We have all felt the pinch of the uncertain economy and wedding planning is no different. Brides these days have value as a top priority and who can blame you. Having a budget and sticking to it makes for a lot less worry after you're married. First off determine what your budget is. According to The Knot, it is recommend that flowers should be about 8-10% of your total budget amount. If this seem high too you don't forget to consider that in your wedding photos and videos the flowers last forever. Flowers are one element of a wedding that guests really remember. Flowers are the first thing they see when arriving and last things viewed when leaving. The color, fragrance, size, shape and the overall joy of flowers all play a major role in creating the enchanting setting you are dreaming of for your big day. It is up to you and your florist to balance what you can afford with your hopes and dreams.


Tips for saving money:

1. Choose flowers that are in season and that are cost effective. It goes without saying that cheaper flowers for the florist equals cheaper flower for you. Roses, carnations and mums are less expensive than calla lilies, orchids and fern curls. You may also choose to go with artificial flowers which come in all price ranges depending on the quality of the flower.

2. Try to re-purpose as many items as possible. For example alter arrangements can be used at the reception on the gift table, wreaths hung on pews during the ceremony can be places on the tables with candles for dinner, and wedding party bouquets look great lined up on the head table.

3. Make a list of must have's, and a list of wants. If you have money left over after the must have's select a few of your wants.

4. Always work with a florist that you feel comfortable with. We never pressure you to buy or add on any items you are unsure of and you won't hurt our feelings if you say no. The florist/bride relationship should be productive and open. Your florist should be able to offer you budget friendly suggestions to coordinate with your wedding.

5. Call Blooming Envy for a free consultation. 

This past Friday I had the opportunity to spend most of my day watching the coverage of the Royal Wedding. I can honestly say I was completely captivated. My husband on the other hand could have cared less. I loved Catherine's wedding dress, the regal carriage, prancing horses, the crowds of commoners, and above all the Royal Wedding Flowers.

I thought the dainty bouquet of all white flowers was very fitting. The delicate flowers coordinated perfectly with the lace on her dress. The shield-shaped wired bouquet continued with royal tradition while the size let Catherine's own style show. It was very elegant with out being extravagant.

Catherine's  bouquet was made mostly of lily-of-the-valley, sprigs of the Queen Victoria's myrtle shrub, white hyacinth and 'sweet William' in honor of her new husband. The bouquet was designed by Shane Connolly and draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers.

Meaning of the Flowers
Sweet William means gallantry, lily-of-the-valley is return of happiness and purity of heart, hyacinth represents constancy, while myrtle is the emblem of marriage and love.

The myrtle also honored the late Queen Victoria with stems from a myrtle she planted in 1845. It’s said to be royal tradition to include the stems.

I believe the Royal Bouquet will inspire many brides to choose smaller, garden style bouquets. Regardless what type of flowers you choose, your bouquet should make you feel like a princess.