Bouquets on a Budget

If you’re planning a wedding, you might already have discovered that the flowers can cost as much as the food. Let’s hope it isn’t too late to switch the bridal blossoms order to a florist with a better price.

Floral Designs by Michael is a warehouse operation, so there’s no flower shop overhead to meet. Thus, the prices are very low.

Owner Michael Holtzer will meet with you, show you his portfolio of designs and arrangements and will probably lop off about half of that quote you got.

A bridal bouquet with one dozen white roses, 12 Stephanotis and 10 stems of dendrobium orchids with or without a filler (i.e. baby’s breath) would cost from $100 to $150 at most florists, but Michael’s price is $65.

Something as simple as decorating the church with pew bows can cost as much as $10 per bow at many sources, but you can get them for $3.50 here and that includes the connecting ribbon.

The altar calls for more flowers, of course, and two arrangements of gladioli or carnations in a large fan basket at $40 each should do the trick.

For centerpieces, you can cut your costs considerably with the $15 arrangement of mixed flowers in a vase.

With Michael’s 25 years of experience in the flower business, rest assured you’ll not be working with amateurs.

* Floral Designs by Michael. By appointment only. Call (818) 885-0872.

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Weekend Super Sale: Collectors will be interested in a new shipment from England that arrived this week at Almost & Perfect English China Shop.

The treasures include berry baskets, tea sets and foot baths. But the big deal is the recently purchased, first-quality showroom samples of Worcester and Spode that will be selling at 40% off retail, while they last.

* Almost & Perfect English China Shop, 14519 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 905-6650. Mon.- Fri., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.