How Much Should I Budget for Wedding Flowers?

With so many people getting married each year, the market for wedding flowers has become highly competitive. If you’re looking to buy your wedding flowers rather than hire a florist, there are plenty of factors to consider. These factors will help you to save money without sacrificing quality and beauty. The average cost of wedding flowers in the United States today is $7,172, according to The Knot’s  study. That’s a lot of money for something most people will toss after the ceremony! So if you want to add some beautiful flowers to your big day, you must understand the many factors determining the final price tag.

Things That Affect the Cost of Wedding Flowers

You might think that the flowers you choose for your wedding day are just aesthetics and don’t impact the overall budget of your wedding. However, you would be mistaken – the cost of wedding flowers can vary drastically depending on some key factors. So knowing these factors can help you plan better and get more bang for your buck in flowers! Here are eight things that affect the cost of wedding flowers, so keep these tips in mind when planning your big day!

Type of Flower Used

The flower you choose for your big day will significantly contribute to your floral budget. Different blooms come with different price tags. So, if you’re trying to stay within a specific budget, choosing a particular type of flower may not work. For example, roses are usually the most expensive flower type but also last longer than other flowers. Lilies and orchids, on the other hand, are cheaper but only last one or two days at most. Gardenias, tulips, daisies, and lilacs are all in the middle range in terms of pricing.

So it’s best to decide which factors are more important to you when deciding what type of flower to use. Do you want your flowers to last as long as possible? Or do you want something more accessible in your wallet? Whatever the case, there is a perfect flower out there for you! In some cases, opting for less expensive flowers can save you money in the long run because you’ll have to buy fewer fresh ones.

Flower Size

The price of flower size is mainly determined by how many flowers there are. The more petals, thorns, and leaves you want, the more expensive they will be. Different materials can also cause price changes – such as high-quality and low-quality silk. For example, an arm bouquet with silk roses may only cost $10, whereas an actual rose bouquet might set a bride back around $200. However, on average, it is expected to spend at least $2 per stem for wedding flowers, depending on what kind of blooms and other materials you choose.

For example, if a bride chooses hydrangeas in her bouquet, which go for about $3 each wholesale, then she should expect to pay anywhere from $6-$9 per arm length. But if she instead chooses peonies that retail for about $4 each wholesale, then she would expect to pay about half that much ($2-$4). It’s essential to keep in mind that those prices are wholesale prices, not including labor costs. Prices fluctuate based on where you purchase your flowers and who makes the arrangement.

Number of Flowers

The more flowers you order, the less per stem you will pay. If ordering fresh, in-season blooms, try to stay with an even number because odd numbers are typically more expensive. Are you picking two colors for your bouquet? Mixing the two colours may be cheaper than buying individual stems. Consider a high, airy centrepiece for your table or dance floor instead of a heavy one. If possible, have your flowers delivered at least two days before the event. They can open up and reach their full potential before being displayed.

Make sure to ask if there is any additional charge for delivery if you have them delivered separately from your other items. Want them closer to the day of? Call ahead and make arrangements with the florist, but know that you will likely pay a rush fee, which is usually 50% over the original price.

Arrangement Style

When deciding on a flower arrangement, think about how you want your guests to experience your arrangements. Do you want them to be serene and luxurious, cascading down a sweetheart table? Or are they more in line with rustic details and whimsical touches? How you answer this question will dictate what flowers to use and the type of container it’s in. For example, if you’re going for a high-end look, choose fresh flowers like roses and peonies. Choose dried flowers or succulents if you want something natural or laid back.

Keep in mind that the shape of your centerpiece may also dictate the shape of its vessel. Tall vases make taller bouquets stand out, while low vases make shorter arrangements feel more at home. Remember that certain materials, such as glass vessels, can break. Therefore, they should only be used for dry flowers because water is not safe for delicate plants.

Additional Services

The price of your flowers depends on two factors: how much you’re paying for them and how many arrangements you need. Understanding these variables, we can list a few other considerations to keep in mind as you plan your floral decor. They are the type of service where you have the ceremony and reception, budget, desired look, and the number of bridesmaids/groomsmen.

