Assuming you find one that does sell to just anyone (if you’re not getting taxed I think that’s illegal, btw), remember you will probably have to buy in bulk. While roses come just a few dozen to the bunch, filler, greens, floral foam and most other staples come in huge bunches and boxes.

Also remember that you’ll still have to arrange everything yourself. When you buy from a florist, you are paying for skill as much as the flowers.

I also agree that many places mark up for weddings. I also have to point out that it’s because brides are picky, cranky, and way more work than they should be. In floral work, much of the ‘wedding tax’ is the need to buy more flowers so that the florist can use only the best quality. Heaven forbid those white roses should be anything but pristine.

THAT said, I offer an alternative for cheap wedding flowers. Get them from your grocery store. A lot of grocery stores do full service (drop off, set up, pick up) weddings. They’re generally cheaper than more of a boutique florist. You’ll want to shop around with this as there’s a larger variety in skill. Ask to see pictures of their past work. Otherwise, it should be fairly similar to any other florist where you sit down and have a consultation.

Another thing that can save you money is sticking with just a few different flower types. The more variety, the more flowers (in bulk) the florist has to buy. Unusual flowers can sometimes cost more and out of season flowers always do. Going with wide open roses will mean you have to use fewer of them and they’re older roses that won’t last as long which can net you a deal as well. Pin on corsages are sometimes smaller and cheaper than wrist corsages. (Use two vertical pins from inside the clothing. One from the top straight down into the stem and one from the bottom straight up. Counter intuitive, but works best) Any decorations with same day set up will cost more. Aisle runners are stupid unless you’re outside and really need one. I could probably go on, but I’ll stop now.