Flowers are a beautiful and meaningful part of any wedding, but finding ways to save on wedding flowers can be just as important as picking the perfect blooms. From the bridal bouquet to the ceremony arch to the reception centerpieces, they help set the tone, enhance your venue, and bring your vision to life. They also play a big role in your wedding photos, adding color, texture, and elegance to every shot.
But as stunning as they are, flowers can quickly become one of the biggest expenses in your wedding budget. Between the cost of premium blooms, labor, design time, and setup fees, floral costs can add up faster than many couples expect.
So, what do you do when your floral dreams don’t align with your budget? The good news is you don’t have to give up on style to save money. With a few smart strategies, you can have gorgeous wedding flowers without overspending.
In this post, we’ll walk you through practical tips to help you save on wedding flowers while still achieving that elegant, high-end look you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you’re planning a luxury affair or an intimate backyard wedding, these ideas will help you prioritize, simplify, and beautify without compromise.
Why Are Wedding Flowers So Pricey?
Before we dive into the savings, let’s breakdown what you’re paying for when hiring a floral designer.
- Labor-intensive design: Each arrangement takes time, skill, and precision.
- Set-up & breakdown: Florists spend hours transporting, installing, and removing arrangements.
- Perishable products: Flowers are fragile, seasonal, and often flown in from around the world.
- Special requests: Custom arches, hanging installs, or cascading bouquets require more materials and expertise.
Once you understand where the money goes, you can make smarter decisions about where to splurge and where to scale back.
1. Choose Flowers That Are in Season
The seasonality of flowers has a huge impact on cost. Out-of-season blooms are often imported or harder to source, which drives prices up.
Example: Love peonies but getting married in August? Try garden roses instead, they have a similar lushness and are more readily available during summer.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Spring: Peonies, tulips, lilacs
- Summer: Zinnias, dahlias, cosmos
- Fall: Mums, celosia, marigolds
- Winter: Anemones, amaryllis, greenery
2. Repurpose Ceremony Flowers for the Reception
Double-duty florals are your secret weapon. Don’t let those gorgeous aisle arrangements, altar installations, or welcome pieces go to waste.
After the ceremony:
- Move your altar flowers behind the sweetheart or head table.
- Use aisle arrangements as centerpieces.
- Reuse bridesmaid bouquets to decorate gift tables, the bar, or cake display.
3. Embrace the Power of Greenery
If your goal is lush, full arrangements without the cost, greenery is a must.
Options like eucalyptus, leather leaf, olive branches, and Italian ruscus create texture and volume at a fraction of the cost of blooms. Plus, they suit nearly any wedding theme, boho, classic, rustic, or minimalist.
4. Focus on Focal Points
You don’t need a giant arrangement on every table. Instead, invest in a few eye-catching florals for your most photographed areas:
- Ceremony arch or backdrop
- Entryway welcome sign
- Sweetheart table
- Cake or dessert display
5. Pick One Star Flower
Rather than mixing 8+ different blooms, simplify your arrangements by choosing one signature flower and building around it.
Examples:
- Hydrangeas – Large and full, so you need fewer stems
- Carnations – Affordable and available in countless colors
- Baby’s breath – Delicate and ethereal for a romantic feel
6. Combine Fresh and Faux Florals
Faux flowers have come a long way and can blend seamlessly with real greenery or fresh blooms—especially in areas where guests won’t get up close.
Great for:
- Ceremony arches
- Hanging chandeliers
- Statement backdrops
- Ceiling installations
7. Simplify Bridal Party Flowers
Instead of identical, oversized bouquets, scale down for the bridal party:
- Bridesmaid bouquets: Stick to a few stems or a full greenery posy.
- Groomsmen: A single bloom or sprig of greenery works beautifully.
- Flower girl: Consider a simple basket of petals or a floral crown instead of a bouquet.
8. Consider DIY for Select Florals
If you’re crafty or have a team of helpers, DIY-ing certain floral elements can save hundreds. Start with simple areas:
- Welcome sign florals
- Cocktail table bud vases
- Flower crowns or boutonnieres
9. Skip the Extras
You don’t need fresh florals in every corner. Avoid overspending on:
- Cocktail tables (use candles or greenery)
- Guest book areas (reuse bouquets or bud vases)
- Bathrooms or lounge spaces (simple decor will do)
Final Thoughts: Style on a Smart Budget
Your wedding flowers should reflect your love story, not your stress level. With thoughtful planning and intentional choices, you can have stunning, stylish florals, without the sky-high price tag.
By choosing in-season blooms, reusing arrangements, prioritizing focal points, and embracing greenery or faux options, you’ll walk down the aisle surrounded by beauty, and peace of mind.
Ready to start planning your floral vision on a budget? Explore more tips on Blissfully Wedded and download our Free Wedding Budget Breakdown Sheet to organize your floral expenses like a pro.
Amazon Recommendations – DIY Floral Supplies
- Floral Wire and Tape Kit
Perfect for making your own bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces. - Floral Foam Blocks
Great for arranging faux or fresh florals in vases and containers. - Bulk Artificial Eucalyptus Garland
A greenery staple—use on tables, arches, signs, or chairs.