Fall Wedding Flowers on a Bare-Bones Budget

Autumn brides have always been a curious bunch, and especially interested in the types of flowers that should grace their bouquets (since ultra-traditional choices, like roses in white, pink or red, don't seem quite right).

That easy-going, nature-loving feel is popular in fall wedding bouquets. Historically that's meant seasonally-appropriate, casual blooms like zinnias, Gerbers, astilbe - often accompanied by non-floral touches like berries, twigs and maple leaves.

But what's happening now is that fall brides (and a larger proportion of all brides) are starting to wonder something else, too: not just what to put on their bouquets, but how to cut back on their costs. Here's why.

A Royal Event ... Means a Buckingham Palace Budget

The cost of fresh flowers at a wedding can be staggering. Newly-minted brides are often surprised to find that even a simple order of personal flowers only (wedding party bouquets and boutonnières) is going to run about $600 plus, not including arrangements for the ceremony or reception. That's a big step up from prom!

Now, it's that very cost that makes fresh flowers so alluring at a wedding. After all, even the comfortably-off among us don't usually live our lives surrounded by fragrant, artful florals. Flowers are beautiful, costly and rare -- just perfect for that once-in-a-lifetime event.

But with economic uncertainty hanging around like that kitchen smell after you pan-fry a salmon, brides are cutting back on flowers. They just can't justify the expense for something so short-lived.

Black-Belt Tactics for Cheaper Autumn Flowers

So if you're a fall bride who balks at $600 for personal flowers and another grand or three for the tables, what to do? Must you ask your maid of honor to grab you a sneezy clump of goldenrod ten minutes before the ceremony? Happily, no.

#1: Be Your Own Pro

Know thyself if you go this route: it's hard enough chiseling out the extra 250 hours it takes to plan a wedding without going postal. But major craft stores are always offering basic floral design classes for cheap. This is a great way to gain some confidence and practice, and get to know the quirks of several specific blooms.

#2: Go Alternative

If you emerge from one of these design classes a dab hand in whipping up boutonnières and posies, online floral wholesalers could be your ticket to lush arrangements a lower cost. Another option: try farmer's markets. Inexpensive and locally-sourced, the flowers also have the advantage of being eco-friendly. Look for mini-sunflowers and dahlias, chrysanthemums and Gerber daisies.

Caution: don't go this route unless you have a dedicated team of proven assistants who can save the day at the last second (thanks, Mom!). Also, this isn't for you unless you have someplace cool and dark to store your blooms until showtime.

#3: Feeling Fine In Aisle Nine

Here's a hybrid option sure to suit many autumn brides: skip the fancy table florals, and go with more bulletproof centerpieces such as pillar candles and hurricane lamps, or bare-branch arrangements. You can always ring these with heaps of rose petals or silk autumn leaves for a luxurious, fuss-free touch.

Then, for personal flowers, check out your local ... grocery store! Here, we've got a semi-legendary chain that produces amazing bouquets in several branches. The quality's top-notch -- you'd never think "grocery store bouquet" -- but the cost is wonderfully low.

And if you want to go even lower (and be even braver), Real Simple has an illustrated guide on whipping together bouquets with single stems from any grocer's floral aisle (just Google "How to Create Beautiful Bouquets from Supermarket Flowers").

Ever wonder where the web's most beautiful fall wedding favors are hiding? Visit FavorIdeas for expert wedding planning help, innovative theme ideas and gorgeous wedding favors, and find this original article at fall wedding flowers on a budget.

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