20 Affordable Wedding Flower Ideas

You might be worried that there’s no such thing as cheap wedding flowers - but don’t panic. While fresh flowers can be expensive, there are ways to have an affordable bridal bouquet.

Flowers are a vital part of any wedding, transforming venues with their vibrant colours and delicate scents. But when it comes to planning a wedding, floral arrangements can quickly escalate into a significant portion of the budget.

While the price of wedding flowers often reflects the skill, time, and care that goes into creating beautiful arrangements, there are ways to keep costs down without sacrificing the beauty of your big day.

In this guide, we’ll explore how you can get budget-friendly wedding flowers without compromising on quality, and highlight some simple, stunning ideas for affordable bouquets.

• Affordable wedding flowers
• Cheap greenery options for weddings
• Low-cost dried flowers
• Budget-friendly wedding flower FAQs

Affordable Wedding Flowers

If you’re looking for budget-friendly wedding flowers, you’ve actually got plenty of options in the UK. Speak to your wedding florist to ask them about seasonal wedding flowers to reduce costs, and consider the below list too.

1. Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila)

"The most affordable florals for couples for their wedding is definitely gypsophila," says Amy Haviland, the wedding florist behind Nova Blooms. "I've found this a common trend over the last 12 months. Coupled with white roses, it’s simple yet stunning!"

Baby’s Breath, also known as gypsophila, is a delicate, airy flower that adds a romantic, boho touch to wedding arrangements. It’s perfect for bouquets, centrepieces and flower crowns, but avoid using it on cakes or other edible items.

2. Carnations

Carnations are cool again - and not only that, but carnations are a very affordable flower. These full, fluffy blooms come in a huge range of colours and can reality brighten up your displays.

3. Chrysanthemums

These big, vibrant and (perhaps most importantly) cheap flowers can add a lot of volume to floral arrangements, meaning you don’t need to buy as many of them.

4. Daisies

Daisies are a sweet, simple classic. They are ideal for a rustic or garden wedding feel, and work well in bouquets, centrepieces and even in wedding hairstyles.

5. Sunflowers

Sunflower wedding bouquets are striking and readily available in the late summer months, which keeps down the cost. You only need one bloom to make a big impact, which is ideal if you’re looking for cheap bridesmaid bouquets.

6. Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria, also known as the Peruvian Lily, is a versatile and colourful flower. It’s very long-lasting too, making it a good pick for wedding centrepieces.

7. Stock

Don’t be fooled by the uninspiring name - stock is a very pretty bloom with a gorgeous scent that will add texture and fragrance to your wedding bouquet.

8. Lisianthus

Lisianthus look a little like roses, but they cost way less. They are elegant and soft, and add a beautifully romantic feel to wedding arrangements.

9. Gerbera Daisies

For a bold, contemporary look consider Gerbera daisies. They come in bright colours and make a big statement, ideal if you want to nail the wedding trend for colour clashing bouquets.

10. Asters

Asters are a great option for filler in your wedding flower arrangements, as they are really affordable. They look like small, delicate daisies.

11. Gladioli

Don’t be put off by Blair Waldorf’s dismissal of the gladioli - this tall, striking flower is perfect for adding height to arrangements without spending a fortune, and it comes in a range of beautiful colours.

12. Solidago (Goldenrod)

The solidago - also known as the ‘goldenrod’ - is a fuzzy, fluffy flower that is ideal for filling out arrangements affordably. The pop of yellow and the soft texture makes it perfect for summery celebrations.

"For venue styling, again I’ve found a common option to be bud vases with single stems. This is such a simple yet effective look," says Amy.

13. Snapdragons

Another tall and striking flower, snapdragons are perfect for adding height and affordable sophistication to wedding centrepieces.

Affordable Greenery

Adding greenery to your wedding arrangements can make your budget stretch much further. Here are some of our top picks to bulk out bouquets while saving money.

"Foliage is a big trend at the moment, and with so many varies to choose from there is something for everyone!" says Jasmine at Manor Nursery Florist.

"A look we LOVE is just having foliage like eucalyptus placed down the centre of trestle tables with either lanterns or candles weaved in. Not only is it cost effective it makes a big impact!"

14. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is hugely popular at weddings for good reason - the silvery toned leaves add a rustic elegance to floral arrangements.

"To achieve high end looks on a budget, I find foliage and filler flowers help massively," says Amy. "These help to bulk out the arrangements to create a more volume to a bouquet, as well as larger headed flowers."

15. Ruscus

Also known as ‘butcher’s broom’, ruscus is an elegant, elongated leafy plant that is ideal for filling out bouquets and draping along tables.

16. Ferns

Feathery and frondy, ferns add texture and interest to wedding arrangements in a budget-friendly fashion.

17. Ivy

Romantic and flowy, ivy can add a very natural, outdoorsy feel to your florals. It’s very reminiscent of English country gardens.

Affordable Dried Flower Options

Dried flowers are another great way to save money on your wedding blooms. They last for ages and are more cost effective than buying fresh.

18. Lavender

As well as adding a beautiful purple hue to your bouquets, lavender also has a dreamy scent which is perfect for summer weddings.

19. Dried Baby’s Breath

Drying out your gypsophila makes it appear even more delicate and cloud-like.

20. Craspedia (Billy Balls)

Don’t balk at the idea of having Billy Balls in your bouquet! These round, yellow blooms add a welcome pop of colour and depth to summer and autumn wedding flowers - but if they’re dried, you can use them all year round!

Why Wedding Flowers Cost So Much

Before diving into how you can save on flowers, it’s important to understand why wedding flowers can be pricey. "Prices can vary depending on types of florals used, and isn’t necessarily down to the size of the flower," explains Amy from Nova Blooms.

"Hydrangeas are a large flower and one of the most expensive, yet a flower such as a garden rose is a smaller headed flower but just as expensive."

Florists put a great deal of effort into sourcing, arranging, and delivering each bloom. Here are some of the factors that drive up costs:

• Labour Intensive: From selecting the right blooms to arranging them in elegant bouquets and centrepieces, florists spend a lot of time perfecting their craft.
• Imported Flowers: Many flowers are imported from all over the world, which incurs shipping costs and the possibility of breakage during transit.
• Extra Stock: Florists typically purchase extra stock in case flowers are damaged or need replacing, which contributes to the overall cost.

Despite these factors, there are still plenty of ways to reduce your wedding flower budget. Here’s how:

Choose Seasonal & Local Flowers

One of the easiest ways to lower the cost of your wedding flowers is to choose seasonal, UK-grown blooms. "Different seasons can affect the cost of wedding flowers a lot," explains Amy.

"The majority of flowers aren’t available in the UK if not in season, although some flowers such as peonies, can be available earlier but a lot more expensive and not as good quality."

Flowers that are in season tend to be more affordable and widely available because they don’t require costly imports.

For example, spring and summer offer a bounty of affordable blooms like peonies, roses, and daisies, while autumn brings rich, warm tones with dahlias, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers.

"It's lovely to follow the seasons too, like incorporating beautiful berries for an autumn wedding, or scented spring flowers," says Jasmine from Manor Nursery.

"However, it’s not always possible to source all the flowers locally, especially in the winter months. Locally grown potted herbs are a great and cost-effective way to decorate. You could use these down the aisle first, then on the tables then thirdly as thankyou gifts for your wedding party!"

Work with a premium florist to explore seasonal flowers that suit your wedding theme. Local UK-grown flowers are also more affordable than imported options, as they don’t have to travel as far.

Opt for Simple Arrangements

While elaborate floral designs are beautiful, they can quickly increase the price. To keep things affordable, consider simpler, elegant arrangements. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Hand-Tied Bouquets: A minimalist, hand-tied bouquet featuring a single hero flower paired with plenty of greenery, such as eucalyptus or ferns, is both striking and budget-friendly.
• Larger Blooms: Use large blooms like hydrangeas or sunflowers to create volume with fewer stems. This can help you achieve a lush look without buying too many flowers.
• Greenery-Laden Designs: Adding greenery like ivy or ferns can fill out your arrangements and add texture, helping them look full while keeping costs down.
• Single Stem Arrangements: Give bridesmaids a single, large flower to hold, and skip out on the buttonholes for the groomsmen.
• Bud Vases: As Amy recommends, decorate your tables with bud vases featuring single, smaller flowers. Less is more!

