Budget-Friendly Bridal Bouquets: 6 Beautiful & Affordable Ideas for Your Wedding

You’ve always dreamed of the moment you'll walk down the aisle dressed in white, carrying a breathtaking bouquet filled with all of your favorite flowers. But you probably didn’t imagine the final price tag.

When the average couple spends over $2,000 on wedding flowers alone, your dream bridal bouquet may feel far away from reality. But luckily, there are plenty of ways you can make a wedding bouquet more affordable – you just need to have the right money-saving tricks up your sleeve.

Below, learn how much the average bridal bouquet costs, what factors influence the price, and how you can get an affordable bridal bouquet that doesn’t compromise your wedding vision.

How much does a bridal bouquet cost?

According to data from Brides, the average bridal bouquet costs around $250 in 2024.

While that might not feel like much if you’ve got 10 or 20k to spend, the price might feel a bit tight if you’re on a lean budget. After all, if you only have a $1,000 budget, that’s more than ¼ of your overall wedding fund.

Why is a bridal bouquet so expensive?

So, what influences the cost of this “average” bridal bouquet? The following factors all play a role in your final price tag.

• Seasonality. Flowers that are in season will generally be more affordable than flowers that aren’t. Bad news if you want to carry a bouquet of fresh sunflowers in the spring.
• Flower type. Some flowers fetch a higher price than others. For example, Wedding Wire says that the most expensive flower types for weddings include orchids, peonies, and hydrangeas. 
• Labor. You’re not just paying for the flowers and greenery when you buy a bouquet from a florist. You’re also paying for the time and labor they spend arranging your design.
• Style & Design. When it comes to bridal bouquets, size matters. Bigger or more complex designs need more time and flowers to create, meaning they’ll leave you with a higher bottom line.

How can you make a bridal bouquet more affordable?

Knowing all this, your next move is easy. All you need to do is flip the script and use these factors to your advantage. The following budget bridal bouquet tips can help you get your hands on a dream bouquet for an even dreamier pricetag.

Use faux flowers

Who says the flowers in your bouquet have to come from a garden? When money is tight, faux flowers can help you achieve an upscale look without compromising your vision. For example, premade bridal bouquets from Ling’s Moment cost between $65 and $160, giving you the potential to save $90 to $185 over the cost of an average bridal bouquet. Plus, you can use rare or out-of-season flowers that might’ve otherwise been out of your budget.

Oh, and let’s make one thing clear: These aren’t your grandma’s dusty faux flowers. (No offense to Grandma.) You can’t even tell they’re not the real thing. To prove it, do us a favor and tell us which of the following bouquets uses real flowers.

Can’t tell? Trick question: They're all Ling’s faux flowers. Like we said, not your grandma’s.

Make it yourself

Since you’re paying a florist to do the arranging, why not pull up your sleeves and try your hand at DIYing your bridal bouquet?

This tip combines especially well with faux flowers, since you won’t need to worry about keeping real flowers fresh, and you can craft on your own schedule. Plus, you can really ramp up the cost savings. Most designer flowers boxes from Ling’s Moment cost between $21 and $36 and include a variety of flowers and accents to craft a whole bridal bouquet. So, you have the potential to create a bespoke bridal bouquet for under $50.

Stay in your season

If you’re committed to using real flowers try sticking to blossoms that are in season during your wedding date.

For example, dahlias are gorgeous for a fall wedding, while daisies could brighten up a spring or summer wedding. Some flowers are also plentiful across multiple seasons, like roses or lavender. Leaning on these more abundant flowers can allow you to bring more variety to your bouquet without opting for rarer blossoms.

Use one type of flower

Wile variety is the spice of life, you can dial back your overall pricetag by carrying a bouquet of a single flower type. This minimalist look can be elegant and understated when paired with a delicate floral choice, like baby’s breath. Plus, you won’t need to worry about putting a lot of effort into styling or designing your bouquet. It’s very much a “grab and go” bridal bouquet choice, making it ideal for last-minute weddings or elopements.

Shrink your bridal bouquet

Good things come in small packages. So, try to pick a bridal bouquet size on the petite end of the spectrum. For example, a standard bridal bouquet ranges between 11”-13” in diameter, while large ones are typically 13”-15”. But a smaller bouquet measures between 7”-9” in diameter, which will give you a more subtle style to carry down the aisle. Smaller bouquets can also come in handy if you don’t want to draw attention away from your bridal gown.

Up your greenery

If you’d still prefer a larger bouquet, consider upping the greenery content to achieve a fuller look. For example, eucalyptus leaves can coordinate with flowers of almost any style or color. You could also consider options that add color and texture, like pampas grass sprigs or ferns, to add visual interest without paying more for expensive flowers.

Affordable bridal bouquet FAQ

Is it cheaper to make your own bridal bouquet?

It can be! But it depends on where you buy your flowers. For example, it’s possible to make an entire bridal bouquet using a Ling’s Moment designer flower box for less than $50.

Who typically pays for the bridal bouquet?

Traditionally, the groom’s family pays for a bride’s bouquet. But that rule is more flexible than ever in the 21st century, when many couples choose to pay for wedding expenses themselves.

Which flowers are expensive for a bouquet?

Rare or tough-to-grow flowers like orchids, peonies, and hydrangeas may be more expensive for bridal bouquets. So are any flowers that are currently out-of-season. But any type of real flower also tends to yield a higher price tag over faux flowers.

Budget-friendly bridal bouquets: Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of ways you can stretch your budget to create a beautiful but affordable bridal bouquet.

And if you’re on the lookout for affordable bridal bouquets that look picture-perfect, Ling’s Moment offers premade designs in 20+ trendy and classic wedding color schemes. They ship right to your door, no water required, so you can find your dream bouquet without any hassle. Our designer flower boxes can also help you design a customized bridal bouquet that you and your wallet will both love