Five Simple Tips for Decorating with Flowers on a Budget
Do you love flowers but think you can’t afford them? Today we’re sharing our top 5 tips for decorating with flowers on a budget!
As much as I love a stunning and complicated floral arrangement, that isn’t really something I gravitate to. That’s fine for a hotel lobby or an elegant wedding, but at home I prefer things a little simpler.
And lucky for me, that also equals cheaper! 😉
One of the questions I get asked the most on Instagram is how to decorate with flowers on a budget, so today I thought I’d share some of my best tips. It’s actually easier than you think!
Let me clarify. None of these are earth-shattering secrets. But, they are the things that work for me. You see, for years I never bought fresh flowers at all! It’s kind of hard to believe, even for me, but they always seemed like such an extravagance. However, because they are something that I love so much, I found a way to make it work for me!
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for my full disclosure policy.
Tip One: Set a Budget
Okay, this may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this! You must set a budget. If fresh flowers are something you want in your life on a regular basis, then you need to set an amount that you want to spend on them. And it is entirely up to you.
One person might spend $50 a week and be comfortable with that, while someone else may only have $5 a week to spend. This needs to be an amount you’re comfortable with.
When I first decided to buy flowers on a regular basis, I knew I needed to stay within a budget. So I started looking at some of the things I could do without.
If you think you can’t afford it, perhaps think of something else you buy that you could give up. Do you get weekly manicures that could be reduced to every other week? Or are you a Starbucks junkie who buys coffees almost daily? Those little “extras” can really add up. Just cutting those down some could provide you with fresh flowers every week!
Tip Two: Buy in Season
Another thing that helps you to save money is to buy what’s in season. Sure, Whole Foods has peonies in December, but they’re a fortune! If you stick with what’s in season, it’s always going to be more affordable.
I love peonies, but because of their price, I only buy them in the spring. Same with ranunculus. One great place to get amazing prices on flowers that are in season is at a farmer’s market. If you have any locally, they are frequently a great budget choice for fresh flowers.
These people are small businesses, which I love supporting. And they only carry what’s growing now – they aren’t shipping tulips from the Netherlands in May! Also, if you go late in the day they’ll often barter and give you better prices because they’re trying to lighten the load they take home (much like a flea market).
And sometimes you can even develop a relationship with them. There’s one sweet older gentleman I buy from and he sells roses. Last week when I went to buy two dozen, he gave me two dozen more – for free!
Tip Three: Buy at the Grocery Store
If you can’t find a farmer’s market where you are, or you simply can’t get there every week, try the local grocery store. It’s amazing what they carry nowadays! Their flowers are reasonably priced, and sometimes they even have a clearance section with some that are drastically marked down.
And of course if you have a Trader Joe’s near you, then you’re really in luck! Trader Joe’s has hands-down the best prices out there (second only to a farmer’s market). Their flowers are gorgeous, affordable, and they carry a pretty great selection most of the time. I’ve had great luck getting the majority of my flowers there and it’s definitely the first place I usually stop.
Tip Four: Don’t Forget Flowering Plants
Probably one of the best ways to decorate with flowers on a budget is to buy flowering plants. There are several containers in my home that are long and low and I can’t really do fresh cut flowers in them, so I buy flowering plants instead.
And even if they are $10 rather than the $5 I typically spend on cut stems, they still save me money in the long run. I often buy two $10 hydrangeas and put them in the antique urn in my dining room and if they last three months, I’m way ahead of the game. That’s only about $7 per month for gorgeous live flowers! A win-win for sure!
Tip Five: Go Outside
This may be the biggest budget tip yet! If flowers are important to you and you can’t afford to buy them, then get them from your yard. By planting roses, peonies, hydrangeas or any of the other popular flowers in the stores, you will have your own regular supply – all on a budget!
The great thing about having flowers growing in your yard is that the only money you’ll spend is your initial investment. After that, every flower is free!
We have a ton of iceberg roses growing in our front yard, yet until last year, I never clipped them to bring inside! Then last spring I was doing a tablescape for the blog and didn’t have time to go get flowers. I decided to grab my clippers and brought some roses inside.
I couldn’t believe I had never done that before! Iceberg roses are rather floppy, floribunda types so I had never thought of putting them in a vase, but they looked great, and they lasted for over a week!
I hope you found this helpful and that it inspires you to bring some fresh flowers into your own home! Decorating with flowers on a budget can easily be achieved by utilizing some, or all, of these tips.
Whether it’s a splurge on some peonies, a bunch of grocery store flowers, or even a flowering plant, flowers can bring so much joy! They can brighten up a whole room, and can even lighten a mood. To me, the psychological and emotional benefits are well worth the investment.
I’d much rather spend my extra money on flowers than on a Starbucks!
You can see more tips all about styling flowers in my How to Decorate with Flowers: Six Easy & Stylish Tips!
Shop the Post
Happy Spring
Sheila
xo
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more decorating ideas and inspiration below:
50+ Fabulous French Farmhouse Finds at Amazon
How to Decorate with Flowers: Six Easy & Stylish Tips
50+ Fabulous French Country Finds at Walmart
How to Find French Farmhouse Antiques for Less
Loved these tips! It’s great to see that decorating with flowers doesn’t have to break the bank. The idea of using seasonal blooms and foraging from my garden is something I can’t wait to try. Thanks for sharing!
