George Boyle
Flowers are a key part of any wedding, but they can also be expensive. To keep costs down, it's important to be flexible and not get too caught up in recreating inspirational photos. Choosing flowers that are in season and opting for budget-friendly varieties will help you stay within your budget. Some inexpensive flower options include camellias, carnations, chrysanthemums, delphiniums, hydrangeas, lilies, Queen Anne's lace, ranunculus, tulips, wildflowers, and yarrow. Using small, minimalist arrangements and choosing a florist who can put a creative spin on your vision can also help you save money.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Camellias, Carnations, Daisies, Hydrangeas, Queen Anne's Lace, Roses, Lilies, Delphiniums, Tulips, Ranunculus, Lily of the Valley, Wildflowers (Yarrow, Poppies, Verbena, Bluebells, Marigolds, Cosmos), Billy Balls, Andromeda, Dahlias, Chrysanthemums |
| Flower Attributes | In-season, within budget, local, small arrangements, minimalist, quality over quantity, colour palette |
| Other Tips | Avoid floral installations designed on-site, choose "fluffy substitutes" for expensive buds, use fresh flowers for cakes |
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What You'll Learn
Inexpensive flowers for wedding cakes
Wedding cakes with flowers are timeless and can fit any wedding style. Whether you opt for fresh flowers, candied flowers, or intricate petals painted on with cake-safe watercolours, buttercream, or fondant, floral wedding cakes can reinforce your theme and colour palette.
If you're looking for inexpensive flowers to decorate your wedding cake, consider using a few carefully selected fresh flowers. While fresh flowers can be high-maintenance and may not be ideal for outdoor or humid weddings, they tend to be cheaper than sugar flowers, which require custom work. Real flowers are also a good option if you're looking for bright, vibrant colours, as sugar flowers tend to come in paler shades. However, keep in mind that certain flowers, like baby's breath and hydrangeas, are toxic when ingested, so choose common wedding flowers like sunflowers and roses, which are safe to consume.
Another option is to use silk flowers, which can look very lifelike and are less sensitive to weather conditions. Silk flowers also have the advantage of being non-toxic and allergy-free. However, they can be more expensive, especially if you're using silk flowers for your bouquets as well.
- Andromeda: A sprig of Andromeda can add a simple yet elegant touch to your wedding cake, as featured by Kae + Alēs.
- Dahlias: Dahlias can be very affordable when they are in season with local growers.
- Carnations: Carnations can be a luxurious and unexpected alternative to pricier blooms. They are long-lasting and add lovely texture to your wedding decor.
- Wildflowers: Wildflowers are perfect for rustic weddings and can add a natural and whimsical touch. Consider using yarrow for texture and a pop of yellow, poppies for their vibrant colours and delicate petals, or daisies for a classic and cheerful look.
- Billy Balls: Also known as Craspedia, these budget-friendly flowers have a unique spherical shape and bright yellow colour, adding a fun and modern touch to your wedding cake.
- Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas are great for covering a lot of surface areas without breaking the bank. They come in various colours and varieties, but avoid them if you plan to include your pet in your wedding, as they are toxic to dogs and cats.
- Roses: Roses are a classic choice for weddings and can be used to match your ceremony arrangements or reception centrepieces.
- Ranunculus: Ranunculus flowers have delicate, rose-like petals and come in a range of colours, making them versatile for any wedding theme.
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Flowers to avoid
When it comes to wedding flowers, it's important to trust your florist and understand that there are limitations on what you can incorporate into your overall design. While there are many inexpensive options to choose from, there are a few flowers you might want to avoid for various reasons.
Lilies
While lilies are elegant and fragrant, with many different colour options, their strong scent can become overwhelming and may cause nausea. In addition, lilies have pollen that can stain, so it's best to avoid them if you're looking for flowers that will stay pristine throughout your wedding day.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a popular choice for weddings, as they come in various colours and varieties, but they require constant hydration. If you're not able to keep them in water at all times, it's best to avoid them, as they will quickly wilt. Additionally, if you're having a summer wedding, hydrangeas may not be the best choice, as they don't handle heat well.
Tulips
Tulips are not ideal for wedding bouquets as they are phototropic, meaning they move towards the light and continue to grow after they've been cut. Their stems are delicate and easy to snap, and they don't last long outside of soil. If you're looking for a similar option, a mini calla lily is a sturdier choice with a similar tubular shape.
Magnolias
Magnolias are highly seasonal and fragile, with a very short lifespan. They can only be sourced from certain parts of the country during specific times of the year, and they begin to yellow and brown quickly. If you're looking for a similar aesthetic, consider using gardenias or a white peony instead.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a great option for adding volume and texture to your floral arrangements, but if you or your guests are allergy sufferers, it's best to avoid them.
