There’s so much that goes into planning a beautiful wedding. However, one of the first decisions you’ll make as you plot out your big day is how much you want to spend on the ceremony and reception. Whether you and your partner are paying for the occasion or your parents are splitting the bill, your total wedding budget will determine how much you can spend on everything from a venue to a dress and/or tux to all your various wedding vendors.
One item that often surprises first-time wedding planners is the average cost of flowers for a wedding. For something so small, they can often come with a hefty price tag. So, how much do wedding flowers normally cost, and how can you save money? Here’s everything you need to know.
What You Will Learn
- How Much Do Average Wedding Flowers Cost?
- Factors That Can Affect Your Wedding Flower Budget
- Types of Flower Arrangements You’ll See at Most Weddings
- How to Save Money on Your Wedding Flowers Cost
- How Much Do Flowers Cost for a Wedding FAQs
- One Cost You Definitely Need to Factor Into Your Wedding Plans: Wedding Insurance
How Much Do Average Wedding Flowers Cost?
According to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of wedding services and activities is $33,000. That may seem like quite a lot of dough to spend, but when you start breaking it down and looking at all your various costs, you may be surprised at how quickly it can all add up.
The same study from The Knot also found that most couples set a flower budget of $2,800. That’s more than most couples spend on a wedding dress and DJ and nearly as much as they may pay for photography services.
But what if you’re not spending $33,000 on your wedding? In that case, your floral budget will be lower or higher in relation to your total spend. Overall, floral costs will likely be about 10% of your total wedding budget. So, if that figure is $10,000, you’ll probably spend around $1,000 on flower arrangements. If your wedding budget is $50,000, you’ll probably spend about $5,000.
Factors That Can Affect Your Wedding Flower Budget
Like everything else to do with a wedding, many factors will impact your costs when it comes to floral arrangements. That list may include:
- Geography
- Seasonal changes/agriculture
- Type of flowers preferred
Geography is a substantial consideration, as the cost of planning a wedding in a big city, or in a very popular destination where demand is high, is always going to be higher than if you were to plan a wedding in a small town, where demand is less.
Additionally, season and weather may impact the average cost of wedding flowers. If you specifically want fresh flowers, as so many couples do, keep in mind that agricultural changes may affect prices since flower harvests are impacted by climate change, bad or good seasons, drought, rainfall, etc.
Of course, what kind of floral décor you choose for your wedding will also impact the overall cost. More elaborate arrangements will naturally cost more than simple arrangements. Certain flowers are more expensive than others, and the more flowers you have throughout your ceremony and reception spaces, the higher the price tag will be.
Types of Flower Arrangements You’ll See at Most Weddings
As you think about your wedding flowers, it may help to remember just how many floral arrangements are typically seen at most weddings. While you may only imagine the bridal bouquet and boutonnieres, there are so many other arrangements that you might purchase, which will impact your costs.
Options that your wedding florist might offer include:
- Bridesmaid bouquets
- Corsages
- Ceremony flowers, including flower girl petals, aisle decorations, altar flowers, and any ceremonial flowers
- Centerpieces
- Floral décor for various reception tables, such as a seating chart display table, wedding cake table, welcome table, dessert table, and/or bar
- Wedding cake flowers
While these are some of the most popular floral options for a wedding, you can certainly add more flowers to the venue, but you can also cut back on specific arrangements you don’t feel you need.
How to Save Money on Your Wedding Flowers Cost
If you’re cringing at the thought of spending 10% of your wedding budget on flowers alone, there are many ways you can decrease the cost of wedding flowers — and don’t worry, you can still have beautiful flowers, even in a budget-friendly way.
1. Limit the Number of Floral Arrangements You Need
Maybe you only place flowers in high-visibility areas or choose a venue that naturally doesn’t need many arrangements. For example, if you’re getting married in an outdoor space, like a garden, the flowers may already be there, depending on the season!
2. Choose In-Season Flowers Sourced Locally
You’ll pay less for local options than you might for imported, shipped flowers. Plus, you’ll be supporting local flower farmers!
3. Choose Arrangements with More Greenery Than Blooms
Fronds, ferns, and similar greenery are more affordable, giving the illusion of bigger arrangements.
4. Be Open to Different Types of Flowers
For example, rather than being stuck on using pink garden roses in your arrangements, talk to your florist about other more affordable flowers they can use while keeping a similar color palette and arrangement shape.
5. Shop Around for the Right Vendor
You should always compare and contrast various vendor options before jumping into a relationship with the very first floral shop you contact. Read their contracts carefully and ensure you fully understand what you’re getting before signing on the dotted line.
Lastly, consider going the DIY route by purchasing bulk flowers and making arrangements yourself. It may take some practice, but you may also find the extra effort worth it if it saves you some cash you can spend elsewhere on your big day.
How Much Do Flowers Cost for a Wedding FAQs
How Much Do Wedding Flowers Normally Cost?
The average cost of wedding flowers in 2023 was $2,800. On average, most couples spend about 10% of their total wedding budget just on floral arrangements.
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Florist for Your Wedding?
When planning your wedding, try to book a florist at least six months in advance. However, you may consider booking your florist as much as a year before your ceremony to get on their calendar.
Where Can You Buy Bulk Flowers to Use In a Wedding?
If you want bulk flowers that you can use to DIY your flower arrangements, you may be surprised to find that you can order them from a range of popular chains, from Trader Joe’s to Costco.
Who Pays for the Wedding Flowers?
Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for the wedding flowers. However, in the modern era, the cost of all aspects of the wedding can be covered by anyone, including the couple themselves. It’s common nowadays for most couples to cover the entire wedding cost.
How Much Should You Tip a Wedding Florist?
Don’t forget to tip your wedding vendors! While much of tipping culture is percentage-based, when it comes to tipping wedding vendors, particularly a florist, a flat $100 is perfectly acceptable.
One Cost You Definitely Need to Factor Into Your Wedding Plans: Wedding Insurance
No matter your wedding budget or floral budget, there’s one cost that you don’t want to ignore. Wedding insurance will ensure that your dream day goes off without a hitch, no matter what.
Vendor cancels at the last minute? A guest damages the venue? Wedding insurance has your back. Check out BriteCo’s wedding insurance options — it’ll be one of the most affordable wedding costs and also one of the most worthwhile.
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Unique Wedding Venue Ideas to Consider for Your Day
What Is Considered to Be a Small Wedding?
Is a Wedding Planner Worth It?
How Much Do Wedding Photographers Cost?
How Much Is a Wedding License?
Tips to Have a Safe Outdoor Wedding
Ideas for a Small Wedding
Common Wedding Day Mishaps and How to Prevent Them
Affordable Wedding Insurance: More Coverage, Less Cost!
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