I enjoyed this article as I’ve recently started to keep fresh flowers in my kitchen. I’ve found that the less expensive flowers last longer (at least for me) and I buy the bouquets that are a singular flower type that way they all die at the same time and I just buy a whole new bouquet instead of replacing and rearranging as each flower dies. I also liked seeing the different vessels you use to display them.
Thanks so much Jill! And I agree, I really like a single flower type – always looks a little more chic!
Sheila
I absolutely loved these tips! It’s amazing how you can elevate a space with just a few flowers without breaking the bank. I especially appreciate the idea of using seasonal blooms; it really helps keep costs down. Can’t wait to try these suggestions in my own home! Thank you for sharing!
Great tips! I love how you emphasized using seasonal flowers; it really makes decorating more affordable. I’ll definitely try some of these tricks for my upcoming dinner party. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! I love how you emphasized creativity over cost. I’m excited to try using seasonal flowers and repurposing old containers. Thanks for the inspiration!
Loved these tips! I never realized how simple it could be to elevate my space with flowers on a budget. Can’t wait to try the repurposing idea!
I absolutely loved these tips! Floral decorating can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially on a budget, but your ideas make it so approachable. I’m excited to try using seasonal flowers and repurposing old vases. Thanks for the inspiration!
I loved reading this post! The tips are so practical and easy to implement. I never realized how affordable creating beautiful floral arrangements could be. I can’t wait to try these ideas to brighten up my home! Thank you for sharing!
Loved these tips! It’s amazing how just a few simple arrangements can brighten up a room without breaking the bank. Can’t wait to try the grocery store flowers idea!
Loved these tips! I never thought about using flowers from my backyard – I don’t know why! Thanks for the inspiration!
Loved these tips! It’s amazing how just a few flowers can brighten up a space without breaking the bank.Thank you!
Loved these tips! It’s amazing how something as simple as flowers can transform a space without breaking the bank. Can’t wait to try the DIY arrangements!
Beautiful and helpful blog.
Thank you
Thanks so much Kathy! So glad you stopped by!
Sheila
Your ideas of the different containers/vases/jars, etc., are very inspirational! I’ve had luck finding some at HomeGoods, too. Granted, I shop there at least 2-3 a week, and only on Tues-Thurs., mid-day, when merchandise is put out and and very few shoppers at the store, lol.
I love fresh flowers and Trader Joe’s is my go to for my indulgence. I also cut many herbs from my garden, and I think adding them extends the life of fresh flowers when I use them in an arrangement. I also change the water every day and snip off the ends a wee bit which helps to keep them fresh. I also get trimmings from shrubs when my hubby shapes them, so for me there are many possibilities. Having flowers in my home are instant mood changers. 💕
Greens for fillers add texture and interest. Here in southern California we have rows of eucalyptus growing along the roadside. I also have evergreen oaks, leather leaf ferns and laurus nobils as hedges in my yard. Rosemary (the upright Tuscan blue variety) smells lovey and adds an interesting texture. In the spring, Walmart often has flowering bulbs for half the price of Trader Joe’s.
Your suggestions on what flower pots to use to keep decorations within a budget were really helpful. With how much I want to commit to buying a new house, having a budget-friendly way to decorate it with my favorite things in the world, which are flowers, is very nice.
I’m so glad my ideas provided you with some inspiration! Thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
I love your blog and have stole many of your ideas. Have also purchased many of your suggestions.
Do you put vases inside your containers?
Hi Karen and thank you so much! And yes, some of them I do. Especially the vintage urns and old buckets as most of them I don’t trust not to leak on my furniture! New vases or glass ones I leave alone, obviously.
thanks for stopping by and for your kind words!
Sheila
Beautiful post full of inspiration and great tips.
Flowers all flowers always brighten dark days
they are medicine to Our soul! How quickly
Our lives were compromised In so little time!
Flowers indeed are needed now more
Than ever…thank you for sharing.
Be safe and stay well.
What a lovely comment – thank you so much!! I couldn’t agree more. It’s a trying time for sure, and the comforts of home (including fresh flowers) are a balm for the soul.
I’m truly touched by your comment and am so glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Sheila
Fresh flowers are almost always on my grocery list and its fun to add some from my garden when I can. Unfortunately there are still snow banks here but I did see a bit of a green bulb pushing through yesterday. Can’t wait!
I’m so sorry you still have snow – but here’s to some warmth (and blooms!) soon. thanks so much for stopping by!
Sheila
Beautiful, Sheila! I agree, I’d much rather spend money on flowers than a coffee. It’s a great idea to add it to your weekly budget!
Hugs, Jamie
Yes, me too! I finally made it part of my budget and am so glad I did!
Thanks Jamie!
Such great tips! This was a feast for my eyes!
Aww you’re a doll! Thank you Cami – hope you’re hanging in there my friend!
Sheila
xo
Yes! I’d so much rather spend money on flowers! Your photography is stunning1
Happy day!
karianne
Aww thank you so much my friend! And yes, flowers are essential 🙂
Sheila
xo
This is such great information, Sheila, and I concur! Lovely post!
Thanks so much Holly – I so appreciate it!
Stay safe and well 🙂
Sheila
xo
I adore flowers and wish I could have multiple bouquets around the house everyday. Your ideas were fantastic and love all of your photos. So beautiful. Thanks!
I feel exactly the same way Cindy! They add so much to life, don’t they?
Thanks so much for your kind words and for stopping by!
Sheila