DIY Flowers - Maybe Not

Question:

As a local cut flower grower I'm very happy to see that you are advising brides to buy local flowers.  I read on your website that in order to save money a bride can buy local flowers for $200.00 - $400.00 .  You need to keep in mind that the florist is charging $2000.00 for her design work and not just for the flowers.  I am a grower and also a designer.  Lots of local growers are also  getting into design work.  We need to charge just as much for our services as a traditional florist. Brides need to know they will save money only if they are willing to do the designing themselves.

 

There are brides who would love to design their own flowers and save money too.  Buying organic flowers on the internet is fine but local flowers are fresher and have an even lower carbon footprint than organic flowers shipped from CA or S. America.  Some brides just don't have the time or the talent to do the designing.  I have brides who come to me and want me to provide complete services for a ridiculously low price.  When talking about prices for flowers we need to make sure brides know exactly what they are getting for their money.

 

Thanks very much for helping brides become more aware of how they can be more green and help the planet.
Kate from Bucks County, PA

Answer:

Kate raises some very important points. While buying or growing your own flowers is a great way to save money, arranging flowers takes time and talent. As with any DIY wedding project, sometimes the economic savings are not worth the headache for you or your family. This (rarely viewed) picture is of my mom the morning of my wedding. 

DIY wedding flowers headache

She and my grandmother did a fantastic job with the flowers, but it was real WORK, and it cut into time they could have spent with friends and family. When you hire an eco-friendly florist, you not only support the green economy, but take some of the pressure off your family. Some florists, like Kate, source their own flowers locally, and that is the best option. Local organic flowers are fresh, seasonally appropriate, and have much less impact on the environment than flowers shipped in from overseas. Talk with your florist about what is available for your wedding. You can also buy flowers from a farmers market or local farm and hire a professional to arrange them for you. This will bring down the cost a little bit and will ensure your blooms are eco-chic.