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Exactly one year out from our wedding date, I decided to do a test run of our bouquets and centerpieces so I could get an idea of what was in season for September. I really wanted to do the flower arrangements myself to save money, but I had no experience at all. I figured that if I screwed up I could always just have the female bridal party carry books or lanterns down the aisle.
To save even more money, we decided to use fruits and vegetables to cut down on flower costs. Plus, I was having a tough time finding flowers in anything other than weak, pale green shades. So, I decided to do a test run of the bridesmaid bouquets using green bell peppers, broccoli and asparagus. The pepper and asparagus bouquets turned out horribly because, as I said before, I didn’t know what I was doing. They were asymmetrical and lumpy.
However, when I tried a third time using broccoli, I managed to get results I could live with. I used alstroemeria, white chrysanthemums, mini white roses and an outside layer of bells of Ireland to surround a head of broccoli in the middle.
The flowers in the picture came from Whole Foods and our Maid of Awesomeness is serving as the hand model.
The flowers for the wedding itself will be come from Jim Ludwig’s Blumengarten in the Strip District. They will be selling us wholesale flowers for bouquets and centerpieces as well as pre-made boutonnieres and corsages. This will cost us about $400.
Approximately how much money are you saving my doing this?
That is a very fun and original idea. The one thing that I would warn you about is scent/smell. If broccoli is left out of a fridge or water too long it begins to stink. It should be fine through the ceremony, but I wouldn’t recommend putting them on the cake table to decorate it (as many people do). It could be unappetizing…:)
Here’s a place where you can find some great, affordable silks…They look 100% real. 
I think I might be confused…did you use the broccoli as a filler for youTEST bouquet? Or are you using for the actual day of as well…lol…sorry I have to ask!
I think you did a nice job putting this one together, but I would nix the broccoli. I like the creativity of it but I guess it is too out there for me.
How you thought about just getting some really nice fake flowers and making a bouquet? I’ve seen some gorgeous ones that were quite inexpensive. I also agree with the previous poster that the broccoli won’t smell too nice after awhile….
Ok - I get it but I don’t think its a good idea. We are getting all of our flowers (bouquets, centerpieces, 30+ buckets down the aisle, etc) from a wholesales and its less than $400. Just get all the same flower in like 2 colors and it can look classy even if you don’t think you have arranging skills.
Sorry, but I think you may have gone too far - if you want to do veggies do straight veggies but the veggie/flower mix is just confusing.
I honestly was thinking “what the…” as I was reading but when I got down to the picture I actually think it looks pretty good. But be careful about the smell like others have said…
Also, another option is just having smaller bouquets with same amount of actual flowers you used in your trial. That way you wouldn’t have to worry about the smell…
Miss Lollipop,
I love the broccoli. I think it is unique and whimsical, and refreshingly odd. Have you considered carrying a cauliflower bouquet in white and having the bridesmaids carry broccoli green?
Very original, Miss Lollipop! I love the oranges and whites with the varying shades of green. Especially the dark green. If you’d like to keep the brocolli, instead of having a whole head in the middle perhaps you can divide it into smaller sections about the size of the chyrsanthemums and randomly position them in the bouquet? Or you could replace the brocolli with dark green leaves seen on some rose bushes.
OK, obviously take everyone’s comments with a grain of salt (the plus and minus about opening blogging about your plans — some people won’t love it). I don’t love it either. but if you love it than cool.
I’ve seen cabbage in table flowers — maybe you’re on to something, but the broccoli doesn’t “do it” for me. Maybe some other veggies? Do a google image search and see if you can get some inspiration that way. GL!
if anyone gets hungry, they can take a bite. 
i think fruits/veggies on smaller pieces (ie. boutonnières, flower girls bouquets, etc) would be cute but not sure about larger bouquets though.
i think everything looks really great! except for the head of broccoli. i think its a original idea but maybe use florets instead of a whole head. just my 2 cents. =)
I appreciate the creativity - but to be honest, this is just too much. And plus, broccoli smells terrible! Why dont you just carry a little hand-tie bouquet of the flowers from that bouquet? You could even put a bunch of mint leaves in it - that would smell great!
I actually really like it. It’s unique and interesting. My only suggestion (not that you asked for any) would be to bring the broccoli out a little farther. Right now it looks like it was just placed in the middle of a small bouquet to make it look fuller. But if you kind of use the broccoli as the crest of a dome of flowers I think it would look more intentional and would better showcase the veggie.
Basically what I’m saying is that it might look more put together if the flowers didn’t extend so far past the head of broccoli. But great idea!
Fruit might smell yummier and be a little more attractive?
The broccoli hunk in the middle is too big and does, like Deb says, look like filler. Maybe use smaller florets? How about dried wheat stalks for texture & variety?
Sorry, but I have to add: And if you take Beano before, there’ll be no gas.
wow i’m surprised by all the anonymous comments, which are usually quite rare.
i actually love the idea - it’s unique and could definitely work. you might try incorporating some beautiful cabbages which look very much like flowers. good luck miss lollipop! love your original ideas.
Are all of the annonymous comments from the same person?
I really like your idea, Miss Lollipop! I think the bouquet looks beautiful.. I love the colors!
I think I would like kale better as a vegetable “flower” for the center. Creative approach, though!
I can’t decide whether I like it or not. But I have to applaud you for your creativity and originality
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Mrs. Lollipop, Pittsburgh Age and Occupation: 26, Computational Linguist Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Project Manager Engagement Date: August 2, 2006 Wedding Date: September 2, 2007 Blogging Since: July 17, 2007 Venue: The PPG Aquarium at the Pittsburgh Zoo About Me: I'm a Pittsburgh transplant who grew up in the deep south. I have a weakness for exotic alphabets, DIY projects, mobster movies and international travel. My fiance and I are both non-native Japanese speakers and we have a bullfrog named Skinny.
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