landlocked bride™ | midwest + mountain west wedding inspiration

plan a modern wedding in the middle of the country

So, I’m all about saving a few bucks. I mean, who isn’t, right? Yeah, I clip coupons, just like my mom does, but this post isn’t about being frugal. It’s about being resourceful.

While a big beautiful flower arrangement is visually appealing and gorgeous, it can also be VERY expensive. And, for any brides out there looking to save a few bucks on centerpieces, here are a few tips.

1. If you absolutely have to have floral centerpieces because you have dreamt of it since you were two, then I suggest making sure you pick flowers that are in season. If you’re having a November wedding, picking ranunculas is not really an option, since they tend to be in season February thru May (Yes, this breaks my heart too, as my wedding is in September. Don’t get me started). You can absolutely find a florist who will order them for you, but they could easily be at least 1 1/2 times more expensive than they normally are.

2. Use fake flowers (gasp!). Yes, you heard me. There are some really realistic fake florals out there. If you plan on submerging calla lilies in a tall cylindrical vase, might I suggest you use fake ones? Although callas are easy to shape, they are also an expensive flower, so opt for the fake version. You can also use fake flowers for the guys bouts, which are actually very easy to make!

3. Choose centerpieces without flowers. This can be achieved by hanging things from the ceiling at various heights over the tables (if you are inside), using fresh produce and candles.

Kelly Oshiro Events

4. If you’re not much of a big wedding cake person, or you want a candy/dessert buffet, why not have different cakes/candies/sweets in the center of the tables? This way your guests can actually enjoy your centerpieces! Plus, it will get your guests moving around after dinner to find a slice of cake in a flavor they like.

And, for the record, the FI and I will not have floral centerpieces. We have opted for something fun and modern, and since we aren’t huge flower people, it wasn’t all that important to us. If you want tips or ideas on different non-floral centerpieces that can be budget friendly, shoot me a message.

Don’t forget, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your wedding fabulous!

Really, this post can fit under my other posting series “Wedding Day Tips” and “DIY,” too!

I have a new blog to add to my list of favorites.

the head of the table

She’s a local gal, featuring fantastic entertaining ideas (which the Landlocked Bride is a huge fan of).  Plus, you can get some great wedding centerpiece and candy buffet ideas, like this one.


Grace Ormonde via head of the table

And, this one.


Colin Cowie via head of the table

Plus, she rents out some great table and dinnerware for your entertaining purposes!

Although I’m not having a backyard/outdoor wedding, there is something romantically charming about an intimate outdoor wedding. When it comes to floral arrangements, I think wildflowers are to go with these types of weddings. It really plays off of the outdoors-y feel, and gives it a rustic (but romantic) feel!

I think these floral arrangements would be great as centerpieces, if combined with other arrangements. They would also look great around the backyard as part of the decor somewhere (cake table, bar, etc.). The best part? These are so DIY! You can pick up baby’s breath or even wildflowers at a local market for a decent price. The jars? You can find on eBay, Etsy or garage/yard sales. The colored jars are a great accent, too!


Heart of Light


Heart of Light

Thanks to Rachel at Heart of Light for her DIY flower arrangements!