Beautiful Budget-Friendly Flower Substitutions for Weddings and Events

One of the easiest ways to save money on wedding flowers and event florals is to be flexible with your flower selections. Many blooms have less expensive alternatives that offer a very similar look, helping you stay within budget without sacrificing beauty.

Whether you're planning a wedding, special event, or flower bar experience, here are some of our favorite flower substitutions that can help stretch your floral budget.

Replace Peonies with Garden Roses, Double Tulips, or Cremone Chrysanthemums

Peonies are one of the most requested flowers for weddings, and for good reason. Their large blooms and soft, romantic petals are absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, they're also one of the more expensive flower options, especially when they're out of season.

Instead, consider:

• Garden Roses

• Double Tulips

• Cremone Chrysanthemums

Of these options, garden roses offer the most similar look to a peony with their layered, delicate petals and romantic feel.

If you're looking for the biggest cost savings, cremone chrysanthemums are often the best choice. In fact, many guests at our bouquet bar mistakenly think our large cremone chrysanthemums are peonies! There are many varieties of chrysanthemums available, including large statement blooms that create the same lush, full appearance people love.

Replace Dahlias with Cremone Chrysanthemums or Zinnias

Dahlias are another flower that can significantly impact a floral budget.

For a similar look, consider:

• Cremone Chrysanthemums

• Zinnias

Large cremone chrysanthemums provide the fullness and texture that make dahlias so popular, while zinnias offer beautiful color and movement at a more affordable price point.

Replace Anemones with Poppies or Gerbera Daisies

Anemones are known for their dramatic centers and modern appearance, but they can be costly and aren't always available year-round.

Instead, try:

• Poppies

• Gerbera Daisies

Poppies provide a whimsical, delicate, garden-inspired feel, while gerbera daisies add bold color and a cheerful focal flower at a fraction of the cost.

Replace Flat Fern with Sword Fern

Greenery costs can add up quickly, especially in large installations and wedding arrangements.

A simple swap is:

• Flat Fern → Sword Fern

Sword fern provides beautiful texture, volume, and greenery while

often being a more budget-friendly option.

Replace Snapdragon with Stock

This substitution won't dramatically reduce your floral budget, but every little bit helps.

Instead of snapdragons, consider:

• Stock

Not only does stock provide similar height and texture in arrangements, but it also has one major advantage—its fragrance.

The sweet scent of stock draws people over to our flower bar all the time. Guests frequently comment on how amazing it smells, making it one of our favorite flowers to include in bouquets at the bouquet bar.

Beautiful Flowers Don't Have to Break the Budget

One of the biggest misconceptions about wedding flowers and event florals is that you need the most expensive blooms to create beautiful arrangements. In reality, strategic flower substitutions can dramatically reduce costs while maintaining the style, color palette, and overall look you're hoping to achieve.

An experienced florist can help identify budget-friendly alternatives that keep your arrangements looking lush, elegant, and intentional.