My mom has a meeting with a florist today (I live 500 miles away from where my wedding will be… thanks Mom for doing all the nitty gritty planning for me!!). I’ve always said that flowers weren’t a very high priority for me. I’d rather spend money elsewhere. BUT the more I look for what I want, the more it becomes a high priority. Ugh. What’s a girl to do!
My first dilemma: I don’t want to spend a fortune on my bouquet. And my favorite flowers are roses, garden roses, and peonies (all white/off white). But of course, these are some of the most expensive flowers out there. Good way to smash the budget to smithereens! I’m torn between “Ahhh, let’s just go with carnations” and “but my flowers will be in every picture”. *Sigh* I want them to make a statement… but I don’t want to have to include BYOB in the invitations. Haha! 
Thankfully bewildered budget brides have great internet resources to help us out! Not only did I find great inspiration from our own Dream Weddings on a Budget (search “Flowers” under the categories tab), but according to The Knot I discovered that “ranunculus is a cost effective alternative to roses and peonies and to carry ranunculus is to tell your partner, in the Victorian language of flowers, ‘I am dazzled by your charms.’” Perfecto! And SO true, J is QUITE the charmer!! Does anyone have any other suggestions for cost effective flowers that pack a punch?
Ranunculus
Peonies
Dilemma numero dos: I have chosen ice blue as my bridesmaid color to pair with the black and white damask. What color flowers go with blue dresses??? Other than dyed blue carnations (what my mom had) or blue hydrangeas (okay, but not for the whole bouquet). I took a peak at a color wheel for some inspiration. The complementary (opposite) color of blue on the color wheel is yellow. That would be pretty, very springy. But I hesitate to introduce a WHOLE NEW color into our wedding palate.
I could go with different shades of blues and purples, but I worry that that will be too dark for a spring time wedding.
WHEN DID THIS GET SO COMPLICATED?!?!?!?!?!? 
All photos courtesy the Knot
