Thoughts on alternatives to real flowers?

MRSreadcomicbooks

While I find bouquets made of real flowers stunning, I just hate the idea of spending so much on something that isn't going to last more than that one special day.

Of course silk or fabric flowers are an option...but they can look tacky and not well made.

Then there are some other options I've seen lately.

Paper flowers, which put kind of a crafty, DIY feel to the wedding party - I do like that, but nothing else is really going to be a part of that theme.

I've also seen flowers made of brooches or other jewelry, which I think can look gorgeous. I've seen some horribly gaudy ones, but I've also seen some really nice-looking ones (even complete with small skull jewels, which would go along perfectly with the theme).

My fiance doesn't seem to like the sparkly bouquets, but let's be honest...he doesn't have to carry it!

What do you ladies think?

And do any of you have any other alternatives to what I've mentioned?

gymbugmj2k

I did real flowers.  You can choose the SIZE of your bouquet...and a lot of times smaller ones are cheaper - especially if you go with in-season flowers.  My bridesmaids had quite small arragements and nobody commented or cared. the moms only received a single rose (a lot cheaper than corsages!). we only had pew bow flower arrangements at the ceremony, and i reused them at the reception. the flowers in the centerpieces were fake.

after the wedding i let all the live wedding flowers sit for a couple weeks so they dried out.  I re-constructed some of the decor flowers into a dried arrangment that i have in one of our vases in a curio cabinet next to some wedding photos and our champagne flutes.

my bouquet, i'm planning to put pieces of inside a glass ornament with scraps of our invitation.  ive also seen cases where brides send their bouquet to be pressed into a picture frame.  others will use the petals in a popurri bag, or other home decor.

at_last08

I'm consider paper flowers because I can not afford real flowers. Our budget is strained and this is the one area that feels the least important to me. However, people have recommended going to places like Costco for real flowers so you can look into that option. I believe they even have bridal packages.