Cheap Wedding Flowers that Look Nice

You can choose cheap wedding flowers without sacrificing style. Couples need to save their money for a new vehicle or a down payment on a house, but weddings keep getting more expensive. More and more couples are trying to have the wedding of their dreams on a tight budget. Flowers in particular can be quite costly and eat up a big part of your wedding budget, but you can stay within your wedding budget without sacrificing the flowers.

Set Limits
If you are working with a tight budget, skip the large flowers and over-the-top arrangements. Florists will often try to get you to upgrade with pricier ribbon, bigger arrangements and more expensive bouquet holders. Also choose your battles and decide early on which flowers and colors you are willing to pay for.

Stick to the Basics
Make a list of all the flowers you may need: the bridal bouquet, the toss bouquet, attendant bouquets, a flower girl basket, corsages, boutonnieres, centerpieces and the altar arrangement. Put a star next to the things you absolutely have to have, such as your own bouquet and bouquets for the bridesmaids. Start out with those basics, and then add on until you hit your budget.

Think Seasonal
Buy flowers that are in season and save a ton of money. Also think of other non-flower items that can be used as decorations and in centerpieces, such as fruits, berries, twigs, vines, decorative grasses, pumpkins, squash and evergreens. By getting seasonal items, you'll cut costs by using what is available and not what has to be special-ordered from other areas.

Add Candles
Candles are an easy and cheap way to add elegance to your floral arrangements and wedding decor. By using candles in your centerpieces or as a substitute for floral centerpieces, you will greatly reduce your floral costs. Candles can be purchased at a cheap price at dollar stores. There is no reason to buy pricey candles at boutiques or florist shops when you can get perfectly good candles at the dollar stores.

Fabulous Filler
You can incorporate filler materials into your bouquets and centerpieces to cut the expense of having more expensive blooms. Filler material can be smaller cheaper flowers (like baby's breath), greenery, other leaves, twigs, berries, ribbons or even tulle and lace. Use these items to fill in empty or bare spots in bouquets and arrangements instead of adding more costly flowers.

Do It Yourself
If you are crafty and brave enough, look for a wholesale floral shop or warehouse in your area, or buy cheap blossoms from the grocery store. Wrap bouquets in ribbons, or place them in a tussy mussy holder for your bridal and attendant bouquets. For centerpieces, stick to a single stem in a vase or a large flower head floating in a bowl of water. Keep it simple so you don't stress over the flowers on your wedding day.

Fake It
You can cut your wedding flower budget in half or more by using fake flowers instead of fresh. Discount chains have a large selection of silk flowers. You can make some beautiful bouquets, and, best of all, you can make them weeks in advance. You don't have to worry about them wilting or dying, and you'll be able to preserve your wedding memories with everlasting bouquets.

Go to School
Check your area to see if there are any floral design schools or trade schools, like a skill center that offers floral design classes. You might be able to get your wedding done in exchange for a donation or just the cost of flowers and supplies. The students need the experience, so it is a win/win situation for everyone.

Pre-Decorated Venues
If you get married surrounded by nature's natural beauty, you'll have a lot less decorating to do. Some places cater to weddings and only weddings. They have their own flowers and decorations up all the time. However, always compare prices and add everything up to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Double Duty
Make your wedding bouquets do double duty as reception decorations. There are stands and table clips that bouquets can be displayed in. Attach some clips to the bridal table and let the attendant bouquets be decorations, place a stand at the gift table or cake table and put the bride's bouquet on display. Put the flower girl's basket at the guest book for added decor.

Avoid Getting Married on or Near Holidays
Flower prices double and triple during holiday seasons, especially during Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. The shops also get very busy so time is precious and more expensive. You will save a lot if you avoid getting married during busy times.

Be Creative
Look for creative solutions and opportunities for your wedding. Use things other than flowers as decorations and arrangements like balloons, candles, glass bowls with floating candles, glass rocks, potted plants and more.