Peonies and David Austin roses cost a lot, and so does the work that goes into arranging them. The price of wedding flowers also depends on the time of year and on which blooms are in season.
Alstroemeria tops the list of cheaper flowers that look just as good. It is also called Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas. It comes in colours from white and golden yellow to red, pink and purple, and it can last one to two weeks in a vase. It is in season in spring or early summer and costs about US$1 to US$2 a stem, according to The Knot.
Blooms that do the heavy lifting
Alstroemeria. This small flower pairs well with bigger blooms such as roses and carnations. Each stem carries three to five blooms, which is why it fills out an arrangement without costing more. Florists also use it in boutonnieres, corsages and hair accessories.
Roses. Classic roses cost about US$1.50 to US$4 a stem from late spring to fall, according to The Knot. Some varieties look like peonies, and roses go well with many other flowers. Spray roses, with several small heads on one stem, are a common choice for centrepieces when couples arrange their own flowers using stems bought wholesale.
Carnations. Carnations are a wedding regular because of their length and sturdiness, which suits them to tall arrangements. Their serrated petals add texture. When they are opened wide and packed tightly together, they can look a lot like peonies. They are available year-round and cost about US$0.75 to US$1.50 a stem, according to The Knot.
Baby’s breath. It costs about US$1.50 to US$3 a stem and is in season from summer to early fall, according to The Knot. It has long been used to decorate reception tables, fill small glass jars and bulk up bridesmaids’ bouquets.
Fillers and finishing touches
Waxflower. Waxflower suits rustic, garden-themed weddings. Its tiny flowers look a little like lily of the valley. It is in season from winter to spring and costs about US$1 to US$2.50 a stem, according to The Knot.
Freesia. Freesia is another sturdy flower. It comes in many colours and gives a similar feel to the pricier calla lily. Its scent is light, so it mixes with a bride’s perfume instead of overpowering it, unlike gardenias, tuberose or stargazer lilies.
Two pretty wildcards
Begonia. Begonias make a sweet, dainty bouquet.
Tulip. Tulips look distinctive enough to carry a bouquet without many other fillers. There are more than 3,000 varieties, and they cost about US$0.75 to US$2 a stem in early spring, according to The Knot.
Working with your florist
Asking for one specific flower can lead to unrealistic expectations. It often works better to let the florist choose blooms that suit the wedding’s theme and budget. Other ways to cut costs include choosing local flowers that are in season, adding more greenery and moving the ceremony flowers to the reception.