Planning your dream wedding involves making numerous decisions, from selecting the perfect venue to choosing your dress and, of course, designing your floral arrangements. One way to make the most of your floral budget is by repurposing designs throughout your big day. If you read my blog on budgeting recently, you’d know that I am a huge believer in repurposing floral designs to maximise your budget through thoughtful planning. I’m excited to share some key dos and dont’s of repurposing wedding florals.
First thing’s first, what exactly is repurposing? Repurposing wedding florals involves taking floral arrangements from one part of your wedding day and using them in another. For example, you might move your ceremony flowers to your reception space, giving them a second life and allowing you to get the most out of your floral investment. This practice is budget-friendly and reduces waste, making the most of your beautiful blooms.
At my floral studio, we offer the option to repurpose your ceremony features and flowers into the reception space. We will rehydrate and slightly redesign the pieces if necessary to ensure they look their best. This doesn’t mean we take the pieces apart and put them into bud jars or split them into multiple different arrangements; rather, we repurpose the entire premade arrangement to make the most impact. This process usually takes place during the cocktail hour, so it’s essential that the pieces are easy to move and set up quickly. For example, if you have ordered a grounded garden meadow as your ceremony option, this can be split and repurposed into multiple pieces, as they are originally multiple pieces put together to make one ground meadow. Whereas if you’ve ordered freestanding arches, these can definitely be repurposed, but only in their entirety. This is because they are created directly onto a structure as one piece, so it can’t be taken or split apart.
Do Focus on Impactful Areas
Instead of spreading your flowers thin across the venue, focus on creating impactful floral displays. A stunning ceremony feature can often be repurposed for the reception, saving you money while ensuring that your floral arrangements make a statement. For example, a gorgeous floral arch at the ceremony can be transformed into a backdrop for the sweetheart table or photo booth at the reception. This approach not only maximizes your budget but also creates a cohesive look throughout your event.
Don’t Overlook the Logistics
While repurposing florals is a fantastic way to save money, it’s essential to consider the logistics. If you want your florals repurposed, it’s crucial to coordinate with your florist and venue to ensure everything runs smoothly. Does your florist need to book another freelancer to help move the designs? Are there stairs involved? Can the designs physically be moved, or are they built on fixed structures? Are the pieces that you’re wanting repurposed, able to be repurposed in the way you’d like? Is the reception space a short distance away from the ceremony space, or will it take longer to move the designs? There are so many factors to consider.
Do Consider the Season and Environment
Choose your season, ceremony time and location wisely. Season and environment play a significant role in how well your flowers will hold up throughout the day. Our climate is so humid and warm, and unfortunately this isn’t ideal for flowers. So, if you are planning to repurpose your florals, opt for a ceremony space that is shaded or covered, if repurposing your designs is something you value. Remember that your flowers aren’t just in the sun from the start of your ceremony, they will be there from the time of set up, which could be hours prior. If you’re having an outdoor summer wedding, keep in mind that flowers do NOT fare well in extreme heat, so there mightn’t be any point repurposing at all. Whereas, indoor winter ceremonies offer a more controlled environment, which can help your florals last longer and look better by reception time. Regardless of how hydrated and fresh the flowers are, the sun will always win. Always consider the specific conditions of your venue and season when planning to repurpose arrangements.
Don’t Use Bouquets as Centerpieces
While it might seem like a good idea to repurpose bridal bouquets as table tablecentres, this is probably the one item I am strongly against repurposing. After a long day of being handled, tossed in the air for photos, out of water for hours, bouquets inevitably become bruised and wilted. Trust me, you’d rather have no table florals than tired-looking bouquets on display. Instead, consider keeping these in a vase of water (away from candles) to rehydrate so they look great for your big exit.
Do Explore Bespoke Floral Designs
In my floral price guide, you’ll find examples of what you can achieve within different budget brackets and recommendations for your floral investment. Unlike generic packages, bespoke floral designs ensure that every arrangement is tailored to your preferences and needs. This personalised approach allows us to create stunning, unique florals that reflect your style and make your wedding day truly special.
Don’t Skimp on Important Details
While it’s great to save money through repurposing, don’t skimp on essential details that contribute to the overall aesthetic of your wedding. For instance, if you have a particular vision for your ceremony backdrop or reception centerpieces, invest in these key elements to create the desired ambiance. Repurposing should enhance your wedding, not compromise the beauty and elegance you envision.
Repurposing florals is an excellent way to maximise your wedding budget without sacrificing style or impact. By focusing on impactful areas and planning logistics carefully, you can create a cohesive and beautiful wedding experience. Remember, I’m here to help guide you through this process and offer expert advice tailored to your unique needs.
Every wedding is unique, and so are its floral needs. If you’re unsure about which pieces can be repurposed or how to make the most of your budget, don’t hesitate to ask for advice. As your florist, I genuinely want to help you create the wedding of your dreams while ensuring you can delegate your floral budget appropriately.
If you have any questions, just let me know! I’m always here to offer suggestions tailored to your vision, venue, and budget.
