Wedding Flowers, the perfect mix

Approach your wedding bouquets the way you would your wardrobe, with a mix of budget and pricey blooms. Three tips to save on flowers:

Bouquets vs. table arrangements
“There are three elements of a wedding: Personal flowers, ceremony flowers and reception flowers,” explains flower designer Kathleen Hyppolite of kat flower. “I ask all my clients where they really want to focus their money, and then cut back on the other areas. Do they want a fabulous bouquet? Or do they want beautiful flowers at the reception? If you want beautiful flowers at your reception, maybe your nine bridesmaids don’t carry big bouquets. You do something smaller for them.” Hyppolite also suggests getting creative. “Instead of bouquets, maybe you can do flowers in the hair or you can carry a single perfect bloom.”

Mix high and low
“If you have an expensive flower that you love, like the peony, maybe you use it more sparingly,” suggests Hyppolite. “Peonies are a beautiful full bloom, so there is bang for your buck with that. You don’t need a whole lot of them. Your florist can pair the peonies with a rose that’s just as full. It’s like pairing a Club Monaco skirt with a beautiful Loro Piana cashmere sweater. Or J.Crew flats and a Gucci bag. That peony or that expensive flower will automatically elevate the other flowers in the arrangement.”

Why so much?
“In general, cut flowers are expensive. During wedding season they are at a premium,” explains Hyppolite. Also, the availability of flowers can alter the price. “Anytime you want a flower off season it will cost a little bit more, like if you have to import it from Holland. Chances are even if it’s growing locally and it’s not peak it can cost more,” says Hyppolite.

Want to take a flower arranging class?
Hyppolite is holding a workshop on June 26 on arrangements for the summer table. For $175 you get materials, design tips and cocktails. E-mail her at kathleen@katflower.com to register or for more information.