How Much Wedding Flowers Cost (And Why!)

Clicking publish on this post made my hands a little shaky, if I'm honest! Questions like "Am I qualified enough to be discussing this?" "Will other florists see this?" and "Oh boy, do I need to raise my prices?" have entered my mind while working on this post.

And you know what? The answer is YES to all of these questions!

• 1) I am confident in my knowledge and the expertise I've worked incredibly hard to build (though there are a million ways opinions can differ in my industry)

• 2) I fully anticipate other florists to view this (hi hi - can we be friends?!) and form thoughts and comparisons of their own!

• 3) I most definitely could adjust my pricing - especially when factors like tariffs are a new element to think about. However, that topic alone is a whole blog post of its own... something like "Just a Few of the Reasons Why Flowers Never, Ever, Ever Stay the Same Price (Even Though It Would Totally Make My Job a Million Times Easier)" or similar to that tune. I'll work on it...

My brain has wrestled with this topic - because it can be so sensitive! I'm going to start by asking you to proceed with caution here. This article is based on a single florist's take - based on my unique overhead, my specific supplier costs (which are ever-changing by the way), unique design process, hiring needs, etc.

I'm Allison, the owner of Pictured Petals, a floral design company based in Colorado. I specialize in weddings & events, creating florals beyond your wildest dreams! I have no spending minimums and creative solutions to keeping cost down on a budget (hello, DIY & a-la-carte florals)! I thoughtfully curate floral visions for clients of all capacities, never wanting any two weddings to feel alike. Brides to Be - in this article, I want to help empower you by helping you transparently get an idea of what your budget may afford you!

Photo: Meg Cook Film & Photo

THE WHY!    

It may be tempting to skip ahead and get to the numbers... but stick with me! And even if you can't help but scroll first - come on back here so I can hold your hand and calm the alarm bells that may be going off in your mind. And I bet that sentence alone got you to scroll, didn't it? We just can't help it... Money is a BIG thing! Before you make any big flower commitments, let's take a good look at what goes into my pricing.

Let's focus in and break this down! Why in the world are flowers so expensive?

• THE SERVICE OFFERED | If you were to pick up flowers from Costco and do this all yourself... chances are you wouldn't talk to a human in that process, you'd be doing a lot of guesswork on what exactly you need, and you and your family/friends are spending hours preparing, designing, transporting, setting up, and tearing down flowers. This route is for some, but not all.

  • I take extreme pride in offering a variety of options for brides ready to get their hands involved and save some money. However, in reality, a select few couples are eager to take this on for their big day. The time your florist dedicates to all of these logistics comes with a cost AND, in addition, as a huge stress relieved for you while you plan your big day.

• THE PREPARATION | Wrapped into the cost of your flowers comes all of the intentional preparation involved along the way.

  • Beginning Stages | In the inquiry process, I prepare in advance my consultation questions for your unique event, relaying the information you've already provided + asking for clarifying details. When we sit down to chat, I focus highly on collaborating with you, working together to sharpen your vision from all angles. I then take the time to curate a fully custom proposal for you - complete with a vision board, proposed flower types, an intentional color palette, and itemized pricing breakdowns for all items. This can sometimes take 2-3 hours of my time to get it all just right! I'll admit, I'm a perfectionist...

  • The In-Between | Once you’re locked in, I begin coordinating unspoken details like: coordinating van rentals if needed, bringing on members of my freelance team to assist with the designing or on-site work of your day, figuring out the best places to source your vases, pedestals, etc.

  • The Final Weeks | A massive final step in the process is solidifying my flower selections for your event. This involves thorough research on all current seasonality (How's the current climate/growing season? Will it impact my plans? How will I pivot?). Once orders are placed for your flowers + any supplies needed to execute all elements well, I begin mapping out my design timelines. I start planning out what items will be designed each day leading up to the event (often 3-5 days of work ahead to design it all!) and delegating tasks to the team members assisting me. Another big detail here is mapping delivery routes and the game plan for transporting these delicate flowers safely… the most stressful part of the job!

• THE EXECUTION | It's go time! When it comes to both the design process and day-of floral services, it can be pretty darn labor-intensive... from lifting heavy buckets to climbing up and down ladders, many hours on our feet crafting each item with excellence, it is a taxing role and worth every penny! We manage seamless transitions from relocating ceremony flowers to reception, return (if needed) to take it all down, pick off every bruised and imperfect petal before your guests arrive, and SO much more on the day of your wedding.

Photo: Meg Cook Film & Photo

$1,000 FLORAL BUDGET | Let's Get Personal

Within this budget, you likely have the room to get all of your personal handhelds & wearable flowers professionally designed and taken care of for you. This could be items like: bridal bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres (pocket or pin-on), corsages, flower crowns, dog collars, rose petals for a flower girl toss — you name it!

A sample of what investing $1,000 in your wedding flowers can typically afford:

• x1 bridal bouquet

• x6 medium bridesmaid bouquets

• x1 pocket boutonniere

• x8 pin-on boutonnieres

• x3 corsages

• x1 flower crown

• x1 flower girl basket of petals

How you may be able to stretch your budget further: consider a DIY route! I offer services where you assist in the custom selection of flower types, you can select add-ons for supply kits or having me create recipes (telling you exactly how many stems belong in each item!), among providing other helpful resources to help you feel equipped. DIY shouldn't have to be stressful, but it can help you better adhere to a budget!

