Average Cost of Wedding Flowers

You’re not alone if you’ve been wondering what the average cost of wedding flowers is for your upcoming wedding ceremony. Many couples need help with knowing how much to spend and where to spend it when it comes to their big day. When you plan out a thoughtful wedding flower budget, consider the costs of using florals for your wedding ceremony, and plan accordingly,  you’ll be surprised at just how affordable it is to work with a florist you love.

Today, we’ll cover all things wedding flower budget, tips to save money on wedding flowers, and how to plan out your decor approach so that you can have an incredible ceremony everyone will enjoy. Read on to learn everything you need to know about your wedding flower budget and more.

Average Cost of Wedding Flowers

It can be tricky to settle on an average cost of wedding flowers simply because every wedding is unique and different and there are a multitude of factors that will contribute to the final price. On average, however, couples will typically spend the following amounts on different types of flowers used for their wedding:

• Bridal bouquet: $250
• Bridesmaid bouquet: $80
• Boutonniere: $20
• Pin-on corsage: $25
• Wrist corsage: $30
• Reception centerpieces: $120-$600
• Flower girl petals: $25
• Ceremony structures: $1,500-$4,000
• Arrangements next to place cards and guest book: $200
• Head table florals: $1,500 
• Sweetheart table décor: $500
• Cake flowers: $150
• Flower crown: $100

While these are the base average numbers according to industry experts, it’s important to keep in mind that the price can fluctuate depending on the type of wedding you have. Some weddings might not require ceremony structure decor while others will have a heavy emphasis on table decor. Typically, the industry standard is that all brides and grooms should allocate roughly 10% – 15% of their wedding budget for any flowers they want to include. 

According to the latest data, the average cost of wedding flowers in 2022 was roughly $3,400. Over the past couple of years, the demand for wedding flowers and the cost of these flowers has steadily increased. 

Factors Affecting Floral Budgets

There are so many different factors that will drive the overall place of your flowers on your big day. One of the most important things to remember about your floral budget is that it is incredibly versatile. You have the power to decide where you incorporate florals and the type of florals you choose. as these will be the main driving factors that affect the final price tag. Other factors that impact the floral budget and the following:

• The type of flowers you use – More expensive flowers and those that are out of season will increase the overall floral cost. More common flowers and those will larger blooms can help bring down costs. 
• The number of flowers you need –  If you are decorating your entire venue with flowers, you can imagine just how quickly the price can jump up. Consider where you need floral decor and accents, and where you can skip out on them entirely.
• The type of bridal bouquet and bridesmaid bouquets you choose – Bridal bouquets are known for having expensive florals while bridesmaid bouquets are typically more muted. If you opt to have all bouquets made with expensive florals, the cost can quickly add up. Additionally, the number of bouquets you need can drive the price up quickly as well.
• Special care of flowers –  Any special care your flowers will need before your big day may also contribute to the price. The price of this special care might also be built-in costs when you opt for specific flowers as well or they may be tacked on separately. 

Money-Saving Wedding Flower Tips

Flowers can quickly get expensive. Luckily, there are so many ways to save on your floral budget without having to sacrifice quality, quantity, and of course beauty. Let’s take a look at some of the top money-saving wedding flower tips you should consider for your wedding

Mix Expensive Flowers with Inexpensive Flowers 

The easiest way to stretch out your budget without sacrificing quality is by mixing expensive flowers with inexpensive ones. Many brides will opt for high-value florals such as orchids and a specific variety of roses such as Dave Austin breeds. 

These flowers are undeniably luxurious but expensive. Mixing them into your floor arrangement with more affordable flowers like baby’s breath, daisies, zinnias, and Queen Anne’s lace are great ways to add bursts of beauty that don’t cost as much as more traditional wedding flowers. 

Consider Using Plants

Opting for plants instead of full-bloom flowers is another way to save costs. Plants incorporate that natural greenery achieved by flowers, all while giving you a beautiful look for both your table settings and overall decor. Some popular plants to consider include succulents, hydrangeas, ferns, and even trailing ivy. 

Incorporating plants like creeping jenny into bouquets and decor can be another great way to add a magical appeal to any wedding decor. 

Reuse Ceremony and Reception Flowers

Don’t pay double the price when you can simply reuse your florals. Reusing the floral arrangements that are put out at your wedding ceremony and relocating them to your reception area is a great way to maximize their use and share their beauty. 

The only consideration you’ll have to keep in mind is that you’ll need someone who will be able to move the decor from one location to the next when the time comes. Depending on your florist, this might be an option they offer. If not, working with your wedding planner can help you determine the best plan of action for moving your florals

Choose Wedding Flowers That Are in Season and Locally Grown

It goes without saying that using locally sourced flowers is one of the best ways to cut down on wedding costs. You can avoid expensive transportation, care, and delivery fees and won’t have to worry about issues with delivery or quality as your florist is nearby.

Additionally, opting to choose florals that are in season will significantly help cut down on costs. For many brides who are getting married during the Spring and Summer months, it can be easy to pick out your favorite florals as most will already be in bloom. For more specific varieties of roses and some flowers, it’s better to shop for these flowers when they are in season. 

