Please post a breakdown of costs and vendors. What are your thoughts about DIY flowers?

We are having a florist do our tall centerpieces (12) and we are doing our own low centerpieces. I wanted to use peonies in a 4-6 inch square vase, but after we broke down the costs, I think my florist can do it for the same amount if not cheaper ... 

Getting frustrated with flowers ... would love to see your actual flowers and learn how I can reduce costs so I can DIY.

Also, did you use real or silk flowers?

Ooh great question, I am curious as well! I have been searching for flowers and they can really get up there in price, yikes!

Ladies,

It is so easy to do your own arrangements.  Silk or fresh flowers, it's up to what you want.  I used silk.   @ pghbride2010, I used light green and ivory peonies for bouquets along with hydrangeas.  I absolutely love them.  I highly recommend Hobby Lobby if you choose silk flowers.  All of flowers were half off there.  If you choose fresh, I would recommend Sam's Wholesale, if there's either of the stores in your location.  I chose Hobby Lobby because their flowers are organized by colors and you get to see all the different shades plus the 50% off was a bonus too.

@southerngurl - no hobby lobby in my area :( 

i did my own CPs. http://www.projectwedding.com/biography/list/38chi/floral-trials

i spent about $16 per diy CP. i had a professional florist to my bridal party florals (bouq/bouts). spent about $300 on CPs incl candles/votives + $450 on bridal party bouq/bouts. better than the $3000+ i was being quoted in my area.

it depends what design you want. try to keep it simple and use flowers that weren't too expensive but still pretty.

I DIY'd our centerpieces (birdcages with flowers) and bouquets.  It was actually really easy.  Here's one of them:

i spend $6 at michaels.