21/07/2026
Insider knowledge ahead, save this for your wedding planning.
More flowers ≠ a better looking wedding.
After a decade designing weddings, I promise you the magic is in the strategy, not just the spend.
1. Bud vases are not the budget hack you think they are.
They sound simple… until you remember someone has to actually set them. Weddings run a tight timeline. Bud vases don’t travel well, they’re usually filled and placed individually on site, and getting that effortless “freshly plucked from the garden” look is actually a skill. Don’t get me started on how many times they knock over through the night. Compared to a table centre which fills the space, looks premium and is easy to set up and pack down.
2. Mix your heights
Even if your budget allows, we will never suggest tall arrangements for every table. A beautiful room needs layers. Low arrangements, taller statement moments, negative space, and candlelight all work together to create depth.
3. Candles. Always.
Specifically taper candles with sleeves, but the sleeves MUST have varying heights. Very few candles can have a major impact. Glass sleeves reflect light, consume space and look expensive. With an approx. hire price of $60 (AUD) for 3 per table, it’s one of my favourite high-impact, lower-cost upgrades.
4. Styling can be > flowers.
Florists, don’t hate me. Of course we love a tasty flower budget. But sometimes a coloured non-blend linen napkin worlds harder than big florals. Or a carefully placed piece or fruit or single flower instead of a bonboniere.
