How Can I Get Cheap Flowers for My Wedding?

Planning a wedding can be thrilling and challenging, especially when budgeting for dreamy details like flowers. With a few smart strategies, you can have stunning floral arrangements without stretching your budget thin. 

This guide covers 20 cost-effective tips for creating gorgeous, affordable wedding floral arrangements. From choosing seasonal blooms to using greenery as filler, these ideas can help you achieve the look you love while keeping costs in check. 

Whether you're leaning toward DIY arrangements or simply seeking ways to maximise your floral budget, these strategies will help make your big day beautiful without breaking the bank.

Let's get straight to the point

Want stunning wedding flowers on a budget? These 20 cost-saving tips make it easy!

Opt for seasonal blooms to avoid pricey imports and reuse ceremony flowers at the reception. Choosing affordable flowers like carnations or buying locally can save you a lot.

Embrace large blooms like hydrangeas for maximum impact with fewer flowers, and fill in with greenery for volume. 

For the DIY-savvy, consider wholesale flowers or even supermarket finds. Keeping arrangements simple or using silk flowers can also cut costs.

With flexibility and creativity, you can have gorgeous wedding florals without overspending!

1. Choose Seasonal Flowers To Cut Costs

Using flowers in season is one of the easiest ways to save money on wedding flowers. Seasonal blooms are more accessible and cost-effective because they’re readily available and don’t require expensive imports.

• Spring: Consider tulips, daffodils, and lilacs, which are abundant and affordable.
• Summer: Sunflowers, lilies, and roses are bright options that bloom naturally during summer.
• Autumn: Dahlias and chrysanthemums are beautiful in autumn and often cost less.
• Winter: Poinsettias and holly are festive, seasonal choices that work well in winter.

Sticking to in-season blooms allows you to save on import costs and receive fresher flowers.

2. Repurpose Ceremony Flowers For The Reception

Reusing flowers from the ceremony in the reception area is a simple, cost-effective strategy. By moving the same arrangements between venues, you can reduce the total number of flowers needed.

• Altar Flowers: Place them around the reception entrance or on the gift table.
• Pew Flowers: Use them as table centrepieces or accent flowers.
• Bouquets: Display bridesmaids’ bouquets in vases on tables or near the cake.

This approach requires a bit of planning, but with the help of a designated person to move flowers, it’s an effective way to save.

3. Opt For Affordable Flower Choices

Not all flowers are created equal in price. Some blooms, like carnations and gerbera daisies, are beautiful yet inexpensive. Choosing these options for bulk arrangements can save significantly.

• Affordable Choices: Carnations, baby’s breath, chrysanthemums, and daisies.
• Premium Touches: Use a few roses or peonies for accents if desired.

This mix gives you an elegant look without the high price tag of luxury flowers.

4. Discuss Your Budget Honestly With The Florist

A florist can work within a budget if they know it upfront. Be open about your spending limits, and allow the florist to suggest cost-effective options that meet your aesthetic needs.

• Transparency: Share your total budget and remain flexible with flower types.
• Guidance: Request a specific colour palette or style, and let the florist choose blooms within those guidelines.

Florists can use their expertise to provide beautiful arrangements within a limited budget.

5. Buy Locally To Save On Shipping And Import Fees

Choosing flowers that are locally grown not only supports local businesses but also reduces costs by eliminating import fees. Imported flowers can be significantly more expensive due to transportation costs.

• Local Options: Roses, lilies, and certain orchids are grown locally in many areas.
• Avoid: Imported flowers, such as tulips from the Netherlands, can add significant expenses.

Using local flowers allows you to save while ensuring fresh, high-quality arrangements.

6. Choose Large Bloom Flowers For Greater Impact

Flowers with large blooms fill more space, which means you need fewer stems overall to create a lush look. Incorporating statement flowers like hydrangeas and garden roses gives you an impactful arrangement with fewer flowers.

• Large Blooms: Hydrangeas, peonies, and dahlias are excellent choices for large arrangements.
• Cost-Saving: Use these flowers sparingly for dramatic effect, allowing you to buy fewer overall.

This method helps you save while still achieving a visually stunning arrangement.

7. Substitute Expensive Blooms With More Affordable Alternatives

Certain flowers have less expensive counterparts that can create a similar look. Peonies, for example, can be substituted with garden roses for a similar lush effect.

• Examples:
  • Peonies → Garden Roses
  • Ranunculus → Spray Roses
  • Anemones → Dahlias

This approach allows you to maintain a specific look without paying for premium flowers.

8. Embrace Simplicity In Arrangements

Minimalism can be elegant. Focusing on fewer, simpler arrangements can save on costs and may achieve a more modern aesthetic. Consider prioritising only the bridal bouquets and altar arrangements, keeping other areas simple.

• Less is More: Use single-flower bouquets or simpler arrangements.
• Focus Areas: Choose only a few essential places to decorate, like the ceremony altar and main reception tables.

Minimalism reduces flower expenses while keeping the decor tasteful.

9. Purchase Wholesale Flowers Or Order Online

Buying flowers in bulk from a wholesale market or ordering online can be very cost-effective. Remember, though, that this approach requires extra effort and time for DIY arrangements.

• Online Wholesale Options: Sites offering lower-quality bulk flowers can save you significantly.
• Preparation Tips: You’ll need floral supplies like vases, scissors, floral foam, and tape.

