to your great-grandchildren.  Your bouquet should be perfect in every way. Your flowers are also another chance to express yourself and say something about your personality and style. Your bouquet is one of the best accessories you will ever hold.

August Wolf Floral Design

m.klyn floral design

Splurge: bridal bouquet and maids. Also, a few nicer arrangements go a long way at the reception and ceremony. Save: use arrangements more than once-multi purpose everything! Like aisle arrangements use them at the reception as centerpieces and your bouquets to decorate the head table (lay them on their side so it looks like an arrangement) or a ceremony backdrop/ arch use behind your head table or a photo-taking spot. Many of my brides have been skipping bouts and corsages for everyone except bridal party and parents. If you are doing a toss bouquet-use a bridesmaids!  Rent anything you can from your florist/decorator! Don’t go out and buy containers! Greens and garlands can get just as expensive as arrangements.

m.klyn floral design

Beautifully Bloomed

Repurpose, repurpose, repurpose. If you are able to, chat with your florist to design a beautiful arch piece that can be taken down and moved to your head table! That way you can have the gorgeous arch piece as well and a statement piece at your reception for 1/2 the cost!

Beautifully Bloomed

Bella Flora

“Consider the areas that will be most photographed and that are important to you. The bridal bouquet is one area that you should splurge on that will be in all of your photos. Most ceremonies tend to be shorter so we recommend spending your budget on the reception where guests will spend the most time. Floor-length linens and a couple of tall arrangements will add drama and impact to the space. You can save money by using beautiful rental items or smaller and lower floral arrangements on the other tables. We also suggest splurging on the head table and cake tables since these will be in your beautiful pictures as well. 

Photographs will last forever, but don’t forget to budget money for what goes in those photos to create and complement your story”

Bella Flora Event Design

Thank you so much to the amazing florists who helped make today’s blog post possible and for giving such amazing advice!!! <3

Want more advice on Florals and Decorating?

Check out this blog post all about tablescapes!! https://kirstieveatch.com/wedding-tablescapes-the-dos-and-donts/

*photos of m.klyn floral design are taken by me second shooting under the lead photographer Jennifer Weinman. View more beautiful photos from that wedding here! https://jenniferweinmanphotography.com/varonnica-joshs-emerald-hills-events-wedding-photographer/

Wedding Flowers: Where to Splurge and Where to Save | Iowa Wedding Photographer

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I'm Kirstie! Living in Des Moines Iowa with my hubby Todd, our son James and two dachshunds! I'm a Coffee addict and Reality TV junkie.  Working with women owned business owners is my passion and I can't wait to make some magic with you! 

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