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Smellies, ya know—flowers, the smelly things.
Going into this whole wedding planning extravaganza, I kept telling myself I don’t want flowers in my decor. Yes for my bouquet and my girls’ bouquets, but not my reception or ceremony decor. Being a frugal bride, I couldn’t justify spending oodles of hard earned moolah on something that wasn’t going to last. Yes, flowers are beautiful, they smell wonderful, and who doesn’t like looking at them, but they’re not very budget friendly. Also, Mr. Handy has very bad allergies, to everything; flowers, grass, trees, pollen, dust, and probably even me. 
He has them so bad his eyes get really dark circles under them, and he gets miserable. So I was desperate to find cute alternatives.
I had these pics stored away for inspiration…
I was dead set on not having flower centerpieces until I started looking up flowers…and it was LOVE at first site. I was seriously missing out on the beautiful, lush arrangements that were suddenly at my fingertips…
I have now learned what my favorite flowers are, and now my computer is filled with pictures like these…
There is just something about peonies that make me feel pretty. They are so full and romantic looking that any bride would love to carry these down the aisle…I know I would.
These beautiful little flowers go perfectly with my white/black theme. Can you see my beautiful girls walking down the aisle holding these beauties?
I have always loved these flowers. They smell amazing and are so pretty. I wouldn’t mind them making an appearance at our wedding.
What’s a girl to do? I still want to incorporate some non-floral arrangements and have some flowers in the there somewhere to protect Mr. Handy’s sensitive self. I love making fun of him. 
Hi! I too have allergies and am a frugal bride. I’m also having a destination wedding and didn’t want the flowers to die and end up in the trash. It was such a waste. I opted for a tall cylinder with branches, hanging candles, 3 more cylinders with floating candles and votives on the table. I thought the glow would be nice and romantic for a winter wedding.
As for your bouquet, I love the anemones as well. I’m incorporating them into my bouquet and then having my girls just have a more simple version of mine (without them). I would steer away from lilys because although beautiful, they have sent me into a sneezing mess with all their pollen.
I love all the pictures you have used to inspire you above, except maybe the fruit. For some reason, I don’t like them as much as the other pictures you have posted.
Good luck!
Love the Fruit & Candles. I have some of the same inspirations for my outdoor destination wedding.
Good Luck!
maybe go with the least smelly option? or centerpieces that tie in just a few flowers (like just a few stems in a collection of pretty vessels/vases). i’d stay away from the lilies — i think they are beautiful flowers but their strong smell gives me really bad headaches (and you might find that’s the case for many of your guests/Mr. Handy). i LOVE LOVE love peonies & anenomes. and i love your inspiration pictures.
I have never seen anenomes like that before. They are gorgeous!
What if you alternated tables with flowers then a non floral centerpiece. That way half your tables would be flowers and that would cut down cost. And the other half would be non floral, tapered candles maybe?! I really like the look of alternating centerpieces.
I was a frugal bride– poor starving students here! But we did our own flowers. Bridal party went to our local farmers market and then we had a very talented friend help us but we only spent $500 and that made 11 corsages/boutonnears (sp), 6 bridal bouquets, 17 table bouquets which we put in mason jars (jars 10/$1.00) and then several large arrangements. I like your ideas, I’m just saying you dont have to give up on the flowers to save money!! It’s doable and you’re getting married in August– prime season to buying flowers from your local market or wherever!
I just wanted to let you know..the lillies that you posted stain on white, so I wouldn’t put them near your dress 
I would recommend ranunculus instead of peonies if you’re trying to save money. Peonies are $400-500 for 100 stems vs $170 for 100 stems of ranunculus.
Check it out: http://www.fiftyflowers.com/product/Peony-Coral-Flower_58.htm
http://www.fiftyflowers.com/product/Red-Ranunculus-Flower_256.htm
Maybe start by taking Mr. Handy to a flower mart and see what flowers don’t bother him. You could mix tables and do some with flowers and candles/fruit/non-flowers and some tables with just the candles/fruit/non-flowers. Just make sure your table has a centerpiece that won’t bother Mr. Handy.
Also, anemonies are not budget friendly most of the year. They’re an early spring flower along with ranunculus and are best right before peonies are usually in season. Just an FYI.
Aw, I’m sorry Mr. H is allergic to pollen! I have allergies too, but took a lot of allergy meds on our wedding day and was fine. I’m sure you will be able to come up with a good work-around!
What about balsa wood flowers or paper flowers? I had quite a few of these images in my inspiration folder but couldn’t find a way to work it into my vision.
Also, what about succulents as a non-pollen floral option? Not sure what your choices are in Jamaica.
I have major flower allergies as well, but have figured out that orchids are allergy friendly! So are lilies that have been de-sexed (i.e. had their stamen removed [the little brown/yellow pollen "bananas"]).
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Miss Handbag, Smyrna, DE/Jamaica Age and Occupation: 25, Administration Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Sales Engagement Date: Christmas Night 2008 Wedding Date: March 2011 Venue: Rosehall Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica About Me: I am a Type A, emotional Italian fireball, who on a weekly basis must be brought back to reality by my level headed, calm, cool and collected fiance. We are planning an intimate, all white with hints of black, vintage inspired wedding on the old sugar aqueducts of Jamaica, with 30 of our closest friends and family flying in to witness the occasion. We are not traditional by any means and will be doing things very differently. :)
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