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As most of us know, flowers institute a huge portion of the amount of money spent on today's weddings. And now, with the high cost of fuel contributing to the overall cost of importing and transporting flowers, a couple needs to know a few tips to get around these obstacles and still have the wedding of their dreams.

As a certified florist and wedding coordinator for almost ten years, let me offer a few suggestions for the dollar conscious bride and groom.

o Ask your florist to use locally grown, seasonal flowers when possible, avoiding costly import charges.

o Avoid using exotic and traditionally higher priced flowers such as orchids, Casablanca lilies, lilies of the valley and miniature calla lilies, especially the colored varieties.

o Do not select bouquets that involve wiring and taping (your florist will know). This will cut down on the labor costs.

o Keep the number of attendants to a minimum. Your friends will understand and probably secretly thank you.

o Keep ceremony decor to a minimum as more time is spent at the reception. The bridal party provides a beautiful focal point without the need for a lot of other "fluff". Transfer any ceremony changes to the reception.

o Find a wholesaler or ask the florist to provide you with bulk flowers and engage the help of your attendants, family members and "church ladies" to make your centerpieces. Potted plants can be transformed into inexpensive yet fabulous, living centerpieces for a "green wedding".

o Eliminate corsages and boutonnieres for family members. Most of the time, they do not really care.

o Instead of a head table with a huge, expensive floral arrangement, have a Sweetheart Table for the bride and groom and allow attendants to sit with their families (which they usually prefer). If a head table is a must, use the attendants' bouquets with a garland runner to dress it up.

o If possible, pick up your flowers at the florist's, so avoiding ever increasing delivery charges.

o Florists will typically try to "up sell". Do you really need flowers in the restrooms?

o Do not plan a wedding near a holiday, especially Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

Even if you can implement just a few of these suggestions, you should be able to keep the cost of your wedding flowers to a minimum. One other important tip – do not plan your wedding to out-do someone else's event. Make it what YOU want without going overboard or spending more than you feel comfortable with. Remember, the marriage is far more important than the wedding.

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Source by Linda Estill