Save Money On Your Wedding Flowers With Flower Sharing Service

It’s no secret that weddings are super expensive these days—couples spent an average of $35,329 to say “I do” last year, according to The Knot.

But a new startup wants to help you save money and be less wasteful with one particular element of your wedding—your flowers.

Bloomerent, which was founded in 2014, can help you save thousands of dollars on your wedding flowers if you’re willing to use recycled centerpieces.

Here’s how it works: You can decide whether you want to be the first event or the second event to use the flowers. If you opt to be the first event, you’ll get 10 percent back if someone decides to reuse your centerpieces via Bloomerent.

If you decide to be the second event, you can save 40 to 60 percent on the typical cost of floral arrangements by reusing someone else’s flowers.

The Knot found that couples spent an average of $2,534 last year on flowers and décor. If you’re willing to reuse flowers from another event, you’re looking at a savings of $1,015 to $1,500. (Of course, that’s just the average, but you get the idea.)

A bride with an upcoming wedding in New York City, for example, recently listed 15 romantic centerpieces on Bloomerent that originally cost $3,968. Someone else can reuse them for $2,381 or less, a savings of 40 percent.

Plus, you can feel good knowing that you’re giving expensive and beautiful flowers a second life, rather than just tossing them in the trash after a few hours in use.

“I hated the idea of spending thousands of dollars on my flowers in the first place, but then allowing someone to toss them after a few hours, while they’re still fresh and new, felt wasteful and irresponsible,” Danit Zamir, one of the co-founders of Bloomerent, told Inc. “People share their clothing, cars, and even their beds with complete strangers. Why wouldn’t we share our flowers while they’re still fresh?”

If you opt to be the second event of the day, you’ll start by searching Bloomerent for available centerpieces in your area. (Bloomerent currently operates in 12 states and Washington, D.C., and they’re expanding rapidly.)

When you find centerpieces that you like, you’ll connect with the florist to discuss any minor changes you’d like them to make for your event. If you need other flowers for bouquets, boutonnieres, etc., you’ll work with this florist, too. You’ll pay the florist directly and they’ll deliver your flowers as usual.

The amount you can save depends on the florist you partner with and logistics, according to Bloomerent.

Want to find savings in other areas of your wedding budget? Check out these 10 tips to save thousands on your big day.