The wedding industry is an ever-evolving entity, but recent years have brought about a whirlwind of changes due to economic dynamics, inflation, and global disruptions.
As we approach 2024, it’s important to take stock of how the broader economy and wedding industry’s shifts impact one of the most beloved elements of weddings: the florals.
Among the myriad elements that make a wedding special, florals stand out for their timeless charm and ability to create ambiance. Yet, the interplay between inflation, industry flux, and the allure of florals presents both challenges and opportunities for couples in 2024 and beyond.
Understanding the Landscape
- Wedding Industry Dynamics: After a notable boom in 2022, with 2.5 million weddings in the U.S., a slight tapering is expected, aiming for around 2.17 million by 2024. Though the numbers are returning to pre-pandemic levels, the challenges are distinctly 2024.
- Supply Chain Ripples: From bridal attire to decor, supply chain disruptions have touched every facet of weddings. Consequently, florists too face the brunt, translating to altered price tags for couples. Vendor supply chains are disrupted, leading to shortages in both staff and materials, availability issues, and price hikes. Especially in sectors such as bridal attire, and hard goods like wedding decor, supply chain complications have forced businesses to adapt, with some fabrics, designs, and goods all over the wedding spectrum becoming obsolete due to logistical and operational challenges.
- Inflation’s Grip: As a result, couples have seen their wedding budgets stretch due to inflation. With an average spend of $27,063 in 2021, up from $20,286 in 2020, couples are feeling the pinch of inflation more than ever.
Trickle Down to Wedding Florals
Given the inflation and the continually disrupted supply chain, it’s no surprise that florals, too, are affected. With florists facing heightened costs, there’s a downstream effect on couples, with potentially higher price tags for their floral arrangements.
Adapting to the ‘New Normal’ Landscape: Our Top 5 Ways To Navigate Your Wedding Floral Planning
Focus on Quality and ROI
Invest in fewer, but high-quality blooms that provide a better return on investment. For instance, opt for long-lasting flowers that can remain vibrant throughout your ceremony and reception.
Here are some of our top recommendations for hardy, long-lasting flowers by season:
Just Bloom’d Weddings
Spring:
Daffodil (Narcissus): These cheerful yellow or white flowers are a classic sign of spring. They are resilient and have a relatively long vase life.
Tulip: While tulips are often associated with a fragile appearance, they are quite hardy and can last a good while when cared for properly.
Summer:
Sunflower: These iconic summer flowers are not only heat-tolerant but also have a sturdy stem and can last a long time in bouquets.
Zinnia: These vibrant flowers thrive in the summer heat and are known for their long-lasting qualities when cut.
Fall:
Chrysanthemum: Often simply called “mums”, these flowers are associated with autumn and come in a variety of colors. They are known for their longevity in vases.
Alstroemeria: Also known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, these flowers have a long vase life and can withstand a variety of conditions.
Winter:
Amaryllis: Blooming in the winter, amaryllis flowers have robust stems and petals, making them last quite a while when cut.
Hellebore: Also known as the Christmas Rose, hellebores are winter-blooming flowers that are quite hardy and can withstand cold temperatures.
Understanding Trade-offs
As the economy forces reevaluation of wedding budgets, it’s crucial to understand trade-offs. You might want to consider allocating more of your budget to core elements like venue, food, and photography, and seeking cost-effective yet beautiful solutions for florals.
Incorporate Heirlooms
One timeless way to add significance to your wedding floral arrangements is by incorporating heirlooms. Whether it’s using a vintage vase or intertwining grandma’s favorite flowers into your bouquet, these sentimental touches not only save costs but also add a unique personal touch.
Embrace Upcycling and Repurposing Florals
Optimize your floral investment by embracing versatility in design. Consider repurposing floral arrangements from the ceremony for the reception to extend their visibility and impact. Bridesmaids’ bouquets can be artistically designed to double as table centerpieces during the reception. Additionally, ground arrangements, which look stunning during the ceremony, can be effortlessly elevated onto harlow stands or glass trumpet stands, transforming them into majestic tall arrangements that become focal points at the reception. This dual-use approach ensures that every flower serves multiple purposes, creating a seamless and upscale aesthetic throughout the event..
Non-Traditional Choices
Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the typical floral choices. For instance, succulents, dried flowers, or even paper or fabric flowers can offer a distinct and long-lasting alternative, often at a fraction of the price of fresh florals.
Why Prioritize Florals?
Florals, in essence, are more than just decorative elements; they set the tone, embody emotions, and carry forward traditions. Prioritizing florals means:
- Setting the Ambiance: Flowers have an unparalleled ability to transform spaces, create moods, and color memories.
- Emotional Resonance: Bouquets, centerpieces, and garlands often become keepsakes, reminders of the joyous occasion.
- Cultural and Personal Significance: For many, florals bear cultural significance or family traditions, weaving history into the present celebration.
Final Thoughts
In the ever-evolving landscape of 2024, where wedding planning is marked by both challenges and opportunities, entrusting your floral dreams to the right hands becomes paramount.
With a combined experience spanning 75+ years, our team possesses an unparalleled depth of knowledge about both the wedding and floral industries. This is not just expertise on paper; it translates to a tangible difference in the quality and artistry of each arrangement.
Here’s why partnering with Just Bloomd Weddings ensures couples get exceptional value from their investment:
- Elite Supplier Network: We pride ourselves on our strong ties with top-tier local and international suppliers. This guarantees that every petal, branch, leaf, and bloom is of the highest quality available, making each arrangement a true masterpiece of floral art.
- Certified Excellence: Allison, our lead designer, stands tall among peers with her AIFD and CFD certifications. Moreover, her recent AFCD certification with Alexandra Farms and collaboration with the revered Holly Chapple as a Chapel Designer has deepened her expertise, especially in the realm of garden roses. Another member of our team, Michael Maskery, has demonstrated his floral excellence with his 2022 CFD certification.
- Personalized 1:1 Collaboration: We believe in the power of individual attention. Working closely with couples ensures that we not only understand their vision but elevate it. This close collaboration ensures that each dollar spent translates into beauty, memories, and lasting impressions.
In these dynamic times, where every choice counts, partnering with Just Bloomd Weddings is a step towards ensuring that your wedding, especially the floral dimension, is nothing short of spectacular. Through dedication, knowledge, and artistry, we promise to make your day bloom in the most unforgettable ways.
– The Just Bloom’d Weddings Team
