How to Figure Out Your Wedding Flower Budget

One of the key elements that can bring your wedding vision to life is the floral arrangements. However, because flower pricing is so specific to your wish list, it can be a bit tricky to nail down what your budget should be. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you figure out your budget for wedding flowers, ensuring your big day is beautiful without financial stress.

1. Understand the Average Cost

Before diving into the specifics, it's helpful to know the average cost of wedding flowers. Typically, couples spend around 8-10% of their total wedding budget on flowers. Now, depending on how much of a priority your flowers are you can adjust this percentage!

2. Determine Your Priorities

Not all flowers are created equal, and different elements of your wedding will require varying levels of floral investment. Here is a general list of all the flowers you’ll need for your wedding day:

Personal flowers: bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, flower crowns, etc. (See this blog post about everyone who should get flowers on your wedding day!)

Ceremony flowers: ceremony arch or altar arrangements, aisle decorations or pew decorations, entrance decor, etc.

Reception flowers: cocktail hour flowers, escort table/seating chart flowers, guestbook/gift table flowers, centerpieces, cake flowers, sweetheart or head table flowers, installations, bar flowers, etc.

3. Understand costs

The cost of your wedding flowers will depend on several factors. The price quoted in your floral proposals includes more than just the flowers themselves. It covers the care and conditioning each specific flower requires (some more than others), the supplies and materials needed to create the final arrangements (such as wire, foam, floral tape, etc.), the accompanying hard goods to complete the design (like ribbon, vases, candles, etc.), and the time and skill required to design each piece, store it, and care for it until the wedding day. Due to these varying factors, there isn't a one-size-fits-all pricing for each item. However, to help with setting expectations and figuring out a budget, we’ve listed general price ranges for each item.

Marrier Bouquet $250-400

Attendant Bouquet $75-200

Boutonnieres$14-20

Corsages $40-50

Flower Crowns $60-150

Altar Pieces $300+

Pew/aisle decor $40+

Low Centerpiece $275+

High Centerpiece $550+

Candlelight Centerpiece $150+

Installations $1000+

4. Consult with a Florist

If you’re already feeling overwhelmed—don’t worry! A professional florist can provide valuable insights into what’s feasible within your budget! Schedule consultations with a few florists to discuss your vision and get quotes. Florists can also suggest alternatives that align with your aesthetic but may be more budget-friendly.

5. Create a detailed flower budget

Once you have a clearer idea of costs and priorities, create a detailed floral budget. Break down the costs for each element and multiply it by the size of your wedding. For example, the average cost of bridesmaid’s bouquets x how many bridesmaids you have, or the average cost of 6 low centerpieces and 6 high centerpieces to give you an idea of the cost for 12 centerpieces at your reception.

6. Factor in Additional Costs

Don’t forget to include additional costs such as delivery, setup, and breakdown fees. These can add up quickly and should be factored into your overall budget.

7. Be Flexible and Open to Adjustments

Finally, be prepared to make adjustments! You may find that some of your initial choices are outside your budget, but with flexibility and creativity, you can still achieve a stunning floral display. As you continue planning you may find that your choices in other categories such as your linens, cake, entertainment, etc. might free up more budget to spring for more flowers.

Planning a wedding is a journey filled with decisions, and setting your floral budget is just one piece of the puzzle. We highly recommend working with a planner to help you determine budgets, find vendors that align with your style and budget, and decide where your priorities lie. We always work closely with our clients to create a dream vision that fits within their budget. Our team is here to make suggestions on flowers and ideas that suit your budget or help identify where we can trim back without sacrificing the overall aesthetic you're striving for. With careful planning and a bit of creativity, your wedding flowers will be a stunning highlight of your special day!

Ready to bring your floral vision to life? Schedule a consultation with us today and let’s start planning your perfect wedding flowers!