This option can lead to substantial savings if you’re comfortable arranging flowers or have friends who can help.

10. Use Greenery To Fill Arrangements

Greenery can add volume and elegance to arrangements without the high cost of extra flowers. Popular foliage, such as eucalyptus and leather leaf ferns, provides a natural look and works well with many flower types.

• Recommended Greenery: Silver dollar eucalyptus, ruscus, and leather leaf ferns.
• Benefits: Greenery lasts longer and is often more affordable than flowers.

Adding greenery offers a stylish, budget-friendly alternative to all-floral arrangements.

11. Consider Supermarket Flowers For Affordable Alternatives

Some supermarkets, like Woolworths and Coles, have floral sections where you can buy fresh flowers at a lower cost. This option provides convenience for those comfortable with basic floral arranging.

• Bulk Orders: Check if your supermarket offers bulk options.
• Custom Requests: Some supermarkets may even prepare simple arrangements for you.

Buying flowers from a supermarket is a great way to cut costs while still having beautiful blooms.

12. Reduce The Bridal Party Size

A smaller bridal party means fewer bouquets and boutonnieres, which can significantly cut down flower expenses. Limiting the number of people at the party reduces the amount spent on flowers.

• Small Party: Consider keeping the bridal party to a minimum.
• Impact: Fewer arrangements allow more budget to focus on the bridal bouquet and ceremony décor.

This strategy helps in keeping overall floral costs low.

13. Grow Your Flowers

If you have a green thumb and plan to grow your own flowers, you can do so. Flowers such as daisies, sunflowers, and cosmos are easy to grow and make beautiful wedding blooms.

• Easy-to-Grow Flowers: Daisies, lavender, sunflowers, and marigolds.
• Planning: Start planting several months in advance to ensure blooms by your wedding date.

This requires time and dedication but can be a rewarding and personal touch.

14. Rent Silk Flowers

Silk flowers are a durable, reusable option that can save money and reduce waste. Many rental companies offer high-quality silk arrangements that look as good as real flowers.

• Advantages: No wilting, easy to transport, and available in any season.
• Considerations: High-quality silk flowers can be rented for less than buying fresh ones.

Using silk flowers is a practical and cost-effective choice, especially if you don’t mind sacrificing the scent of fresh flowers.

15. Plan A Wedding Near Holidays For Built-In Decorations

If your wedding is scheduled around major holidays like Christmas or Easter, you can use the venue’s existing décor. Many churches and halls decorate beautifully during the holiday season, which can work in your favour.

• Holiday Decor: Christmas trees, poinsettias, and Easter lilies.
• Savings: Less need for additional décor if the venue is already decorated.

Scheduling around a holiday allows you to use pre-existing decorations, saving money on flowers and venue decor.

16. Focus On Statement Flowers

Choosing flowers with large, bold blooms can create a high impact without needing many. Garden roses and hydrangeas are excellent for creating statement pieces, adding a touch of luxury without the need for a high quantity.

• Statement Flowers: Garden roses, hydrangeas, and calla lilies.
• Placement: Use these in key areas, such as the altar or head table.

Statement flowers provide a lush look with fewer stems, helping to keep the flower count low.

17. Ask A Friend With Floral Skills For Help

If a friend or family member has experience with floral arranging, consider enlisting their help to save on hiring a professional florist. Many people are happy to assist with weddings, especially if they can contribute their skills.

• Benefits: Savings on labour and a personal touch.
• Thank You: Show appreciation with a small gift or token of thanks.

Getting assistance from a skilled friend allows you to save on professional fees without compromising quality.

18. Use Foliage From Your Garden

Using plants from your garden, such as eucalyptus or native Australian greenery, adds a personal and budget-friendly touch. This option works well for those with gardens containing plenty of lush foliage.

• Popular Foliage: Eucalyptus, bottlebrush, and ferns.
• Ensure Permission: Only use garden foliage with permission if it’s not yours.

This approach is both cost-effective and sustainable.

19. Limit Flower Varieties To Bulk Discounts

Limiting your flower choices to one or two varieties allows you to order in bulk, which can often lead to discounts. Fewer flowers keep the design cohesive and can lead to substantial savings.

• Popular Choices for Bulk: Roses, carnations, and lilies.
• Benefit: Bulk purchases lower the per-stem price.

A cohesive design using limited flower types can look polished and sophisticated without a high cost.

20. Consider Affordable Alternatives To Pinterest-Inspired Designs

If Pinterest arrangements inspire you, speak to your florist about affordable alternatives that look similar. Many florists can recommend substitutes for expensive arrangements.

• Customisation: Use your inspiration as a guide, not a strict rule.
• Flexibility: Being open to alternatives often allows florists to create a stunning, budget-friendly look.

Being open-minded with your design lets you get the look you want without exceeding your budget.

Conclusion

A few smart strategies can help you achieve stunning wedding flowers on a budget. Focusing on seasonal blooms, repurposing arrangements, and choosing affordable flowers can create a beautiful atmosphere without breaking the bank. 

Buying locally, using large blooms, and adding greenery can further stretch your floral budget, ensuring you get a full, lush look at a fraction of the cost.

Feel free to discuss your budget openly with your florist or even seek help from skilled friends to make the most of your resources.

Creativity and flexibility allow you to have the wedding flowers of your dreams without sacrificing style or elegance.