Bridal Bouquets That Won't Break Your Budget

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. You've purchased a beautiful dress, chose a great site for your reception and all the details seem to be falling into place - except for the flowers.

Wedding flowers can be one of the most expensive items on your wedding list. If you want bridal bouquets for yourself and your wedding party, you don't need to spend a fortune.

Here are some ideas for bridal flowers that won't break your budget (and we're not going to suggest silk flowers):

• Instead of an elaborate bouquet for you and your bridesmaids, consider something simple such as a small bouquet of three or four long-stemmed roses for yourself and one or two favorite flowers for the bridesmaids. Not only will this reduce your flower costs, walking down the aisle with a small bouquet exudes elegance. Remember, less is more.
• Choose something unconventional for your wedding bouquets. If you're planning a wedding in the fall, perhaps you'll find that a pie pumpkin might be an interesting alternative to flowers. In the summer, consider a single sunflower. In the winter, try holly and in the spring think about a single Calla Lily. Another idea might be a single orchid. Use your imagination to come up with different alternatives to traditional flowers and bouquets. Not only will you be making a statement, you'll also be saving money.
• If you're having an evening service (and even if you're not) how about carrying candles instead of flowers? Candles bring an immediate air of elegance to any setting. The brides and bridesmaids carrying small votive candles would create a stunning and sparkling effect. Once the bride and bridesmaids reach the altar they can place the candles around the altar and between floral bouquets to create a glowing aura around the happy couple.
• If you're insistent on having elaborate floral bouquets perhaps you can barter with the florist for a reduced price. Are you writer? Maybe you could write an ad, brochure or press release in exchange for flowers for your wedding. Can you create websites? Can you design ads or logos? Maybe you're an expert seamstress? Perhaps the service you have to offer might just be what the florist is looking for and he or she would be willing to make a trade. It doesn't hurt to ask. The worst that your florist can say is "no."
  

There are many alternatives to traditional wedding bouquets and flower arrangements. All you need to do is brainstorm and you're sure to come up with ideas that not only fit your style but your budget as well.