Flowers are an integral part of most weddings. They set the aesthetic tone and bring color, fragrance and beauty to the event. But flowers can also be a significant expense. Determining what to spend on flowers for your wedding can be tricky.
How Much Do Wedding Flowers Typically Cost?
According to surveys by popular wedding sites The Knot and WeddingWire, couples in the U.S. spent an average of $2,300 on wedding flowers in 2020. This accounted for about 8-10% of the overall wedding budget.
Of course, costs vary widely depending on the scale and style of the event, the types of flowers desired and the region. A smaller wedding with simple flowers may spend $500 or less. An elaborate affair with exotic blooms could spend $10,000 or more. Generally, larger weddings in major metro areas have higher flower budgets.
Breakdown by Wedding Flower Category
The cost of wedding flowers is usually broken out into a few key categories:
- Bridal bouquet: $150-$350
- Bridesmaids bouquets: $50-$150 each
- Boutonnieres: $10-$20 each
- Corsages: $20-$50 each
- Ceremony decor: $200-$2,000+
- Reception centerpieces: $50-$150 each
- Altar & ceremony backdrop: $300-$3,000+
The bridal bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets and reception centerpieces tend to be the biggest flower expenses. Ceremony decor and the altar/backdrop pieces also add significant cost for formal weddings.
What Impacts the Cost of Wedding Flowers?
Many factors influence the overall spend on wedding florals. Key considerations include:
Season
Flower prices fluctuate based on availability and demand through the year. Blooms that are in season are typically less expensive. For most of the U.S., flower prices are highest from late spring through early summer when weddings are most popular. They tend to be lower in the winter months.
Flower Types
Some flowers are simply more expensive than others. Rare tropical varieties flown in from overseas will be pricier than locally grown flowers that are abundant. Popular wedding flowers like peonies, garden roses and orchids are usually costlier than daisies, baby’s breath and carnations.
Number of Arrangements
The number of bouquets, centerpieces, ceremony arrangements, etc. needed will factor into the overall budget. Larger weddings require more arrangements and more flowers overall.
Arrangement Size & Elaboration
Larger, more elaborate floral designs with premium blooms will have a higher price tag. A lush, cascading bridal bouquet requires more flowers than a modest nosegay.
DIY vs Professional Florist
Hiring a professional florist to design, source and arrange flowers will be pricier than a do-it-yourself approach. But DIY also requires more effort and experience.
Location
Costs range widely based on where you live and where your wedding takes place. Flower prices are typically higher in major metro areas. Having a wedding in a expensive destination location will drive up overall costs including flowers.
How to Create a Wedding Flower Budget
Determining a reasonable amount to allocate for flowers starts with setting your overall wedding budget. Typical spending on flowers ranges from 5-15% of total budget. From there, follow these steps:
- Research average flower costs in your location using online cost tools.
- Decide which flower elements are highest priority, like the bridal bouquet.
- Determine estimated quantities needed for bouquets, centerpieces etc.
- Get quotes from a few florists for the style and elements you want.
- See where florist quotes fall within your ideal budget.
- Adjust quantities, size, flower types if needed to meet your budget.
Remember, you can always add other decorative elements besides fresh flowers to create beautiful wedding decor within budget. Some options are:
- Fabrics – linens, table runners, chair sashes
- Balloons
- Paper decor – pom poms, lanterns, fans
- Candles and lighting
- Greenery garlands
Where to Allocate Your Wedding Flower Budget
When planning wedding flowers, it’s important to determine your must-have elements and prioritize spending accordingly. Here are recommendations on where to invest your floral budget:
Bridal Bouquet: High Priority
This is the most visible and symbolic flower piece. Photos of you holding your bouquet will be cherished forever. Allocate 10-15% of total budget.
Ceremony Backdrop: Medium Priority
A beautiful ceremony backdrop creates a focal point for the wedding. But it’s primarily seen during the ceremony. Spend 5-10% of budget if it’s important.
Reception Centerpieces: Medium Priority
Centerpieces are seen by all guests, but many details are often overlooked. Invest 5-15% for simple, elegant pieces.
Bridesmaids Bouquets: Low Priority
These are in photos, but are typically smaller and less elaborate. Keep them simple by spending just 5% or less here.
Boutonnieres & Corsages: Low Priority
These tiny arrangements for men and moms are an afterthought for most. Spend just 2-5% of your floral budget here.
How to Save Money on Wedding Flowers
If your floral budget is tight, there are many ways to achieve beautiful flowers while spending less:
- Use flowers that are locally in season
- Choose blooms like daisies, baby’s breath, roses which offer more stem for the price
- Reuse ceremony pieces like altar arrangements at the reception
- Opt for minimal greenery and fillers over elaborate designs
- Limit arrangements to key areas guests will see up close
- Rent ceremony pieces instead of purchasing
- Mix real touches with quality silk flowers
- DIY what you can feasibly make like boutonnieres
Cost Saving Tips by Flower Type
| Flower | Cost Saving Tips |
|---|---|
| Roses | Choose locally grown garden roses, limit stems, mix with greenery |
| Peonies | Use selectively as accent blooms, choose ranunculus or garden roses for bulk |
| Orchids | Limit to bouquets and key arrangements, use sparingly |
| Tulips | Choose for seasonal winter or spring weddings |
| Lilies | White oriental lilies offer elegance for less |
| Carnations | Inexpensive filler flower, available year-round |
| Baby’s Breath | Fluffy, full blooms create volume cheaply |
| Daisies | Classic flower with long vase life, great bulk for cost |
Conclusion
Figuring out the right amount to spend on your wedding flowers depends largely on your overall budget and priorities. For most brides, investing mainly in your personal bouquet and ceremony decor delivers the most impact for the cost. Minimize spend on supporting pieces like bridesmaid bouquets and boutonnieres. And take advantage of seasonal and local blooms to stretch your floral dollars further. With smart planning, you can have beautiful wedding flowers that fit your budget.