Today, many brides-to-be are looking for the cheapest possible wedding flowers. With a few tips and creative ideas, you can have amazing wedding flowers on a shoestring budget.
There are several sources for cheap flowers. The least expensive or free source is your own garden. Hydrangea flowers grow on small bushes that produce a large number of flowers. They can be used alone or with some florist flowers like roses to make stunning flower arrangements and bouquets.
Peonies are grown the same way, but have a shorter blooming season. They are very expensive if purchased from a florist, but can be free in your own garden or that of a friend or family member.
Just be sure to plan on cutting these flowers off mature bushes, as newly planted ones don’t produce many flowers in the first few years.
Daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips are also easy to grow and make “free” bouquets. Just be careful when planning a wedding around growing your own flowers, as Mother Nature can change the bloom time.
Carnations and daisies are the least expensive florist’s flowers, but with creative designs, they can be just as glamorous as more expensive flowers.
The greenery used in wedding flowers is as expensive as the flowers themselves if purchased from a florist, but you can provide your own and save a fortune. Ivy, fern, boxwood, camilla leaves, magnolia leaves, myrtle, lamb’s ear, and lily pads are some of the most common types of greenery used in floral design. Cut from your own garden or ask your friends to share the cuttings. The greenery will last long after the flowers are gone.
Using rose petals instead of rose flowers is also a huge cost saver. Try sprinkling rose petals on the table around the cake or around floating candles for centerpieces. They make a very impressive display and are very inexpensive.
Use potted plants for the church, reception and tables. Beautiful ceramic containers with small boxwood plants would make a great centerpiece for tables. Try grouping several with rose petals scattered on the table.
Of course, small potted ferns or any flowering plants can be used. The large juniper spiral can be used as a backdrop for the buffet table. Large potted trees look great on the church island, on the church porch, and anywhere in the reception area.
Trees can be used in any season. During spring and summer, the foliage makes a wonderful display. During the fall, the brightly colored leaves of a maple tree would add incredible color, and during the winter months, the bare branches could be bunched together or glowed for a winter wonderland effect. Small white Christmas lights can be used on bare branches to fill the room with a warm glow.
Battery-operated Christmas lights can be placed in clear containers or glass vases for centerpieces, under tables to illuminate mantels, or in flower arrangements. Try incorporating them around cake or candy displays.
Don’t forget the possibilities outside. Line sidewalks, highlight tree branches and stair railings, or use large, clear containers with battery-powered lights.
Paris flea market chandeliers are available online and make a stunning focal display on a tabletop or photo area. They can also be lined with battery-operated lights and candles.
If you want to use these ideas during the off-season, there are several online sources that sell them year-round.
