cutting costs | bridesmaid "candidates" + personal florals

Working closely with many clients in the design and planning of their weddings, an item that comes to complete shock on many, many occasions is the cost of their floral design. Why? You surprisingly ask. LARGE BRIDAL PARTIES. We often get clients who have very large bridal parties of 6 or more bridesmaids and groomsmen.

When a couple decides on having a large bridal party {because they may be afraid of hurting someones feelings if they don't ask them to be in their bridal party or simply can't decide on who to have in their bridal party} there are many costs that should be considered for each bridal attendant: personal flowers, rehearsal dinner costs, hair and make-up, coordinating their wedding attire, attendant gifts, and the list goes on and on.


Back to the floral design... Did you know the average starting cost of a posy bouquet is $65.00 - $85.00, depending on your floral selections?

posy bouquet :: a small circular hand held bouquet.

So let's imagine for a moment you have a bridal party of 8 bridesmaids and 8 groomsman and your floral design budget is $3,500. With 8 bridesmaids you are looking at spending roughly $600.00 for posy bouquets alone. This is almost 1/4 of your floral design budget. As you can see, this is the cost for bridesmaids posy bouquets alone. We haven't even touched upon the cost of your ceremony arrangements or reception centerpieces.

Have you thought about... Having your bridesmaid "candidate(s)" sing at your ceremony or reception, read a beautiful love poem, serve as a hostess, play an instrument during your cocktail hour, assist you with assembling wedding favors? Think of all the other ways they can contribute and be involved in your wedding without you having to include them in your wedding party. Utilize their creativity and special talents to make your special day exceptional!

As you begin to talk with your fiance about your fabulous bridal party wishes... Consider the impact a very large bridal party will have on your overall wedding budget.

Happy planning!

photo credit: brides.com