Use Lighting and Other Décor Alongside Floral Arrangements

If you have a small floral budget in mind, you can still enhance the overall look of the florals you use by incorporating lighting arrangements. Lighting arrangements add to the overall look and appeal of the florals that are in use. There are so many ways to incorporate lighting with your flowers. some of the more popular include the following: 

• Using tea lighting in vases
• Using hanging lanterns or other hanging light fixtures
• Incorporating a chandelier into your main wedding stage or table. This will draw in and accentuate attention highlighted by the florals in use
• Use portable sconce lighting chick accentuate floral arcs
• Twinkle copper lighting can significantly increase the beauty and appeal offered by any wedding floral decor 

Select a Naturally Beautiful Venue

Sometimes less is more when considering floral decor. One of the best ways to minimize flower usage is by opting for a wedding venue that is already beautiful in its own respect. Whether it’s a beach, a valley with mountain views, or a beautiful vineyard, picking a naturally beautiful venue allows you to highlight the beauty with minimal floral decor. You can still incorporate florals into the overall design scheme, but it does not have to be as elaborate as you might think. 

Use only Certain Types of Flowers

If you can pick a certain type of flower, and stick with that flower and other complimentary greenery, you’ve essentially picked out a floral theme for your wedding. Considering a floral theme that uses an affordable flower type can be a great way to incorporate affordable floral decor into your big day. Consider picking popular types of flowers including daisies, peonies, affordable rose varieties, and other affordable cut flowers. 

Use Tall and Large Flowers

Tall and large flowers that also have big blooms can be a great way to minimize the number of flowers you need all while maximizing the wow factor. Using all flowers with big blooms can be a great way to decorate tabletop spaces, and can even incorporate them into bouquets. The key factor with this tip is that you are maximizing volume in order to minimize the quantity. Less quantity means you’ll be paying less for your floral decor overall. 

Ask for Advice from the Florist

Your florist is there to help. Don’t be shy about asking their opinion on how you can cut costs without sacrificing beauty. Your florist is in the business of helping pair you with the right flowers, but their overall goal is to help you create a beautiful day that you will love (after all, they will appreciate the repeat business). Ask them about their suggestions of affordably priced bouquet arrangements, affordable cut flower types, and other decor questions that you think will influence your overall budget.

DIY a Cheap Wedding Bouquet 

You don’t have to spend big bucks to get a beautiful wedding bouquet. If you are a DIY queen, you can easily craft your own bouquet using cut flowers from your very own garden, or even pre-made bouquets from your local grocer or florist. When assembling your bouquet, don’t just go with the prettiest flower you see. Instead, focus on the color palette, and opt for florals that have a similar color tone. Use online websites like Pinterest and Etsy for inspiration, and get creative as you craft your perfect floral bouquet. 

Buy Wedding Flowers at Wholesale Prices

Who says you have to shop directly from a florist? For many, getting in touch with a gardener directly is a great way to cut out the middleman. Shopping wholesale with a local flower garden, can help you save big while you get beautiful and discounted-priced blooms. 

Create a Focus Piece 

Instead of investing all your floral budget into a variety of pieces that are scattered throughout your ceremony or reception, put your attention toward a focus piece instead. The focus piece can serve as a main display that catches the eyes of all your guests. Believe it or not, having a stellar focus piece can do an incredible job of bringing together the overall beauty of your wedding. A great way to put together a focus piece is by having your main table decorated with a floral arrangement that suits your style. Your wedding photos, speeches, and other central wedding activities will take place around this floral focal piece.

How Has the Cost of Wedding Flowers Changed Over the Years?

The cost of wedding flowers has gone up incrementally over the past couple of years and decades. The rise of social media has led to unfettered inspiration that in turn has helped drive up demand and cost. At the very minimum, many couples will look at the average cost of wedding flowers hovering at just around $2,400. As inflation, the cost of goods, and the demand for flowers continues to rise, this number is only projected to go up.

FAQs 

If you’ve still got questions about your floral wedding budget, you’re not alone. Read on to learn more about commonly asked questions about the average cost of wedding flowers. 

How much of my budget should I allocate to wedding flowers?

Industry experts will tell you that you should spend anywhere between 10% to 15% of your wedding budget on florals. That means If you spent a little more than the national average on a wedding which is roughly about $40,000, you can expect to allocate about $4,000 towards your floral budget. It’s important to remember that just because this is your floral budget, you should still try your best to keep the cost as low as possible. 

Who pays for the wedding flowers?

The budget for your wedding flowers will fall into the overall wedding budget. This expense will typically fall on the shoulders of whoever is paying for the wedding. All weddings are different and some couples may decide to divide costs and have one party pay for flowers while another might cover a different expense. Communicating with your loved ones is the best way to ensure everyone is on the same page as you plan out your big day. 

Who pays for the bridesmaid?

Flowers for bridesmaids including floral bouquets fall under the floral budget. As such, whoever is covering the expenses for the wedding which includes the floral budget will be responsible for the bridesmaid bouquets. Bridesmaids are typically never expected to cover the costs of their own bouquets or any other flowers that you might need during your ceremony or reception. 

What questions should I ask a wedding florist before hiring?

It’s important to pick the right florist as you plan your floral decor for your wedding. Part of this planning means asking the right questions. Some common questions to consider asking your florist include the following:

• Can I see samples of your past work?
• What are some examples you have of the flowers I would like in my wedding?
• What is your average bouquet cost?
• How do you calculate the cost of florals used during a wedding ceremony or reception?
• How much time do you need to set up the floral decor? 
• What other service fees should I be aware of? 

How much should I tip the florist?

Because most florists own their own business, it’s a common practice to tip your florist. When tipping, you should aim for anywhere between $50 to $150. If there are certain individuals who offered more of their services during the setup of the florals, these are the individuals you’ll want to focus your tips on. It’s also important to keep in mind that some florists will already include a gratuity fee as part of your floral  package. Look out for this fee so that you don’t accidentally overtip. 

Final Thoughts 

The average cost of wedding flowers can get pricey. However, with proper planning and ample research, you can minimize costs so that you still get the best wedding possible. We hope this guide has helped you better plan for your big day. Let us know your take on a floral budget in the comments section below!