Flower Substitutes for Roses? (cheaper)

Cali lilies, they come in multiple colors including red & wine.

Also, price the wedding packages online from Sam's club & Costco. You will be happily surprised.

You can also try making paper roses, they are pretty and you can make 500+ for just the cost of a ream of paper. They are super easy to make http://liagriffith.com/diy-paper-rose-wedding-bouquet/

As far as prices for flowers your best bet is to talk to a florist for the cost of flowers in your area

Hey Mrs.D, I'd recommend for roses using spray roses. They tend to be less expensive than normal roses and are a little smaller. They are very delicate looking and I think look beautiful in a bouquet. Cammelias may not work in a bouquet because they do not have stems that would translate well to arranging. You could get a similar look with Gerber daisies. They come in all sorts of colors and are great for floral arrangements.

What about peonies? I think they're just as beautiful, if not more so, than roses and they might be cheaper.

We did tulips, lilies, and a little bit of ivy and ribbon! They are fake, cheap, and look awesome! My mom is doing them and she is doing a great job!

Peonies and calla lilies are NOT cheaper than roses. Roses are pretty cheap as is but carnations, lisianthus and ranunculus are similar to roses in price and look. Spray roses are about the same as classic roses in price but you do get more flowers per stem. I'm getting my flowers from Sam's club in bulk, I'm getting roses, spray roses and baby's breath for around $450 (I'm getting A LOT of flowers).

Carnations are the cheapest flower. Tulips are also very inexpensive and available all year long.

Roses can be fairly reasonable, and are definitely cheaper than peonies. Plus they are available year-round, which is an added benefit. I think the small green hydrangeas you are referring to are green viburnum. Make sure they're available in June. I'm not sure on the exact season window but I do know they are considered more of a spring flower/filller. I'd look into ranunculas, certain dahlia varieties, and spray roses for added texture. Yes, garden roses are pricier than standard domestic roses. However, they can have bigger heads so they are a good bang for your buck! Your vision sounds lovely!

I was very suprised to learn how cheap roses are, I assumed they were an expensive flower but I found out otherwise so I'd look into them! I'm not good with flowers but I know if you are looking for something cheaper you do not want a calla lilly, they are very pricey and have a smaller head.

Carnations can be dyed lots of different colors and can be beautiful

Roses are not really that expensive. However, if you want something a little more exotic, my friend who used to work in a florists' said that these are exceptionally cheap, and pretty for how much they are and last quite long: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alstroemeria

But, it depends on the date of your wedding and what happens to be in bloom then. Like fruits and veggies, if you pick the flower that's in season that moment, they will be cheaper and fresher.

I know the flowers are cheaper if they are in season. Try searching for what is in bloom during your wedding month.

Also if you are having a florist you could ask them if they have anything in your colors that they wouldn't mind getting rid of...

Ooh those paper rose bouquets are beautiful! I'm totally going to give those a shot! Thank you Jessica!