When you start planning your wedding, the question of the floral budget comes up quickly… and often remains unclear.
Should you set aside €500? €1,500? More? And above all, how can you tell if the arch or bouquet you have in mind fits within your budget?
As a floral designer, I often meet couples who show me inspiration pictures found on Pinterest or Instagram. These images are dreamy… but they give no indication of the real cost.
That’s why my role is not only to create arrangements that reflect your style, but also to help you understand what makes the price of floral décor vary. This way, you can plan your budget realistically and avoid unpleasant surprises on your big day.
I usually break down the floral budget into three main categories. While some items are essential, others are optional. It all depends on your wishes, your budget, and the style of your wedding.
All prices mentioned here are for guidance only and may vary depending on the season, the style of your event, the region, and the flowers used.
A central and essential piece with flawless finishes
For bridesmaids, mothers, witnesses, and more...
From the simplest to the pocket square, including the lapel of the suit
Crowns, bracelets, hair combs
Hats, parasols, belts, or even shoes
Mirrors, door handles, rear shelf, front hood
To frame the couple’s walk, placed on the floor, on the back of chairs or benches; priced per arrangement or per meter.
Tall or low arrangements, floral columns, Médicis, and more...
Floral decoration by sections, partial or complete
Rose petals, foliage, and more, price per person
Toss bouquet, hand bouquet, and more...
Floral arrangements for tables, buffets, wedding signage, and more...
Set of single-stem vases, low or tall arrangements; price per arrangement
Along the entire length of the table, with or without cascading finishes; priced per meter
Fireplace décor, staircase decoration, flower curtains, photobooth, seating chart, and more...
Edible or decorative only
Now that you’ve identified your wishes, the next – and perhaps most strategic – step is to clearly define your priorities.
Start by asking yourself the right questions: Where do I want a “wow” effect? (often the arch or the bridal bouquet). On the other hand, where could I choose something simpler while keeping it beautiful? (for example, some of the table centrepieces or the car décor).
Also, consider whether floral accessories are truly essential. On your wedding day, it’s natural to want to treat everyone: flower crowns for children, floral bracelets for bridesmaids, boutonnieres for relatives… However charming, these little touches can quickly add up.
In the end, it’s better to focus these thoughtful details on a few key people rather than your entire entourage. This way, you can save your budget for the most striking pieces – the ones that will make a strong impression in memories and photos.
Even though each florist has their own approach, the price of a bouquet or arrangement depends on several factors that can move your budget up… or down:
- Season: some flowers are cheaper in their peak season but more expensive out of season.
- Flower type: hydrangeas or carnations, for example, don’t cost the same.
- Floral style: an intricate design may require more time and expertise.
- Volume and size: the more generous the arrangement, the more flowers it requires.
- Technical complexity: some creations require specific techniques.
- Finishes: ribbons, containers or decorative accessories may add to the cost.
- Logistics: transport, distance or on-site installation also influence the price.
- Experience of the floral designer: their expertise can be reflected in the rate.
- Focus on statement pieces first
→ Instead of multiplying small arrangements, invest in a few strong décor elements. For example: a floral arch, a generous centrepiece, or a spectacular arrangement at the venue entrance. These elements, both visible and impactful, will immediately catch the eye and set the tone for your entire décor.
- Reuse arrangements whenever possible
→ Some decorations can have a second life during the day. For example, an arrangement used at the church or ceremony can later be moved to the cocktail area or reception hall. This allows you to enjoy them to the fullest and reduces the total number of pieces to order.
- Choose modular décor
→ Single-stem vases or small individual arrangements can be grouped to create a fuller effect during the ceremony, then spread out on tables for the meal. This kind of solution lets you adapt the décor throughout the day and make the most of every euro /dollar spent.
The secret: better to have a few well-chosen, well-placed pieces than to try to cover everything with flowers at the risk of diluting both the visual impact… and the budget!
This is the trickiest step… but also the most useful!!
Here’s my method:
- Identify the flower types: roses, peonies, orchids?
→ The rarer or more out-of-season they are, the higher the price.
- Roughly count the stems: even from a photo, you can tell if an arrangement has 20 flowers… or 200.
→ This is a good indicator of volume – and therefore cost.
- Spot the technical elements: visible structures, hanging features, unusual height…
→ Each technical requirement adds time and materials.
- Assess the installation work: easy to place, or requiring delicate, last-minute assembly on site?
→ Labour makes up a significant part of the final price.
Finally, remember that an inspiration photo is a starting point, not a blueprint for an identical copy. Your florist can offer alternatives suited to your budget by adjusting:
- flower varieties
- volumes
- assembly techniques
- seasonality
It’s also their role to tell you if an idea is feasible… or if it risks pushing your budget too far.
In short, estimating your wedding floral budget starts with understanding how a price is built. It depends on your flower choices, volume, technique, time needed and logistics. By breaking down your wishes into main categories, then carefully examining your inspiration photos, you can prioritise what truly matters to you.
This will help you achieve a more accurate and manageable budget while keeping the magic of flowers alive on your special day.
And if you’re also wondering whether to hire a professional or do your own floral décor, you may want to read our article: DIY Wedding Flower Decor: Great Idea or a Risky Bet? It will help you make the right choice by weighing the pros and cons.