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Flowers for different seasons
Flowers are pivotal in setting the tone for your wedding, and seasonality plays a significant role in the price and availability of blooms. Here are some ideas for flowers for different seasons:
Spring
Spring is the blooming season for tulips, which come in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes. They are a versatile and affordable option for bridal bouquets, centrepieces, and boutonnieres. Another spring flower is the peony, known for its ruffled petals and sweet fragrance. These flowers work well in larger arrangements and bouquets.
Summer
Sunflowers are a great choice for summer weddings, adding a bright and cheerful touch. Marigolds are another option for summer; they are inexpensive, have a great smell, and usually come in orange.
Autumn/Fall
Chrysanthemums are an excellent choice for autumn weddings, with their rich colours of orange and magenta. They are versatile and can be used in bouquets, bowls of water at the reception, or to decorate a wedding cake. For a more upscale flower, the autumn hydrangea is a good option.
Winter
Waxflowers are a hearty bloom that can withstand cold winter temperatures. Their petite size makes them ideal for boutonnieres. Ranunculus is another flower that pairs well with roses and greenery for a whimsical and cheerful winter bouquet. Anemones are also in season in January and add a vibrant pop of colour to the winter landscape.
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Flowers for different wedding themes
Flowers are a key component of any wedding, but the right flowers for you will depend on your wedding theme.
If you're going for a romantic and whimsical theme, delphiniums, with their tall, elegant shape and striking spires of blossoms in blue, purple, pink and white, are a perfect choice. Ranunculus flowers are also a good option, with their delicate, rose-like petals and a wide range of colours, from white to peach to coral. For a floral-themed wedding, you could incorporate flowers into your wedding cocktails, with drinks like a Lavender Gin Spritz or Lilac Lavender Gin Sour.
For a rustic wedding, wildflowers such as daisies, poppies, bluebells, and cosmos add a natural and whimsical touch to your arrangements. Carnations are also a good choice for a rustic wedding, as their length makes them ideal for tall arrangements, and their serrated petals add texture.
If you're having a spring wedding, tulips are a great choice, while white daisies make for a classic springtime bouquet.
For a coastal or nautical wedding, hydrangeas are a must. Their size means they can cover a lot of surface areas without blowing your budget.
For a formal wedding, lilies are elegant and fragrant, and come in many different colours.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, Billy Balls, or Craspedia, are versatile and bright, adding a fun and modern touch to bouquets and centrepieces.
When choosing flowers, it's important to keep seasonality in mind, as out-of-season flowers can be much more expensive. It's also a good idea to choose a signature bloom that sets the tone and mirrors your love story.
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Alternatives to expensive flowers
Flowers are an integral part of any wedding. However, they can be expensive. Here are some alternatives to expensive flowers for your wedding:
Choose seasonal and regional flowers
Seasonality impacts flower prices, and some flowers may not be available at certain times of the year. For example, dahlias are typically expensive when sourced from wholesalers but can be more affordable when sourced from local growers during their season. If you're set on a specific type of flower, consider whether you can source it locally and seasonally to save costs.
Opt for budget-friendly substitutes
If you're looking for alternatives to pricier blooms like peonies and garden roses, consider "fluffy substitutes" like carnations. Carnations can be designed to feel luxurious and are long-lasting with eye-catching serrated petals, adding texture to bouquets and arrangements.
Select flowers with large blooms
Flowers with large blooms, such as hydrangeas, can cover a lot of surface area and are perfect for nautical or coastal summer weddings. Their size means you need fewer flowers to achieve the same impact, keeping costs down.
Focus on colour coordination
To save money, choose blooms and colours that match the rest of your floral palette. Introducing a unique colour will likely increase costs as your florist will need to source specific materials. Sticking to a consistent colour scheme across your floral arrangements can help keep expenses in check.
Explore wildflowers and filler flowers
Wildflowers are an excellent choice for rustic or bohemian weddings, adding a natural and whimsical touch. Consider flowers like daisies, poppies, marigolds, and cosmos, which offer a range of vibrant colours and delicate petals while remaining budget-friendly. Filler flowers, such as baby's breath or Queen Anne's lace, can also add texture and volume to your arrangements without breaking the bank.
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Frequently asked questions
There are plenty of affordable flowers for weddings, and with a little creativity, you can make any arrangement look luxurious. Here are some inexpensive flowers that are perfect for weddings:
- Wildflowers such as poppies, daisies, and cosmos are great for adding colour and a natural, whimsical touch to your arrangements.
- Baby's breath is a popular choice for whimsical celebrations and can be used on its own or as filler in bigger arrangements.
- Carnations are a common choice for weddings due to their length and sturdiness, making them ideal for tall arrangements.
- Camellias come in numerous variations of red and pink, with some white and yellow options as well.
Peonies and tulips are a favourite for spring weddings. They work well in bouquets and larger arrangements.
Ranunculus flowers come in a stunning array of colours, making them versatile for any wedding theme. They are perfect for romantic and whimsical weddings.
