cheaper then roses

Sarahh101388

 I'm getting married next spring  and i have always had the idea in my head about my flowers. I always dreamed  of being in the white dress holding red roses and then having my brides maids who would be in red dresses holding white roses ... however dreaming and reality are always different. We are on a tight  budget and I'm trying to think of a cheaper solution that would give me the same affect I have always dreamed of...   I know there are no flowers that "look" like roses  besides roses but idk I'm open to anyone ideas !!

mstar284

Hey, that's what I'm thinking about doing! What about doing a smaller bouquet for all of you? Or maybe just carrying a single rose? There's always artificial flowers.

Similar question asked on the Budget Weddings board. Here's the link:

http://forums.theknot.com/default.aspx?path=http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_budget-weddings_cheap-alternatives-bridesmaid-bouquets

suz62984

I would have the BMs carry smaller bouquets with approx. 5 stems each.  You may be able to save costs by buying wholesale and doing the flowers yourself. I would practice on a walmart/grocery store bouquet and see how it turns out.

Peonys are also similar to roses but I'm unsure of the cost.

BowLover

I can completely empathize with the whole budget issue. My husband and I did alot of diy at our wedding for the same reason. I also understand the dreams you've had for your wedding and not wanting to compromise too much of your ideals because of money.
I actually make bow-quets for weddings, and my particular talent are roses made artfully from various colors of ribbon! They are much cheaper than the real thing, and best of all they are also a keepsake that will last forever!
If you are interested please check out my website: www.whatbowsaround.etsy.com
Feel free to contact me from there if you don't see the right colors or style that you want, because I can do a custom order that will suit your special day perfectly!
I hope this helps, and congratulations! 

tldh

Try pricing lisianthus

Catwoman708

If you are using a florist, have them reduce the number of roses, and add more greenery and cheaper filler flowers in the same color, like carnations, alstromeria, pom poms, etc...  

Keep the BM bouquets small and simple.  Focus most of your budget on your bouquet.  Keep all bouts and corsages very simple, small, and basic white, or even DIY them.  You could use simple carnations or pom poms for them, and use a red rose only for the groom's bout so it will stand out.

If you have the time to DIY the flowers, that is the biggest way to save money.  You can practice in advance, order flowers in bulk much, much cheaper, and do them the day before.  They are not hard, but it does take a little practice, and you need to allow extra time to do them. 

I've ordered flowers in bulk from Sam's Club, and I hear Costco has similar flowers, quality, and prices.  I've done flowers for several weddings, and never spent more that $300 total on flowers.  One of those weddings was roses, gerbers, and mini carnations, and had 9 bouquets, 15 bouts, 5 corsages, and an altar arrangement.  And we used every scrap of leftover flowers and greenery for small touches on the reception tables and cake. 

gaharvard

You might check about spray roses. they are smaller heads, but several blooms are on each stem and they are considerably less expensive. That way, you cuold do the BMs in spray roses and yours in the larger roses and that might make your budget.

cougarette

Since it's the spring, what about tulips?