Consider Dried Flowers & Wildflowers

Dried flowers are not only a beautiful, sustainable option but also a cost-effective one. Dried lavender, baby’s breath, and other preserved flowers can add texture to your bouquets and decorations without the price tag of fresh blooms.

Wildflower bouquets are another great choice for couples on a budget. They’re often grown locally, are in-season, and can give your wedding a whimsical, natural feel.

Ask your florist about incorporating wildflowers into your arrangements for a romantic, rustic touch.

Can I DIY my wedding flowers?

DIYing your wedding details can save you money, but it's not an easy undertaking. Amy advises: "DIY wedding bouquets are great, and think if you’re feeling creative, it’s a lovely idea to know you’ve created your own bouquet for your special day.

"I have lots of comments from couples that they just don’t want the added stress, hence why they reach out to florists."

How to Repurpose Wedding Flowers

A great way to get more value out of your wedding flowers is to repurpose them throughout the day.

"We always try to suggest ways to either make extra use of your flowers, for example using your bridesmaids’ bouquets as table centres, or having arrangements such as milk churns that can be moved around at different parts of the day," explains Jasmine.

"Flowers can be expensive so its important to get the most out of them!"

For example, flowers that decorate your ceremony can be reused at the reception:

• Aisle Flowers: These can be moved to the reception space and used as centrepieces or table decorations.
• Bouquet to Centrepiece: After the ceremony, your bridal bouquet can be repurposed as part of the table centrepieces.

This approach maximises the impact of your flowers without the need for additional purchases.

Tips for Saving on Wedding Flowers

We spoke to a florist to gather some expert tips on how to save money on wedding flowers. Here are their top recommendations:

• Choose In-Season Flowers: Spring and summer flowers like peonies, roses, and daisies are often more affordable than off-season varieties. Consider asking your florist for advice on the best blooms for your wedding date.
• Mix Fresh and Dried Flowers: Combine fresh blooms with dried flowers like lavender or baby’s breath. This adds texture and variety while keeping costs lower.
• Go Green: Eucalyptus, ivy, and ferns are stunning and budget-friendly. Use them to fill out bouquets and centrepieces for a lush, natural look.
• Repurpose Flowers: As mentioned, ceremony flowers can be reused at the reception or even in your wedding photos, ensuring your floral budget goes further.
• Preserve Your Flowers: By preserving your wedding flowers, you can enjoy them for longer, which makes the investment even more worthwhile. Wedding maths!

Budget Wedding Bouquet Ideas

To help inspire your bouquet choices, here are some ideas for affordable, beautiful wedding bouquets you can request from florists:

• Classic Hand-Tied Bouquet: Choose a focal flower like a rose or sunflower, paired with soft greenery like ferns or eucalyptus.
• Wildflower Arrangement: A casual yet charming bouquet made with local wildflowers, daisies, and delicate greenery.
• Simple Yet Elegant: Opt for a monochrome bouquet of hydrangeas with a touch of greenery, or a single variety of flower for a minimalist look.
• Garden-Inspired Bouquets: Incorporate seasonal flowers like peonies, for a romantic garden vibe, using lots of green stems and leaves.
• Single Flower Arrangements: Pick one flower - such as sunflowers - and just use those, particularly for your wedding party. 

When it comes to making your wedding flowers look more expensive, Jasmine has some expert advice: "You can never go wrong with all white and green, it’s a timeless, elegant and classic wedding look.

"Including a few white carnations or alstroemeria really helps to make the arrangements look full and luxurious without having to use so many stems of the more expensive flowers like roses and lisianthus."

Wedding flowers don’t have to break the bank. By working with a florist to choose UK-grown, seasonal flowers, opting for simpler designs, and being strategic with repurposing and mixing fresh with dried blooms, you can create beautiful, budget-friendly floral arrangements that complement your big day without going over your budget.

Remember, while the cost of flowers is influenced by many factors, there are always ways to maximise value while still having stunning blooms. Speak to your florist about affordable options and discuss your budget with them to get the best idea of what you can have.

Discover alternative wedding bouquets, if you're still looking for inspiration.