Flowers are a simple enough necessity at a wedding. Their simplicity is the reason why most brides and grooms become shocked at how expensive they can be! If you don't want the hassle of trying to make them cheaper, then you can go ahead and choose your favorites and pay the prices quoted by the florist. However, if you need to plan your wedding on a budget, then it's best you consider some of the tips on how to get away with having wonderful flowers without having to spend too much!

      The first thing you have to know about flowers is that it is a commodity with a constantly changing in price. Store prices of flowers usually take a roller coaster ride on the price scale, going from really low or standard during certain times of the year, and really high during other times of the year. This is because the prices are dependent on the current seasons.

      First, the weather seasons. If you have a country that goes through four seasons, you can easily understand why flowers will be much more expensive during the colder seasons because the only flowers available are the ones grown in hot houses. Second, the occasions. There are seasons when the demand for flowers is high, despite good weather. These two main occasions are on Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. Because so many people need flowers on those days, or the days leading up to them, flower prices soar.

      Given those two factors, one can safely say that the cheapest time for flowers is between February to October, which are when they can be grown outside of the hot house. You just have to stay away from February 14th and Mother's day in May. In fact, if you can plan for your wedding to be the day after or three days after either of these two events, you can get an awesome discount on flowers! This is because the demand for flowers drops so low on the days after these holidays, that flower stores are practically giving them away!

      Now that you know when to buy your flowers, or at least the knowledge of when to schedule your wedding given flower price fluctuations (something you should consider if you're trying to save), it's time to learn where you can get cheap but beautiful flowers!

      First, go to the farmer's market. If you have a farmer's market near where you live, visit it one day during the first or second quarter of your time line. Check out the flowers they have, and begin inquiring about prices. Make small talk with the farmer on what flowers usually bloom during your intended wedding month.

      Remember: NEVER SAY WEDDING! Don't tell them you're getting married. Just casually ask “so, what is there an abundance of in April?” (assuming April is your wedding month.) They are very likely to tell you. Since April is the beginning of the spring, you will probably have a lot to choose from. Ask them about discounts for bulk orders, and deliveries. Remember not say wedding or they will definitely hike up the price!

      You ask the flower farmers what blooms in abundance during your wedding month because usually what they have a lot of is what will be the cheapest to buy. Knowing what the cheapest flowers are and other varying prices can give you an idea of how much each arrangement or bouquet will cost (this will be further discussed later in the next article.) Before ending your time with the flower farmer, be sure to purchase some flowers. Get their card and make friends with them. Establishing a good connection can pay off when you finally buy flowers for your wedding!

Page 2: Plan Your Wedding Decorations: Flowers