$3,000 FLORAL BUDGET | A Classic Touch   

With a budget like this, you'll be able to dress up each main area of your day nicely - a little something for ceremony and reception + a pop of florals in your cocktail hour space. Notice less wearable flowers here (corsages & boutonnieres). Those items can eat up a budget quickly! By foregoing wearables for family, you can put a little extra investment into the event setting itself.

A sample of what investing $3,000 in your wedding flowers can typically afford:

• x1 bridal bouquet

• x4 large bridesmaid bouquets

• x1 pocket boutonniere

• x2 minimal grounded focal florals for ceremony

• x10 aisle chair accents

• x1 arrangement for the guestbook table

• x7 guest tables with bud vases

• x7 guest tables with classic centerpieces

• x1 cake flowers

• + Delivery & Set-Up Services - no relocation (moving items post-ceremony)

How you may be able to stretch your budget further: repurposing is key here to get the most out of your flowers! Consider grounded florals meant to "frame" the couple at ceremony and easily transition to sit in front of the sweetheart table at reception. These items are a breeze for anyone to relocate, not requiring your floral team to stick around! Flowers on an arch are often a little harder to repurpose with such ease!

$5,000 FLORAL BUDGET | Not So Casual    

Working with a budget number like this creates room to dress up your wedding space in an impactful way! The considerable investment really becomes noticeable to your guests as they explore your day… noticing your color palette tied into every area!

A sample of what investing $5,000 in your wedding flowers can typically afford:

• x1 premium bridal bouquet

• x7 large bridesmaid bouquets

• x8 pin-on boutonnieres

• x1 broken arch for ceremony

• x2 aisle anchors for the back of the aisle

• x6 bud vase clusters for cocktail tables

• x4 guest tables with tall, elevated centerpieces

• x5 guest tables with luxury low centerpieces

• + Delivery, Set-Up, & Relocation Services

How you may be able to stretch your budget further: choose to focus on either ceremony or reception - one or the other! My vote is impactful centerpieces OR large-scale focal florals for your "I Do" moment (I typically design these to be mobile and versatile pieces - bringing the flower impact from ceremony to reception).

Photos: Meg Cook Film & Photo

$7,000 FLORAL BUDGET | Flower-Focused   

I'm convinced Pictured Petals is the team for you! Are we best friends now?! Because you recognize what can really make a wedding stand out... exceptional flowers!

A sample of what investing $7,000 in your wedding flowers can typically afford:

• x1 premium bridal bouquet

• x9 petite bridesmaid bouquets

• x10 pocket boutonnieres

• x1 grounded arch meadow for ceremony

• x14 grounded floral anchors all aisle seats

• x1 statement floral accent for seating chart

• x1 lush greenery garland for the head table

• x10 guest tables with luxury low centerpieces

• x1 grounded piece for the DJ booth

• + Delivery, Set-Up, & Relocation Services

How you may be able to stretch your budget further: If there are no major needs for your florist to return after your event - like ceiling florals or removal of complicated pieces, recruit friends and family to chip in here. Save the flowers from the dumpster by using them for a post-wedding brunch, send guests home with flowers, or drop them off the next morning at a senior living facility! If you're not catching a flight for your honeymoon, even better if bride & groom can deliver them personally (This tip may sound familiar if you've read my article: "What to Expect in Your Wedding Florals Consultation")!

$10,000 FLORAL BUDGET | Floral Fantasy    

At this point, florals become your driving decor on your wedding day... the main talking point! It’s evident you’re a huge flower lover - and I'm not mad about it! Budget here opens the door for a LOT of possibilities. Let's dream big!

A sample of what investing $10,000 in your wedding flowers can typically afford:

• x1 premium bridal bouquet

• x1 statement lapel floral for groom

• x1 full arch installation for ceremony

• x14 aisle floral pieces to line the entire length

• x5 vase arrangements for cocktail hour

• x3 chandeliers dressed with wild greenery

• x1 fireplace mantle install

• x15 guest tables with luxury low centerpieces | 2 per long table

• x1 cake meadow

• + Delivery, Set-Up, Relocation Services, & Strike Services

And to conclude...

Phew - I sure hope you learned a lot! I learned that my brides who booked me right when my business began got a killer deal - haha! Growth is such a beautiful thing! In all seriousness, there is probably so much more I missed touching on that factors into my unique role on a wedding day. I hope you walk away with a new appreciation for a florist's eye for creative detail, commitment to the little things, and large efforts behind the scenes to execute your vision beyond your wildest dreams! If you know a bride-to-be who may find this post helpful for planning their wedding flowers, would you share this? I'd be so grateful!

Pictured Petals is a floral design studio based in Colorado, delivering one-of-a-kind floral designs focused on weddings and specialty events. When I have the chance, I love bringing floral pieces to life for everyday occasions as well. You can check out my work at www.picturedpetals.com or give me a follow over on Instagram @picturedpetals. XO!

KEYWORDS: wedding floral costs, floral pricing, wedding florals pricing, wedding flower costs, wedding flower pricing, how much wedding flowers cost, wedding flowers, wedding florals, wedding florist, event flowers, event florals, event florist, every day flowers, colorado florist, colorado wedding florist, local flowers in colorado, colorado local blooms, locally grown flowers, locally grown flowers in colorado, colorado grown, colorado grown flowers, seasonal flowers in colorado, local wedding flowers in colorado

COVER PHOTO: MEG COOK FILM & PHOTO