You know the old saying "necessity is the mother of invention"? Well one of the best things to come out of the whole recession thing, in terms of weddings, is that the necessity of declining budgets, has meant creativity has really come to the fore, and some beautiful yet budget-friendly ideas have developed. In terms of wedding flowers this has meant that old-fashioned, slightly unloved flowers are enjoying a boom in popularity. From hydrangeas to carnations, the old school flowers are back with a bang.

Last year gysophilia or baby's breath as some of you might know it better, was top of the wedding flower trends, but this year there's a new (or old) kid on the block - Astilbe. Astilbe is traditionally, like gypsophila, a filler flower, but its soft and delicate fronds have been   taking centre-stage at many weddings over the past few months and no wonder, as it's pretty, feminine and very easy on the pocket...

Astilbe Bouquets

Like gypsophila, all-Astilbe bouquets have become very popular, the pink tones are like a delicate heather, while an all white astilbe bouquet looks like it's been made by angels. If you still want colour for your own bridal bouquet, astilbe bouquets are also a perfect choice for bridesmaid's posies. If you want to see one in action, check out Show + Tell's film of Lou & Louie from Blackbox Photography's Trash the Dress, guarantee you fall in love...

A little bit of Astilbe

If you prefer a mix of flowers to work with your colour palette, astilbe is a great filler in a bouquet, it adds depth and with to a bouquet, and pairs perfectly with old-fashioned big headed blooms like peonies and old English roses. Light grey-greens, pinks and peach tones are ideal for a little astilbe addition.

Astilbe Wedding Decor

Delicate fronds of astilbe lend themselves perfectly to the 2012 luxe-boho diy look, with mixes of bottles and jars on the tables instead of large arrangements, and huge bunches of astilbe work beautifully as a side arrangement on a dessert table or by the bar. My favourite idea though is the pretty little posy of astilbe on the bride's chair - tied with a simple ribbon, what could be prettier?

Image Credits:

All Astilbe Bouquets - La Partie Events | Belathee Photography | Pictilio via Style Me Pretty |  Natalie Shelton via Green Wedding Shoes

A Little Bit of Astilbe -  Jose Villa Photography via Style Me Pretty |  Amelia Johnson Photography via The Bride’s Cafe |Brooke Keegan via Style Me Pretty |  White Lilac

Astilbe Decor - Southern Weddings | Martha Stewart Weddings | JAC Photography  via Style Me Pretty