It's impossible to imagine a wedding without breathtaking blossoms. But the cost of these one-day-only floral arrangements can quickly add up. Before you let budget worries wilt your fantasy of a picture-perfect day, check out these tips for affordable bouquets and arrangements.

OPT FOR EASY

Typically, blooms that are in season and locally grown are the most economical, says Karen Bussen, a wedding expert in New York City and author of “Simple Stunning Wedding Flowers” (Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2007). That means making selections like peonies in the spring, sunflowers in the summer or dahlias in the fall.

“By using regional blooms, you'll not only save money, you'll also be more eco-friendly and you'll be supporting the local economy,” Bussen says.

TRIM YOUR STEMS

When it comes to flowers, sometimes less can have more of an impact. For example, Bussen suggests making your bridesmaid bouquets smaller.

“I love chic posies of just 10 stems of tulips, calla lilies, freesia or sweet pea blossoms, rather than big pom-poms,” she says. “They're more elegant, easier to carry and much more budget-friendly, especially if you have a big bridal party.”

Bussen also recommends limiting your reception flowers to the most eye-catching areas, such as entrances and your dinner tables. Skip fancy bar décor.

SIMPLIFY CENTERPIECES

For more affordable centerpieces, try changing up the arrangements so that there are a few different sizes, or make one more floral while another focuses on candles or shimmering beads.

“Taller table arrangements tend to be more expensive and are kind of passé, so use them sparingly and alternate simpler arrangements throughout the room to create texture and visual interest,” says Bussen.

GET BANG FOR YOUR BLOOM

Consider asking your florist for double-duty arrangements (think ceremony flowers shifted to reception centerpieces), but only when it makes sense. Bussen doesn't like moving arrangements if it means doing it in front of guests in the middle of the celebration.

“But,” she adds, “if you can think in clever ways, you can save a lot.” For example, place a single flower (dahlia, tulip, freesia, etc.) in a narrow, inexpensive glass vase and attach business-card-sized escort cards to the stems with a pretty ribbon. Guests carry their bud vases to their tables and they become the centerpieces for the reception. At the end of the party, they get to take their personalized floral arrangements home.

“That's a unique win-win-win,” says Bussen. “Escort card, centerpiece and guest favor!”

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