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How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost

Wedding flowers play a big part in the overall feel of the wedding day. They can also take up a chunk of the overall wedding budget, depending on the flowers chosen and the amounts.

Let’s look at the average cost of wedding flowers, so you can get an idea of what could be the cost of your wedding flowers.

boutonnieres, corsages inside a delivered box.

How much do wedding flowers cost?

The average cost of wedding flowers varies greatly, but in the United States, it is around $2500. This is based on the wedding flower budget usually being around 8-10% of the overall budget. In 2021 the average cost of a wedding was $28,000.

The wedding flower budget is made up of many floral arrangements, not just the bridal bouquet costs. If you want your wedding floral arrangements to feature extravagant installations, the cost of flowers will rise a lot. Let’s have a more in-depth look at how the wedding flower budget can be broken up.

The average wedding flower cost

These are some average price points. Bear in mind that a lot of the cost depends on the flower types. It also depends on if any of the floral pieces are homemade.

  • Bride’s bouquet $150-250
  • Bridesmaid bouquets (each): $60-80
  • Boutonnieres (each): $20
  • Wrist corsage (each): $25
  • Reception flowers: $50-500
  • Flower girl flower petals: $25
  • Ceremony structures/ altar arrangements: $500-$2000
  • Head table florals: $100-1,500 
  • Cake flowers: $150
  • Flower crowns: $100

How to save money on wedding flowers

The types of flowers, how they’re used, and how they’re arranged all play a factor in the total cost of the floral budget. Another factor is the wedding party size and the number of floral items needed for each person. Here are some ways to save costs.

empty sweetheart Table at wedding.

Use in-season flowers

Choosing seasonal flowers that are also locally grown will save a lot more money than choosing flowers that needed to be specially shipped in for the day. The availability of a certain type of flowers can change a lot. Even week to week and this can really affect flower costs.

Flower growers are at the mercy of the elements. Sometimes a recent storm or drought can affect the availability and cost of flowers. It’s helpful to be open-minded to using what is available. Be aware that your favored flower might not be the right choice.

Choose lots of foliage

Bulking bouquets and centerpieces out with more greenery than blooms is a great way to cut down some floral expenses. Eucalyptus leaves, olive branches, ferns, Queen Anne’s lace, or herbs like rosemary are just a few greenery ideas.

They are cost-effective, beautiful, and bring a great natural look to the wedding flower arrangements. The bonus is that you can forage for a lot of these too, therefore cutting those costs completely!

Reusing your ceremony flowers

This is a great cost saver. You can reuse the gorgeous floral arrangements used in your ceremony for the reception too. Ceremony flower arches can be reused as a backdrop for a flower wall at the reception.

Smaller moveable flower installations used at the ceremony can be laid on the head table. Or, they could be broken up into smaller table centerpieces. You’ll need to think about the logistics of moving these flowers though, who will do it, and when.

Use more expensive flowers sparingly

If there is an expensive flower variety you simply must have, use it sparingly. Mix it with some less costly types. Ask your florist for flowers that complement your main flower and still let it shine. Garden roses are beautiful when paired with some elegant greenery like eucalyptus or some hanging green amaranthus.

Peonies and orchids can be complemented with some dainty baby’s breath. There will surely be beautiful flowers you haven’t even thought about yet.

A lot of flower bouquets at the florist shop on the table made of hydrangea, roses, peonies, eustoma in pink and sea green colors

Make your own bouquets and centerpieces

Homemade florals will save money, but do ensure that you have the time to make these. Especially if you’ve got a large number to get through! Buy the flowers from wholesalers rather than your local grocery store, so you can get the lowest price.

You’ll need to think about how you will get the flowers to the venue. Who will set them up before the ceremony starts? It’s likely not going to be the bride or groom. You will need a friend or family member with an eye for detail.

The flowers will also need to be kept cool, watered, and fresh as they are transported.

Use artificial flowers

These days artificial flowers can be made to look super realistic. They can be a great option to incorporate into a wedding bouquet. You can use a mix of artificial flowers and fresh flowers to help save costs.

When using artificial you can choose the most expensive flowers to be artificial. Mix them with the less costly fresh flowers.

Beautiful wedding table decoration and setting in rustic / village style. Italian wedding.

Working with a floral designer

If you choose to work with a local florist, they can bring many great elements to the table and ensure your big day is beautiful. Here are some things to discuss with your florist.

  • What flowers does the florist recommend based on your wedding color palette, budget, and time of year?
  • The reception space. Is there room for an archway or any floral features? Does your florist create these and set them up?
  • Would they work with the cake designer and add flowers to the wedding cake?
  • Will a tossing bouquet be provided, or is that an extra fee?
  • Can they recreate a bouquet and/or centerpiece from an inspirational picture?

Further reading: Essential questions to ask a wedding florist.

Final thoughts

Wedding florals can eat up a large chunk of the wedding budget. The floral cost is made up of many individual costs, ranging from the bridesmaid’s bouquets to the wedding ceremony florals to the centerpieces.

Though on average the total cost is around $2500, this depends on many factors such as the availability of flowers and how many are used.

Costs can be cut by using in-season florals, greenery, or reusing some of your wedding florals. Working with a florist can help you determine which flowers are in season, the number of flowers needed, and the type of arrangement best suited for your wedding day.

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