Affordable Alternatives for Bouquet Favorites - Wedding Articles | BridalBook

What makes a blushing bride? The gown, the veil and the undeniable nuptial glow--perfectly complimented by a lush and romantic bouquet. Admit it. When a bride plans her wedding, she simply cannot leave out the bouquet. But these bridal blooms don't always come cheap. Brides are often unaware of cheaper arrangements that look almost identical to pricier varieties.  We asked Djuna Rocha of Scarlet Begonia Flowers and Jocelyn Pafin of Love in Bloom for a few budget-friendly bouquet alternatives.  

If you love the look of tulips, Djuna Rocha suggests using calla lilies instead. "They offer the same clean, bold but gentle feel," she says, "but  are a lot less in price."

She also says that sampaguita, though often overlooked, would actually make a great alternative for lily of the valley.

Djuna also offers vibrant dendrobiums as a stunning substitute for the phalaenopsis orchids.

Jocelyn Pafin shares that sometimes fillers work just as well as blooms and having a full bouquet of fillers--for example, baby's breath in place of wax flowers--achieves the same impact minus the cost.

Flower prices also depend on several factors such as availability, seasonality and lifespan, so consider these aspects too, when putting together your dream bouquet.

Choosing a bouquet can be overwhelming. Remember to collaborate with your florist and don't hesitate to ask for other (cheaper) options. Lastly, keep an open mind and don't be quick to dismiss lesser known varieties which work just as well as their expensive counterparts.

Check out the gallery below to see alternative flowers for your bouquet.

You may also want to check out:

• Figuring Out Flowers   
• Unusual Flower Bouquets
• Flowers Available Year-round 
• Guide to Buying Affordable Flowers