Table centerpieces range from $10 each for a simple do-it-yourself centerpiece with greenery and a candle to $50 for a simple mid-range centerpiece made of 20 or so roses, tulips or lilies, to $100 or more for elaborate centerpieces, made with 30 or 40 stems and exotic flowers such as orchids, according to the Association for Wedding Professionals International[1] .
The number of guests will heavily influence total cost; a very small wedding might have just three or four tables, while a large wedding could have 20 or more. As with other wedding flowers, centerpieces with fewer flowers and locally grown, in-season flowers are cheaper, while large centerpieces with exotic, shipped-in flowers cost more.
The average total cost for floral table centerpieces is $1,272, according to The Bridal Association of America[2] .
Most full-service florists will include an initial consultation, ordering, design, delivery and set-up. This could come as part of an overall package that includes bouquets, boutonnieres and altar decorations. But level of service varies, so it is important to find out ahead of time what is included. TheKnot.com[3] provides a list of questions to ask a florist.
Additional costs:
Tip: Online auction sites, such as eBay[4] are good places to find reasonably priced or gently used centerpieces, such as topiaries, candle sets or lanterns. If you order centerpieces online, make sure to factor in shipping costs, which might add up for large or heavy items.
Discounts:
The Association for Wedding Professionals International suggests attending a wedding show, interviewing several vendors and asking for a discount if you decide to sign a contract that day. the AWPI[5] lists wedding shows by region. Because vendors compete for business, some will offer a 5 or 10 percent discount.
According to the AWPI, couples can save by finding a local wholesale flower market online, purchasing the flowers themselves, and paying a designer a fee just to arrange the centerpieces.
Shopping for centerpieces:
If you know you want floral centerpieces, look through magazines and fabric swatches to get ideas about colors and styles you like before meeting with the florist. TheWeddingChannel.com[6] offers sample photos of various centerpieces.
If you are on a budget, consider creating inexpensive centerpieces yourself. Options include baskets filled with green apples for a fall wedding; pretty glass bowls with floating candles and rose petals or potted plants. Do-It-Yourself-Weddings.com[7] offers photos and instructions for affordable centerpieces.
MyWedding.com[8] offers a florist locator by city, as does The Knot.com[9] .
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
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