Guest Author - Victoria

Will it be OK, to use silk and fresh flowers in my wedding? I want to have the ushers, hostesses, candlelighters, wedding coordinators, mother & grandmother corsages, and grandfather boutonniere in silk flowers. The fresh flowers will be my wedding bouquet, bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen boutonnieres, officiant boutonniere and rose petals for the flower girl.

Is that OK to use? I'm on a tight budget. Is it ok to combine silk and real flowers in a modern wedding?

Anonymous

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Dear Anonymous,

Would you like it if your husband came home with a papier maiche birthday cake for you next year? Or maybe a cardboard cut out of himself to sit next to you during dinner at your parent's house?

There is no substitute for real fresh flowers. Whether they are extremely fragrant or have a subtle fragance, you will be happier on your wedding day knowing your mother has fresh roses or lilies pinned to her dress.

I understand about being on a budget. That's why I will share a little industry secret. Go to your local supermarket or grocery store that sells flowers and pick up bunches of roses from there to use for the other members of the wedding party that you were thinking of giving silk flowers.

Or you can speak frankly with your florist (or find another one to speak with) and let him know you know that roses are pretty cheap because they are bought in large bulk numbers and he has to work with you on the pricing.

If you have a nursery or wholesale district in your town, stop by during business hours and speak with someone about your dilemma. You will find that most people will hear the word "wedding" and their heart will soften, resulting in savings for you. You can even try some wholesale shops online.

It certainly worked for me... my fresh multi-colored rose petals (for ceremony site decoration and for the guests to toss after the ceremony) came in one of those Elvis "back from the war" duffel bags and only cost me $3.

Happy planning!

Thanks for writing,
Victoria

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