Decide How Many Bridesmaids/Groomsmen You Need

When it comes to flowers, more isn’t always better. If you only have one or two bridesmaids or groomsmen, then they will most likely be wearing corsages instead of carrying bouquets. Similarly, if there are not enough attendants to use all the flowers, they may also be trimmed down.

Supplier Quality

Supplier quality is paramount to keep in mind when considering your budget. You don’t want a bride to spend her hard-earned money on wilted, overpriced flowers from a supplier specializing in quantity. Investing a little more is worth it, knowing you’ll get the highest quality flowers possible. If you’re looking for high-quality suppliers, ensure they are certified through AWSAor COE. You can find those certifications listed on their websites!

When speaking with a prospective supplier, ask them about the flowers they specialize in. Also, ask them about what materials they typically use. Request some photos of recent jobs to get an idea of their style. Please find out how many weddings per year they do and what percentage of them are large or small affairs. This will give you an idea about how much experience the florist has working with different budgets.

The Season

The season has a significant impact on the cost. For example, flowers that are in season will be cheaper. Certain flowers have an annual blooming period, so that out-of-season flowers can be expensive. For example, camellias, which are not native to North America, must be imported yearly from Asia or South America. They can cost up to ten times what locally grown flowers would.

Get Your Wedding Flowers on Your Budget

In general, flowers add about $4,000 to the cost of the average wedding, so it’s not an expense you want to skimp on. Luckily, plenty of flowers will fit your budget without making your event look less than spectacular. Read on to learn more about eight affordable wedding flowers and how you can incorporate them into your big day!

Succulents

Succulents can add a rustic vibe to your event and are surprisingly easy to grow. The cost of succulents is only dependent on how many you need! You can find inexpensive, one-day plants at your local nursery. Succulents are also popular on Etsy and Amazon. If you know someone who has some in their yard, ask them if they’ll give them away or sell them for cheap! Ask around before buying online. This is because this will help save money and have greener practices.

Peonies

As the quintessential flower of love, peonies are the perfect flower for an old-fashioned wedding with a country feel. They look beautiful when in full bloom, and they smell divine too! Consider peonies if you want to include all those trendy details without worrying about how much they cost, even if your guests don’t think anything of them. Throw them out after your big day. It will have been worth seeing how gorgeous they make your bouquet! To give these elegant blooms the vintage touch, ask your florist to trim off one inch from each stem. Oh—and keep them away from white gowns!

Hydrangeas

You may not think of hydrangeas as an affordable flower. But they can work as table centerpieces for minimal cost. All you need is artificial flowers and leaves to create this beautiful centerpiece. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t skip out on having some of your favorite blooms at your wedding! Artificial bouquets are becoming increasingly popular. It is because they are so much cheaper than fresh flowers. They also have a longer lifespan. It means you can use them repeatedly without worrying about wilting or spoiling. Another great option is succulents. They’ll add color and greenery to any floral arrangement with minimal expense.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers are not just for country weddings anymore. They add organic beauty to any table or arrangement, and you don’t need many of them to make an impact. Pick some up at your local farmer’s market. The wildflowers exist in different types and colours. They’re available on Etsy and other online vendors if you can’t find any locally. Beware, though – there are many wildflower species out there that aren’t very fragrant! Do your research before picking out the ones you like. And remember to keep in mind the time of year when ordering. For example, many lilacs will only be in bloom during May and June. And lastly, it’s essential to know that the same name may call more than one type of flower. So while I’ve been referring throughout this post only to lilacs, you may also come across Syringa vulgaris or Lilium.

Silk Flowers

Do you have your heart set on a stunning bouquet but feel you’ll never be able to afford it? There are still many alternatives if you’re trying to keep costs down because of tight finances. One way to cut back is by substituting real flowers with silk ones. They may not sound as satisfying, but they’re surprisingly affordable. They also can come in colors other than white. The best part is that they’ll never wilt! And if you love the look of real flowers but don’t have much money to spend, go for ikebana arrangements.

They typically cost less than $10 apiece and only require a few simple materials. Jute twine, vase, stones (optional), and water – which you can find at any craft store. Ikebana arrangements look just as beautiful as they do naturally. So, no one will know the difference.

