So, I shared this on theknot.com with the ladies there, but after I posted for some reason I cannot reply.  Maybe it's the wedding mafia at work going "Oh no! We have a rogue bride who has found a way to prevent other brides from spending too much money on their wedding!  We have to put a stop to all her posts!" 

I went to Trader Joes yesterday and they had peonies imported from Chile.  They were charging $6.99 per 3  stems.  That's way less than the local importers who charge $4.50 per stem when they are in season.

FYI:  most flowers purchased for weddings in the US are imported, particurly the large head roses.   Reason is the US has a trade aggrement with most of the South and Central American countries, where the growing conditions are ideal, for them to grow flowers and import them with little or no tarriffs in order to encourage the local farmers to grow flowers instead of drug crops.

I'm confused... why would $6.99 per stem be cheaper than $4.50 per stem??

Oops I meant to say bunch of 3 stems.  $6.99/3 stems. Sorry got all excited and typoed.

ohh!! okay that sounds a LOT better!! thanks for the info!! I love peonies!! =D

oh wow, that's a great deal! i was at the la flower mart and they were charging $15-$20 per bunch (i think there were like 4 or 5 stems in a bunch).

i wonder if they'll have it year round...and cheaper when peonies are in season.

unfortunately probably not!! peonies arent in season for november sooo it'll drive up the pricing! sucks huh!

Right now they have to be imported from Chili, since their typical season runs from middle of April to late July in the Northern Hemisphere.

But alot of flowers are imported now these days.