Help...cheaper wedding flowers!!

Could you speak to a local florist and say you want a bouquet which contains XYZ but not mention the "W" word- that seems to put prices up unneccasrily . Could you print a pic off the internet and say "I want it like this" and ask for a quote, then bargain.
If M&S or tescos can do one for £20 and you want one similar and they are charging 70 then bargain hard or tell them to sling it.

Do you have a local market which has a flower stall on it ? We have a Saturday Market nrby to us , and I know that they do bouquets to order , at a much reduced rate. They could also make use of the best value flowers for time of the year . hth

Why not ask around, you would be amazed how many people have relatives who do flower arranging on the side.

Someone whose mum or neighbour has been to flower arranging classes will probably be delighted to make a bouquet for you for cost price in exchange for a small gift or exchange of a small amount of money.

Congratulations!!! well, I have done this last year on my wedding...and I do agree that when you say the word "wedding" prices go sky rocket especially for flowers. I have bought or ordered my flowers from a local whole saler here in southampton. Look in goole for you local flower wholesalers and you can definitely save a lot. A florist quoted me for £250 for the amount of flowers I wanted which was for 50 dark red roses, 50 white roses , 3 b unches of white chrysanthemums and 3 bunches of red chrysanthemums, 3 bunches of green foliage and 3 bunches of gypsophillias. I bought the same amount from the wholesaler for £85 and this also includes 10 pots and 2 blocks of oasis for the flower arrangement. you might be able to ask them also if they can do the arranging for you for an extra price...I had my friend arranged the table decorations and the bridesmaids flowers and OH have arranged my boquet...Hope this helps...

Do you know anyone in the womens institute or a similar organisation like a local horticultual society, or someone who arranges flowers for church, or a community based flower arranging class. Many flower arrangesr who do it as a hobby are on the look out for projects to do and may offer to do so for the price of the flowers plus a donation to charity. otherwise you could take a class, or look on-line for how to guides. I did my friends table arrangements very cheaply, I bought some huge bouquets from Tesco and arranged them in cheap ceramic bowls with florist oasis in the base. (bowls from Ikea) Also you could buy a simple glass vase with a single bloom these can be very classy looking, ASDA had some last summer for 99p each, and you can give them away afterwards. . I would not attempt a bouquet but a small round posy is very simple particularly if you keep it to one colour and size of flowers of the same type -say roses, keep the stems the same length and add just enough greenery to set them off, then tightly bind the stems together with florists tape. Add a bow and that should just about do it. The secret of a simple arrrangement is make sure you buy lovely blooms, theses need very little extra embellishment. Buttonholes are really easy, same idea, just choose a single flower like a carnation, add a little greenery (fern is good) and bind the stems with florists tape. Add a small gold safety pin and the job is done. I would not try a hand tied, apart from everything else they can be tricky and I think they can become difficult to hold.