Roses

Roses are the traditional symbol of love. It’s easy to see why- their magnificent shape and delicate scent combine for something breathtaking. A single rose can make for an incredibly romantic gesture. But to keep your ceremony within budget, you may want to consider some less expensive options. Most importantly- don’t forget to consider what kind of flower will work best with your venue’s décor. These flowers will add an extra touch to your vases.

Calla Lilies

Calla lilies come in single, double, and triple arrangements. They’re one of the most popular flowers in wedding bouquets, so finding them will be no problem for your big day. Calla lilies are also reasonably inexpensive, coming in at about $2-$4 each or less if you buy bunches. If you have an arrangement with three calla lilies, you’ll only spend about $6-8! One thing to keep in mind is that these flowers need to be watered daily and handled with care, as they can easily get damaged by rough handling. Luckily, this pretty flower comes equipped with a thorny stem and an appealing glossy green leafy center. These flowers will look awesome in your wedding centerpieces.

Orchids

The bride can also opt for a low-maintenance look with orchids. Like many other blooms, these come in a variety of different colors and shapes to suit your preference. Even artificial orchids have unique characteristics, but make sure you pick out an artificial one if cost is more important than quality. Cut them in any shape you desire with scissors. Then put them in water to keep them fresh before using them as the finishing touch to your reception tables. Orchids are beautiful without much work, so they’ll stay looking fresh all day long.

A bundle of 20 will only set you back about $20. If you’re not keen on cutting them yourself, find a local florist who offers a pre-made bundle at a reasonable price. The lavender daisy is another perfect flower for this wedding because it’s simple and inexpensive.

Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian lily, is one of the cheapest wedding flowers you can buy. Packed with color and texture, these heavy-headed blooms are perfect for any outdoor wedding ceremony or special event. You’ll find them in white, lavender, and red-purple shades, lasting upwards of 10 days when placed in water. Order them in bulk to make sure you have enough on hand for your big day!

When buying alstroemeria, purchase five stems per person, so everyone gets an equal amount. They’re often sold in smaller quantities (3 to 4 stems), which may not be enough if there are more than 100 guests at your wedding. For example, order 15 bunches (150 stems) of alstroemeria if you plan on having over 150 guests at your wedding reception.

Gerbera Daisies

Gerbera daisies have quickly become one of the most popular floral varieties and can be found in gardens, lawns, parks, and even ballparks. With just four to six stems, this cheerful flower can be used to create an enchanting centerpiece or bouquet. They also require very little water in comparison to other more delicate blooms. With these traits and vibrant colors, these daisies are often one of the most affordable options for any bride with a tight budget. And if you don’t want to commit to one specific color, gerberas come in pink, white, yellow, orange, and green. What’s not to love? These beautiful flowers are versatile and inexpensive (depending on your local availability).

Plus, they’re known for being sturdy enough to withstand windy days. The only downside is that they may need some extra TLC before your wedding day as they wilt faster than many other types of flowers. If you’re willing to ensure they’re regularly watered up until your big day, then gerberas could be a great option!

Lilies

Lilies are so beautiful and long-lasting. They’re also one of the more affordable options, with their tubed variety going for just $9.99 (less than they cost to rent). If you want some greenery, lilies will mix well with other green plants like ferns or bougainvillea. Lily varieties come in colors, too, such as lilac, yellow, pink, and white. There is even a black lily. Want something a little more unusual? Get yourself some Turkish tulips at $2.50 per stem! The trumpet shape makes them perfect for large bouquets and tablescapes alike.

You can find them in many colors, from soft pastels to jewel tones. For a tremendous impact, choose red tulips, sure to catch everyone’s eye. In addition to being beautiful, these flowers offer great value because they last twice as long as traditional red roses (about two weeks) at only half the price!

Conclusion

If you’re getting married, you’ve undoubtedly already started planning the big day – but how much do you know about wedding flowers? Flowers can be one of the most integral parts of your special day in terms of decoration and taste. From bridal bouquets to boutonnieres, flower arrangements to centerpieces, there are plenty of ways to incorporate flowers into your ceremony. The flowers at your wedding are one of the most memorable parts of the big day, so you want to ensure they’re both beautiful and affordable. The average cost of wedding flowers in the US is $50 per guest. This price can change depending on your preferences and how much time you have until the ceremony takes place.

FAQs About Budgeting for Wedding Flowers