Last Updated on April 14, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by 
CFA Alexander Popinker
Flowers create the dreamy ambiance that defines wedding style, from lavish bouquets to abundant centerpieces and ceremony accents. But with so many beautiful blooms involved, it’s no surprise floral expenses can consume a sizable portion of the wedding budget.
On average, couples spend$2,000 to $5,000 total on wedding flowers, though lavish floral displays at luxury weddings can run upwards of $15,000. This guide examines the typical costs for different floral arrangements and provides budget-friendly tips so you can enjoy gorgeous wedding blooms without breaking the bank.
We’ll explore popular wedding flower options, breakdown pricing for floral designs, and outline what to expect from professional florist services. Understanding these key details provides the knowledge to craft a floral plan that brings your wedding vision to life while sticking to your budget. With careful choices, you can enjoy stunning flowers at every turn without floral costs taking over.
How Much Do Flowers Cost for a Wedding?
Popular blossoms for weddings include:
- Roses– The classic rose costs $15 to $30 per stem for upscale reception or bridal bouquet use. Garden roses offer a whimsical, loose feel for $3 to $10 per stem.
- Calla Lilies– Modern callas range from $3 to $5 per stem. Their sleek design provides contemporary appeal.
- Ranunculus– These delicate blooms cost $2 to $4 per stem. Prized for their rose-like layers of soft, ruffled petals.
- Peonies– When available in season, peonies cost $5 to $10 per bloom. Their lush, full shape is irresistible but limited seasonal availability makes them pricier.
- Hydrangeas– Full, clustered hydrangea heads run $3 to $7 per stem. Their versatility in diverse colors adds style.
- Anemones– A colorful pop of petals for $2 to $5 per stem.
- Tulips– Budget-friendly at $1 to $3 per stem, tulips offer tons of hues. Great for DIY weddings.
- Solomio bono dendron– This exotic tropical flower can cost up to $50 per stem, but provides drama that few other blooms can match.
WeddingWire reports that the average cost of wedding flowers in the U.S. is around $1,500, with most couples spending between $700 and $2,500. They also mention that the cost of a bridal bouquet is around $160, while a bridesmaid’s bouquet costs around $75.
PickABloom.com provides information on preserved flower wedding bouquets, which range from about $95 to $375. They also mention that preserved flower boutonnieres have a price range of about $19 to $35, while corsages cost between $20 and $40.
BloomNWA reports that the average cost of flowers for a wedding is between $1,500 and $2,500, not including the reception. They also provide a breakdown of costs for various flower arrangements, such as a wedding bouquet for $185 to $350.
RentABloom reports that the average overall price for wedding flowers in the United States is $2,575. They also provide itemized averages for more popular flower uses in a wedding, such as the average price of a bridal bouquet at $211, a bridesmaid bouquet at $89, a boutonniere at $17, and a reception centerpiece at $98.
WithJoy reports that the average cost of wedding flowers in 2024 is $2,200, with a typical range of $500 to $3,500. They also provide a breakdown of costs for various flower arrangements, such as a primary bouquet for $100 to $350, attendants’ bouquets for $50 to $110, and reception table centerpieces for $50 to $600.
Factoring in Wedding Floral Designs
Popular floral arrangements and their typical costs:
- Bridal bouquet– The focal floral piece, ranging from $150 for simple designs up to $500 for premium creations embellished with additions like brooches or charms.
- Bridesmaids’ bouquets– Traditionally slightly smaller and simpler than the bride’s, costing $50 to $150 each.
- Boutonnieres– These dashing accents cost $10 to $25 each.
- Corsages– Wrist or pin corsages run $15 to $35 each.
- Ceremony decorations– Aisle markers, altar and arch backdrops can cost $300 to $1,500+.
- Centerpieces– Prices range widely from $50 for low, simple arrangements up to $300+ for tall, abundant statement pieces using premium blooms.
- Reception decorations– Tablescapes, cake/mantel displays often run $300 to $3,000 depending on scale and florals used. This area sees major splurges.
