stop and smell the flowers

You're right-flowers are so expensive! But no theres nothing wrong with wanting to get fake for the church and reception. You definitly want real for the wedding party b/c thats whos going to be in all of the pics. Maybe you can do something a little more "funky" on the tables so no one really notices the fake flowers! Or maybe just get real ones for the head table.

You can also save money on flowers if you limit your flowers to those that are "in season" and don't have to be shipped from crazy places. Look at see what is going to be in bloom in the US around the time of your wedding.

The last three weddings I have been to did the exact same thing: real for the wedding party and fake for everything else.

Try buying your flowers and making your own bouquets. You will save a ton of money. You can order bulk flowers through Walter Knoll, or even Sam's Club. I saved about $400 on doing this and did all my flowers for the wedding for only $200!