Are you wondering how to save money on flowers for a wedding? The cost of flowers can vary widely depending on a number of factors. Many frugal brides-to-be realize that the types of flowers that they choose to use in the their wedding can mean serious savings.

Here are some ways that you can save money on flowers for a wedding:

1. Use in-season flowers. Flowers that aren’t normally available during the time of your wedding are going to be more expensive. Instead ask your florist which types of flowers will be in-season and base your wedding planning around that.
2. Buy your flowers wholesale and DIY. If you or another member of your family happens to be creative, you can order flowers wholesale online and make your own arrangements. If you choose to do this, make sure that you have a cool place to store the flowers. You don’t want them dying before the wedding.
3. Chose a date when the venue will be decorated. Many churches and other wedding venues are beautifully decorated during certain parts of the year. If you plan your wedding near Christmas or Easter, for example, the church should already be decorated and you won’t have to spend money on your own flowers.
4. Use fake flowers. Yes, some fake flowers look cheap. But there are many artificial flowers available that look quite real. Using fake flowers has an added bonus that they will never die and you can keep your bouquet forever.
5. Create a simple bouquet yourself. There’s no need to have 50 roses in your bouquet. Instead, why don’t you pick some wildflowers and create a bouquet out of those? A bouquet like this can fit in with a wide variety of wedding themes.
6. Have less people in your wedding. Everybody who’s in your wedding needs to get flowers. Bridesmaids need bouquets and groomsmen need boutonnieres. If you reduce the number of people in your wedding party, then you’ll reduce the amount of money that you have to spend on flowers.
7. Carry a single flower. Instead of carrying a large bouquet, you can carry a single flower. This can look very chic and will save you a lot of money. If you still want to carry a bouquet, perhaps the bridesmaids can carry a single flower.
8. Choose a beautiful venue. Many venues are known for their natural beauty. A garden or beach wedding, for example, won’t need much in the way of additional decorations. Their beauty stands alone. If you select a venue that is already beautiful, then you can avoid spending money on flowers simply to make things look pretty.
9. Don’t use flowers. Who said that flowers were required? Do your own thing and carry a candle. Or don’t carry anything at all. There are many different things that can decorate a venue just as well as flowers that aren’t as expensive.
10. Pick an off-season time. There are certain times throughout the year when flowers are known to be more expensive. If your wedding is close to Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or during the wedding season (May-September), then you can expect your wedding flowers to be costly. Frugal brides never schedule their weddings during these times.

In addition to these suggestions, speak with your florist and let her know what your budget is. She should be able to work within that budget.

Whether you choose to limit your selection, or forego flowers altogether, you can save money on flowers for a wedding.