Plan
If you are asked what kind of flowers your going to have at your Wedding and your response resembles "those big white thingys," then you better get to work!  Look through as many pictures as you can access and get a feel for the style and composition that you are looking for.  Familiarize your self with the characteristics of the flowers that are commonly used in wedding preparation.  Decide in advance whether your heart is set on large focal flowers or a delicate mixed bouquet and then choose your flowers accordingly.

Simplify
Decreasing the number of types of flowers in your bouquet can also help decrease the cost.  The larger the volume of any given flower reduces the  price.  The difference between the cost of a dozen roses and that  of a "growers dozen" (25 roses) is much less than you would think. Most retailers carry identical quality wholesale selections that can drastically reduce the cost.  As an example, lets go back to the roses. Wedding quality dozens can be had for an average of $25.00, while the identical roses in the same shop could be as little as $30.00 to $35.00 for a growers dozen.  With savings this drastic make sure you discuss this option with your Florist.

Minimize
Remember that 2" cascade that Princess Diana carried?  Poor girl must have lost all circulation in her arms under it's weight. Today's best selling bouquets epitomize simplistic elegance.  Eight bunched calla lilies tied with ribbon are not only economical but stunning.  With smaller bouquets and much less need for filler flowers the savings can really add up.  The "rose ball" bouquet is very popular and looks best with only a small amount of greens as an accent to the roses.  Tulips dressed in the same fashion are a Spring delight.

Compromise
Since this day only comes once (hopefully) and your heart is set on a huge cascade of orchids and gardenias, find other ways to cut the overall bill.  Instead of full flower wreaths, have your flower girls or junior bridesmaids sport a delicate halo of Babies Breath.  This flower is so economical that just one stem at less than a dollar can be enough to dress two wreaths!  Recently I saw a photo of a bride with a bouquet comprised of nothing but babies breath and a few sprigs of purple statice.  I would have never dreamed that a bouquet this simple could look as wonderful as it did.  But heck, if you still must have the orchids down scale on the attendants bouquets, it's YOUR day after all!

Organize
Get your act together as far in advance as possible.  More time means more options!  The sooner you come up with your "bottom line" price the more time you will have to select a florist that can provide you with what you want at the price you are prepared to pay.  Florists can vary greatly in their pricing methods and stock availability so getting many quotes and looking at samples of their finished products can help to make sure you get the best possible value.

Network
Ask people what worked for them! It seems everyone knows someone in the business. Get recommendations from people you trust and don't let anyone pressure you into using "so and so" because he's the best (he may well be) but his costs probably reflect his reputation.  Attend as many Bridal shows as you can prior to making your final decision.  It's remarkable how many contacts you can garner in this way.  They are also a terrific place for picking up ideas in all aspects of Wedding planning.

Substitute
The thought of silk flowers used to make my skin crawl...until recently. I was unaware of the vast advancements that have been made in the field of fake flower technology!  Not only are they deceptively convincing but I was surprised when I found out how economical they can be.  Custom ordered in advance, you can choose just as many styles and types as the real thing.  They can also be given as the attendants gifts along with an instruction sheet on how to turn the bouquet into a stunning center piece that you bridesmaids can enjoy for years to come.  While researching this article I visited untold numbers of sites on the web and found Simply Splendid Silk. They offer a wonderful product at a terrific price.  They have package deals that are a true value.  For $199.00 you can get a bridal bouquet, 2 attendant bouquets, 1 flower girl basket, 4 boutonnieres, 4 corsages, and 4 pew bows. The quality is so incredible that no one will know they aren't real.

Be Creative
It's amazing how far some greens and a block of florists foam, or oasis can go.  Making your own centerpieces can be very rewarding and not just in the figurative sense. You don't have to be Martha Stewart (or MacGyver) to create stunning table toppers out of toothpicks!  OK, that's an exaggeration but you know what I mean.  Covering the foam with base of greens embedded with an elegant taper candle and a few well placed flowers can be lovely.  You could even make the candles! Using inexpensive sheets of beehive wax wrapped into a scroll will provide a soft glow throughout the reception and they are very long burning with minimal dripping.

Remember ~ The best defense against a hyper inflated wedding budget is an educated consumer.  At the risk of harping (here she goes again) DO YOUR HOMEWORK!  There are options and alternatives that can keep the cost down so get out there and SAVE!