Usually, when a couple first enquires with us for wedding flowers, they send a list of items accompanied by some amazing pictures from Pinterest and ask for costs. The reality is few can afford those pictures. Those pictures are from celebrity weddings or corporate events where there’s usually a larger budget.

So, we always ask all our couples to let us know what they feel comfortable spending. Then, we’ll try and create a day for you that fits within this. We are aware of the costs involved and always try to offer the most value for money whatever the budget. We guide engaged couples on where to spend and how to save.

Flowers are expensive there is no way around it. That being said, we have learned there are ways to make your budget go that bit further and we wanted to share our tips:

  1. We recommend you design flowers by colour and style rather than exact flower varieties for more flexibility.
  2. Select flowers in season to help your budget stretch further. Usually, flowers in season are more readily available and more affordable.
  3. If you want a large statement piece, consider reusing it for your reception. But remember, then you’re paying for additional labour and time for someone to move your arrangement. Ask your florist for options they will be able to advise on making this work for you.
  4. Some flowers do come at a premium cost. But, this doesn’t mean they are off-limits. Consider incorporating these into your wedding alongside other more affordable blooms. Take a look at our alternatives for bridal favourites…

Garden Style Roses for Peony Lovers

A popular choice for so many, the soft fluffy blooms of peonies are a romantic choice. Peonies are available in a range of colours from whites, soft pinks to brighter corals and deep reds. They usually appear in April and disappear in late June. So, if you are really set on having peonies in your wedding flowers, then book a date during this time!

If peonies aren’t available for your date then we normally steer our couples to garden-style rose which are more readily available throughout the year. There are numerous varieties and colours available which have a similar appearance to a peony with layers of ruffled petals. Plus, garden-style roses sometimes come with the addition of the most beautiful scent.

Love Foliage? Try Potted Plants

Foliage has become a favourite for weddings. This is understandable with so many incredible and exciting options available. From homegrown varieties through to glossy, bolder tropical leaves, we love it!

If you want to make your budget stretch further why not consider using plants rather than cut stems, this can be a cost-effective way to create volume and you’ll have the plants to keep after the wedding. Give them away to guests after the wedding. Or, take them home to plant for a lovely keepsake and reminder of your wedding day. It is also a more sustainable option than using cut stems which will have to be immediately thrown away.

Mini plants such as succulents or cacti make a great wedding favour and will double up as part of your table décor as well!

Opt for Spray Roses

Photo by Vladimir Borodenok via Bridal Musings

Roses are a classic choice for a wedding. And, with so many varieties available, it is often possible to find more affordable alternatives to the expensive varieties such as David Austen’s. (However, if you want a more seasonal option then why not consider dahlias? Particularly in Autumn when the British varieties are abundant).

Spray roses can also be a more affordable alternative to a single, standard-headed rose. These are smaller in size but are great in smaller arrangements. Spray roses are ideal for bridal flowers for example buttonholes or hair flowers.

Swap Hydrangea for Carnations

Hydrangeas are available in a wide variety of colours and shapes. So, florists use hydrangea to create various styles from ‘natural garden' to more contemporary, structured displays.

However versatile, they can be extremely pricey. So, if you need to look for a less costly stem why not consider carnations instead? Carnations are not the most popular flower choice but please don’t write them off. They have so much potential and there are so many new varieties appearing in all sorts of beautiful tones. Carnations can be an excellent addition to your wedding.

The dense layers of petals are a great substitute for the bold hydrangea heads. Especially when grouped tightly together they take on a new presence.

Sub Mini Anthuriums for Orchids

These long-stemmed orchids are a great choice if you want a modern or tropical feel to your flowers. However, the requirement of importing orchids from around the world can make them expensive. There are lots of orchid varieties so ask your florist and they might be able to advise an alternative variety.

A fun alternative is mini anthuriums, smaller and more delicate than the standard varieties they are available in a range of beautiful shades from deep reds and blacks through to pretty pinks and pastels. Layer mini anthuriums with other flowers or a small cluster can provide a focal point in an arrangement.

Overall, the best thing you can do is speak with your florist and use their experience to get the most from your flowers. Be open-minded to their advice and the alternatives they offer.

About Hiding in the City Flowers

Hiding in the City Flowers was launched in London in 2013 by Sarah Loughrey-Jennings. They create floral designs for weddings, events and other occasions. Their signature wedding style is relaxed and unstructured florals that are perfect for ultra-cool brides.

For more floral inspiration, visit our Flowers section in the archives.