Slash your wedding's floral budget

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Do you know how to make it look like you splurged on your wedding, when your really saved?

Last week, News 4's Melissa Holmes gave you tips from the experts for saving on the reception. Now, how to slash the floral budget.

Beautiful floral bouquets and centerpieces can blow you away, but they can also blow your budget.

"It's a lot more than I thought it would be," said Carly Swanick.

Florists revealed their secrets to Holmes and said if brides scale back the size of the bouquets or use more greens and filler- no one will really know. They also say stay away from expensive flowers like orchids and calla lilies. Roses are mid range. Gerber daisies and mixed pomps are even less expensive.

Floral centerpieces can be very expensive, think $30 and up per table. So florists admit it might be smart to stay away from floral centerpieces and do candles or votives instead, and just spend the money on flowers for bouquets.

Or trick your guests and go silk instead.

Sue Bonfiglio of Afloral.com said, "It's affordable. It's a fraction of the cost of fresh."

Brides or their crafty friends make their own bouquets or buy pre-made bouquets at places like www.afloral.com .

Bonfiglio said, "We have bouquets that start at $9.99. Boutonnieres that start at $1.29,so it does not have to be expensive."