One thing that surprises couples during wedding preparations is the price of flowers. While they’re already known to be expensive, many don’t expect to be quoted thousands of dollars for wedding flowers alone.

But don’t worry because there are many smart and creative ways to achieve stunning floral displays without breaking the bank.

In this article, we’ll share practical tips that can help you say ‘I do’ to beautiful wedding flowers while keeping your budget intact.

Go for in-season flowers

In-season flowers tend to be cheaper, so you can save a lot by choosing them. They’re readily available, so suppliers are likely to offer them at lower prices compared to out-of-season flowers, which usually need to be sourced from a different location.

If you want to use a specific flower, choose a wedding date when they’re in season to avoid added costs. For example, dahlias typically bloom in midsummer, so you would want your wedding to happen around July to buy them at a cheaper price.

It’s worth noting, though, that this is just the general rule and does not apply to all types of flowers. Expensive blooms, like gardenias and peonies, will always be costly, whether in season or not.

Keep your floral options open

Keeping your floral options open doesn’t mean using multiple kinds of flowers. It just means not completely shunning certain flowers and being open to suggestions from your florist and suppliers.

Talk to your florist about the theme of your wedding and the kind of vibe you’re going for. They may be able to present you with suggestions that can bring a more magical and intimate setting for your wedding using the flowers that you initially didn’t like.

Keeping your floral options open also provides more room for negotiation. If you’re not set on using a particular flower and are open to various options, you may have more room to discuss pricing and find solutions that fit your budget.

Focus on two to three key blooms

After much talk and brainstorming with your florist, you’ll finalize your flower selection for the wedding. It can help you save some money if you limit your flower selection to just two or three key blooms.

Focusing on a limited number of blooms can help your florist buy them in larger quantities and get more discounts. It will also simplify the design process as the florist can make cohesive arrangements easier, potentially reducing labor costs.

Pair up expensive blooms with cost-effective ones

If there’s a flower that you really want and can’t let go of, say peonies or garden roses, but they’re too expensive for your budget, you can pair them up with inexpensive blooms to cut some costs.

You can use a stem or two of hydrangeas for your bridal bouquet or centerpieces, then fill up the spaces with cheaper blooms like freesia and carnation. This way, you can use your desired flower without going over budget.

Make a statement with large blooms

Instead of splurging on small flowers, how about using large, budget-friendly blooms? Large and full blooms often look more grandeur and luxurious than smaller ones, and you’ll need fewer stems to make huge centerpieces or bouquets.

Opting for elegant carnations, generously sized dahlias, and vivid, full-bodied gerbera daisies can create striking arrangements without putting a dent in your wallet. They’re also easier to work with if you’re doing the arrangement yourself.

Craft some of your floral arrangements on your own

While the big floral arrangements, like the archway, altar decors, and aisle markers, are best left to the hand of florists, there are some flower arrangements you can do on your own to save cost.

Consider doing the boutonnieres and corsages on your own, as they’re relatively simple to make. You can also make the bridesmaids’ bouquets and table centerpieces on your own if you learn a bit of color theory.

Deck your arrangements with greeneries and fillers

Fillers and greeneries are much more affordable than large, focal flowers, so you can take advantage of them if you want full and large floral arrangements. They add volume and texture to arrangements without the high price tag.

Eucalyptus, ferns, baby’s breath, wax flowers, and statice are just among the fillers and greeneries you can choose to elevate your arrangements. Some arrangements can also just be made by fillers alone, like your archway or bridesmaids’ bouquets.

Wholesale is the way to go

When you want to save money on almost anything, wholesale is the way to go. Buying flowers in bulk from a single florist or supplier allows you to get the best discounts.

Suppliers and florists tend to lower the per-stem prices the larger the quantities you buy because they benefit from selling flowers in higher volumes. The quality and consistency of the flowers are also better when you buy from one supplier.

Additionally, if you plan to arrange the flowers yourself, buying in bulk allows you to create more arrangements at a lower cost per arrangement.

Have everlasting blooms by using artificial flowers

If there’s a flower that you really want, but it’s too expensive to buy fresh, how about using artificial ones? There are already a lot of stores that sell artificial flowers that almost look real for a cheaper price.

Artificial flowers are also not subject to seasonal availability, so you can choose any type of flower, regardless of whether it’s in season or not, without thinking of getting additional charges.

Moreover, artificial flowers don’t require refrigeration to maintain freshness. This can significantly reduce transportation costs since your florist or supplier won’t need to rent special trucks.

Embrace dried flowers

Dried flowers have a unique and rustic look that can add charm and character to your event. They’re also more affordable than fresh flowers, so they can be a perfect alternative for those looking to save money on their wedding flowers.

If you’re tight on budget, consider designing boutonnieres and corsages with dried flowers or placing dried flowers in vases and jars for unique and textured centerpieces. Dried flowers can also create a beautiful archway for the altar or reception.

Although dried flowers may not be suitable for every wedding theme, it’s a practical strategy you can keep in mind if you’re dreaming of a bohemian, rustic, woodland, fall, or cottagecore-themed wedding.

Go for round tables

Round tables usually need fewer decorations and centerpieces than rectangular tables. They have a central point, so it’s easy to create a focal point with just a single centerpiece, reducing the number of flowers you need.

Most round wedding tables that can seat 10 people would only need one floral arrangement for the center, but a 10-seater rectangular table will generally need two to three arrangements.

You can mix round and rectangular tables if you don’t want all the tables to be round. You can use rectangular tables for the families, groomsmen, and bridesmaids, then use round tables for the rest of the guests.

Downsize your centerpieces

Who said centerpieces have to be big and grand? If using large, inexpensive blooms for your centerpieces will cause you to go beyond your budget, you can just keep them minimal and simple to save costs.

Wedding tables are already busy with multiple plates, napkins, cutlery, glassware, table numbers, and nameplates. There’s no need for large centerpieces to decorate them.

Look for small decorative vases that can fit one or two flowers and use them as centerpieces. This way, you can still have beautiful centerpieces without splurging too much money.

Light up your tables with candles

Candles make just as great centerpieces as flower arrangements. They create a warm and romantic ambiance with their flickering light, enhancing the overall atmosphere in the venue.

You can significantly reduce the need for expensive floral arrangements by lighting up your tables with candles. Candle centerpieces are easier to DIY and much cheaper than floral arrangements.

Some ways you can incorporate candles in your decor include making floating candle bowls, placing pillar candles in hurricane vases, and making wine bottle candelabras. For better visual effects, you can also put some greeneries and fillers near the candles.

Reuse your ceremony flowers

Another practical strategy that’s becoming popular these days is reusing ceremony flowers for the reception. Those arrangements that set the scene during the ceremony can play a dual role and transform the ambiance of your reception for the same cost.

Large floral arrangements or altar decorations can be reused to make the cake table more glorious. The ceremony archway can be used as a backdrop for the sweetheart table or as a photo booth area.

Talk to your florist and coordinator so they can plan out how to move the flowers after the ceremony. Typically, coordinators would move them during the cocktail hour so they wouldn’t be in the way of the guests.