by Erika Mourar

Created on: November 17, 2007   Last Updated: August 21, 2009

Being your own florist for your wedding can save you a lot of money without sacrificing beauty and elegance on your big day. You do not have to be an artist for this task though an eye for beauty, colors and style will come in handy.

Just like one would when picking their florist you have to first determine your budget before you do anything else. Take in account the size of your venue for wedding and reception and the amount of people expected. Besides flowers and greenery keep in mind that you may need ribbons and other decorative items. Once you decided on a budget do your best to keep it. Not even the most beautiful wedding is worth spending the rest of your life paying for it.

Next you need to decide a color scheme. More is not always better, two or 3 colors will make it easier to stay within budget as well as ensure that the floral arrangements decorate but not outshine the bride and groom on their special day.

Visit your local florists for ideas as well as the numerous sites online with pictures of weddings along with reading magazines covering the topic. You can get ideas of what you like or dislike and what works or not. Check and compare what stores have available, you can find tons of decoration items for very little money if you think out of the box and inventive. Don't limit yourself to the floral, arts and craft departments on your search and don't forget your local dollar store,

Once you picked your color scheme find the flowers that will fit in your spectrum. Take your time until you find what you like. You don't want to sacrifice beauty to financial needs. So find flowers that fit your budget as well as suit your taste.

The flowers will be the center of attention in your floral arrangements but you still have to set them in scene. Check outside, depending on the season you may find the perfect items in your yard, fields or woods for a zero price tag. Keep in mind though that seasons change. If you find something outdoors you like make sure it is readily available shortly before the date you will need it. If you cannot find anything that suits you ask florists of what they have available and at what price.

Now you are ready to make a sample. Make sure you do this as early as possible in case you run into problems. Double check if you are still within budget, if the finished arrangement looks as good as you thought it would and if you can get all needed materials in time before the wedding.

Assess how long it takes you to make each part of the decorations. You may have to ask for some help from friends or family, even florists don't do it alone. Make a time schedule leaving some room for unexpected mishaps. This is probably the hardest part as you have a deadline, you don't want to be exhausted on your wedding day and flowers and plants perish so they cannot be made too far before the event. If involving helpers make sure each has a copy of the time schedule and knows what exactly their part is I the operation.

Buy all non perishable items now and store them in a safe place. Pre-order everything you can keeping a list of order and confirmations well organized. Always double check all the items, delivery date and cost on the confirmation letters.

Properly planned you will have the perfectly decorated wedding you wanted at the price tag you can afford. Nobody can demonstrate your style and what you are about better than you and this will be one step in making your wedding truly your big day.

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