Setting a Realistic Wedding Flower Budget
A good formula for setting your floral budget is allocating 5-15% of the total wedding costs. For example, a $30,000 wedding budget would allow $2,000 to $4,000 for flowers. Regional averages also help provide starting estimates:
- Major metropolitan areas – Expect to spend $3,500+ on wedding flowers.
- Mid-size cities – Plan around $2,500 to $3,500 for floral decor.
- Small towns and rural areas – Budget $1,500 to $2,500 for flowers.
Regardless, consult florists for quotes on specific blooms you love to adjust estimates as needed. Some flowers like peonies have restricted seasonal availability that drives up pricing.
You might also like our articles on the cost of boutonnieres, roses, and corsages.
Tips for Saving on Wedding Flower Expenses
There are many ways to scale back flower spending without sacrificing beauty:
- Choose abundantly available in-season local flowers rather than costly exotic imported blooms.
- Prioritize ceremony floral to the reception. The aisle makes a big first impression.
- Limit reception centerpiece sizes to 1-2 statement pieces per table, using complementary scatter blooms around them.
- Repurpose ceremony florals like altar arrangements at the reception for double duty.
- Mix high-quality faux flowers into primarily fresh arrangements to stretch budgets further.
- Provide your own glass vases and containers to avoid rental fees.
- Order loose stems for DIY arranging to save on labor.
Hiring Your Wedding Florist
Here are tips for choosing local florists while minimizing costs:
- Review online galleries to find artistic styles matching your wedding vision.
- Get at least 3 different quotes detailing costs and included flowers.
- Ask about discounts or specials on ordering in bulk for your full wedding.
- Inquire if off-peak seasonal ordering slashes typical flower pricing.
- Ensure your contract covers expected delivery, setup, taxes, and any fees.
Preserving Your Wedding Blooms
To enjoy flowers beyond the big day:
- Preserve the bridal bouquet via drying or resin kits starting around $50.
- Press select flower petals between the pages of your wedding album.
- Display reception centerpieces around your home to relish the memories.
Final Words
With careful planning, budgeting, and working with your florist, you can enjoy gorgeous wedding flowers complementing your theme without floral costs taking over the entire wedding budget.
Identify must-have floral elements, take advantage of off-peak flower deals, and get creative mixing high-end blooms with budget varieties. The right flowers can make your wedding dreams blossom into reality without breaking the budget!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to buy roses for a wedding?
For a wedding, expect to spend:
- $15 to $30 per rose for elegant reception centerpiece or bouquet roses from a florist.
- $2 to $5 per rose for simpler ceremony decor roses ordered in bulk from wholesalers.
- $1 to $2 per rose for basic bud vase table scatter roses.
Roses for weddings are more expensive than grocery store roses due to supply chain, labor, and delivery costs from wedding florists along with their higher demand for weddings. Luxury wedding rose varieties also command higher pricing.
When budgeting, allow at least $300 to $500 for rose floral costs for a 50-75 person wedding. Reduce rose usage elsewhere to splurge on the bridal bouquet’s rose blooms.
Who pays for wedding flowers?
By tradition, the bride typically pays for the bridal bouquet and flower girl florals while the groom covers the groom and groomsmen’s boutonnieres. For the remaining wedding party florals, families often split those costs or the couple pays.
For ceremony and reception flowers, the wedding couple usually pays unless family members generously contribute. Another common approach splits bigger floral costs like venue centerpieces between the couple and families. Discuss floral budget allocations upfront with all parties involved.
Is it cheaper to buy your own flowers for wedding?
Provided you have the time and skills, designing your own wedding flowers can potentially save 30% to 50% over hiring a professional florist. Savings come from:
- Wholesale flower costs instead of retail florist flower pricing
- No labor fees for the florist’s time and design work
- Lower delivery fees ordering direct from flower markets
However, risks like lack of design experience, Complex transportation logistics, and no backup support may outweigh potential cost savings. Carefully assess your DIY confidence before committing to managing all your own wedding flowers unless you have strong floral design skills. Another option is hiring a florist just for tricky pieces like the bridal bouquet.
