flowers - silk?

Most often silk flowers that look like the real thing will cost more than the real thing. The idea being that they will last forever. I don't think that it is unrealistic that you can get flowers for your budget. Consider the following guidelines and you will be fine:

1) Find out what flowers are in season at the time of your wedding (local first, then broaden search if you are unhappy)
2) If the season allows-talk to local growers (ex. out east there are many farms and flower stands)