25 Floral Dupes: Real, Affordable Alternatives to the Priciest Blooms
Dupes (short for duplicates) are all the rage in the beauty world — inexpensive drugstore swaps for those pricey luxury cosmetics. But now, the concept has arrived to the world of flowers. We got the money-saving lowdown from floral designers Karen Greenoe of Lily Greenthumb’s and Maribel Kalata of EightTreeStreet. Check out their lesser-known (and extremely gorgeous) picks for weddings of all seasons and budgets.
By: Amanda Glickman
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Splurge: Peonies -157176
Perhaps the most hyped wedding flower of all, the peony has rightfully earned its place, with endless layers of tissue papery petals that scream romance. But for brides who aren’t up for spending major cash, this flower proves to be quite the letdown: Kalata says that they run from five dollars each, which really adds up if you have a large bridal party. Here’s a florist’s dirty little secret: The peony is super replicable.
Photo Credit: Greyson Steele Photography / Flowers: Lily Greenthumb's
Save: Cherry Blossoms
Kalata also recommends flowering branches like cherry blossom if you’re getting married in early spring — they have that same lush, long presence as dendodriums.
Photo Credit: Basheer Tome/Flickr
Save: Delphinium
Dendobrium orchids can be replaced with stems of delphinium, which Kalata says work perfectly in centerpieces with a modern, bright flair.
Photo Credit: Mollie Tobias Photography / Flowers: EightTreeStreet
Splurge: Orchid
Though the orchid’s "rarity" ranges from grocery store potted plants to priceless jungle blooms, there’s one quality that they all share: expensive. Still, the orchid’s exotic, dynamic looks can be found in a few other flowers a fraction of the cost.
Photo Credit: Jacinta Lluch Valero/Flickr
Save: Yellow Freesia
The first alternative is the freesia. With a delicious perfume and fluffy texture, Kalata loves it for bouquets.
Photo Credit: Teresa Wood Photography / Flowers: EightTreeStreet
Splurge: Stephanotis
While this small, sweet-smelling flower is readily available at most wholesalers, pricing begins about thirty dollars a box. For a flower that’s used mainly as filler, it can be duped quite easily.
Photo Credit: Rivkah Fancher / Flowers: Lily's Greenthumb
Save: Succulent
Another option: Try some trendy succulents! According to Kalata, “They come in all sizes, and in lovely shades of grays, greens, and light purples, perfect for a rustic wedding or a boho beach ceremony.” Added bonus: You can keep them long after the wedding as quirky mementos that requires little to no watering.
Photo Credit: Chris Hunkeler/Flickr
Save: Cockscomb
The cockscomb is especially great for fall brides; it gives that fluffy look of hydrangeas without the extra cost for pretty autumnal hues. “It has a rich variety of gem tones, with hearty big blooms that substitute perfectly," says Kalata.
Photo Credit: Shannon Graham Photography / Flowers: EightTreeStreet
Save: Stock
First, consider the stock flower. It comes in a rainbow of hues ranging from peach to plum to fuchsia. And, according to Greenoe, “if you trim the green tips and tuck them in, forming giant bunches that resemble that signature pom pom ball shape, no one will be the wiser.”
Photo Credit: Teresa Wood Photography / Flowers: EightTreeStreet
Splurge: Hydrangea
Nothing packs a more colorful punch than the hydrangea, but their costs vary greatly. Karen Greenoe shares that they’re “one of the only flowers that are priced based on their color,” so while white and light blue hydrangea tend to be more affordable, the more exotic varieties, like deep purple and fuchsia, are a bit harder on the wallet. However, there are dupes galore with the same cheery fullness.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Save: Tulips
When in doubt (and in lily-related sticker shock), “Try a tulip instead!” says Greenoe. “They come in so many different shades, so you’re sure to find one that fits your wedding colors.”
Photo Credit: Lissa Ryan Photography / Flowers: EightTreeStreet
Save: Easter Lilies
The Easter Lily can be a welcome addition to wedding centerpieces — Kalata substitutes them for calla lilies quite often because their identical trumpet shape is a “guaranteed statement maker!”
Photo Credit: Lall/Flickr
Save: Waxflowers
Kalata also recommends waxflowers, which have similarly-small blooms to lily of the valley. They’re quite the affordable, hardy alternative that work especially well in boutonniéres or as accents in bouquets. Some floral trivia: Waxflowers get their name from the waxy feel of their petals.
Photo Credit: Megan Chase Photography / Flowers: EightTreeStreet
Save: Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are a wonderful, multi-hued alternative with adorable little spindles that add just the right pop of texture to arrangements with florals in various sizes. In fact, this inexpensive bloom is becoming as in-demand as its expensive counterparts, leading suppliers to work hard to grow them year-round. Sweet, indeed.
Photo Credit: Julie/Flickr
Splurge: Lily of the Valley
This delicate springtime bloom is as finicky as it is beautiful: “With a short growing season and a temperamental attitude, they are hard to come by and quite expensive” says Greenoe. It's a good thing there some duplicates with the same sweet, small petals that look straight out of a storybook.
Photo Credit: Allison Kuhn / Flowers: Lily Greenthumb's
Save: White Freesia
Greenoe suggests trying a grouping of white freesia instead of gardenia. “You get a similar fragrance, and they are much sturdier.” It's an awesome pick for venues quite a trek away from the floral designer or wholesaler.
Photo Credit: Britt-knee/Flickr
Save: Camellia
A favorite flower of Coco Chanel’s, the camellia comes in shades of white (as well as pink and red) and lacks a signature heady scent like the gardenia — which can be great for guests with sensitive noses or who appreciate floral designs with fashionable histories.
Photo Credit: Leimenide/Flickr
Splurge: Gardenia
These strongly-scented flowers are often sold individually, and Kalata says that just three stems can cost as much as $25. Between the divisive aroma and the price tag, there are other options that promise the same clean, white floral canvas.
Photo Credit: Critsey Rowe / Flowers: Lily Greenthumb's
Save: Ranunculus
For a smaller bloom with the same signature layered texture as the peony, ranunculus is the way to go. Kalata swears by ranunculus as one of her favorite flowers and especially enjoys incorporating them into boutonniéres. Heads up: they don’t fare well in the hottest months of summer, so plan accordingly!
Photo Credit: Teresa Wood Photography / Flowers: EightTreeStreet
Save: Carnations
Kalata encourages brides to “design your own peony look [by] clustering several stems of carnations.” Blocking the flowers in giant clusters is a super gorgeous and easy way of getting the most bang for your buck, and it doesn’t call to mind the stereotypically-sad carnation bouquet whatsoever.
Photo Credit: Astrid Photography / Flowers: EightTreeStreet
Save: Garden Roses
Garden roses are the best substitute around for peonies, according to Greenoe. “They have such similar ruffly petals and will fool all but the most flower savvy guests at your wedding!” Though garden roses aren’t the cheapest of the peony dupes, they often grow larger than peonies, which means you can use fewer stems for the same dramatic impact.
Photo Credit: Andrea Lynn Taylor / Flowers: EightTreeStreet
