Posted by Jules Sandlin
12 minutes to readTable of Contents
- Swap Dahlias for Big Focal Mums or Zinnias
- Replace Toffee Roses with Warm-Toned Alternatives
- Choose Hardy Flowers Over Heat-Sensitive Varieties
- Trade Peonies for Open Garden Roses
- Get Creative with Carnations for Lisianthus or Poppies
- Stay Open to Color Palette Substitutions
We know how important it is for florists and event designers to have the right flowers at the right time. Sometimes when you're working with nature, availability and pricing can shift, especially during the upcoming fall season. Another pain point for florists is clients wanting a specific vision without the budget to fit it (champagne taste with a beer budget). This is why having smart substitution strategies is essential not only for yourself, but for the sake of your client’s expectations. The good news? You can maintain the beauty, quality, and overall aesthetic of your designs with a few creative and cost-effective swaps.
Here are some of our favorite flower substitutions that save the day when certain blooms are unavailable or out of budget.
Swap Dahlias for Big Focal Mums or Zinnias
Dahlias bring bold texture and presence, but when they’re limited or pricey, big focal mums or zinnias are fantastic alternatives. These flowers offer a similar size and richness, with excellent vase life and color variety, perfect for statement arrangements and bridal bouquets. Don’t be afraid to paint mums for installations. If the couple loves dahlias, pop one in their bouquets, but use more cost and heat effective mums painted in their colors for dramatic effects in installations.
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Replace Toffee Roses with Warm-Toned Alternatives
Toffee roses have become a designer go-to, but when they’re not an option, try subbing with toffee-colored amaranthus, copper beech foliage, or rust-hued mums. These substitutions maintain the same cozy, autumnal tone while being more readily available and often more affordable. Painted roses are often readily available as well in these tones. More rose options in lieu of toffee roses include Cappuccino, Sand Dune, Golden Mustard, Cafe Latte, Coffee Break, and Earth spray roses.
Choose Hardy Flowers Over Heat-Sensitive Varieties
Heat-sensitive blooms like hydrangeas can be tricky in warm weather, no matter how well you condition them. For a longer-lasting arrangement or installation, swap in sturdier options like roses, carnations, or mums, which perform well under pressure, and are less prone to wilting.
Trade Peonies for Open Garden Roses
Peonies are crowd favorites for their lush texture, but they aren’t always in season or in budget. Itoh peonies in particular can be rare and expensive. A great substitution? Garden roses such as fully open Candelight. Their full, layered petals and soft round shape mimic the look of an Itoh peony, especially in warm-toned palettes. Similarly, open garden roses like White O’Hara work well as peony stand-ins in various colors, offering a romantic, ruffled look that brings elegance to any bouquet.
Get Creative with Carnations for Lisianthus or Poppies
Looking for a lisianthus alternative? Carnations with the centers pulled out can mimic the same delicate, open look with a slightly more durable build. Want to emulate the poppy's charm? Try this trick: pull the center of a carnation, then glue a button mum in the middle. It’s a creative and playful solution that captures the poppy’s signature style while offering better availability and longevity.
Stay Open to Color Palette Substitutions
One of the best ways to stay flexible, stress-free, and successful in floral design is to think in color palettes, not specific blooms. Encourage your clients to be open to items that match their theme and vibe. This flexibility allows for more creative freedom, often reduces costs, and opens the door to unique combinations your client might not even know exists. And when all else fails, “Just For Flowers” paint can come in very handy!
To explore your options, we have created autumn color palettes for you to fit your needs. Check out our Fall Mood Boards for inspiration for your fall arrangements.
Fall wedding and event season is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to pre-order your flowers. Planning early ensures better selection, price stability, and time to think through any necessary substitutions with confidence. Need help planning your orders or finding the right subs? Our experienced team at iBuyflowers is here to help!
Let’s make this season stunning and stress-free.
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Jules Sandlin
Jules Sandlin is a seasoned florist with over a decade of hands-on experience in the floral industry. As our go-to content creator, Jules brings her extensive knowledge of all things floral to the digital world, having spent the last two years honing her content creation skills. Her unique blend of practical floristry expertise and creative writing flair allows her to craft engaging, insightful content that resonates with fellow floral professionals. When she's not writing, you can find Jules elbow-deep in petals and stems, constantly exploring new floral designs and techniques. Through her articles, Jules aims to inspire and educate, helping florists across the country bloom in their businesses.
