Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding flowers can be expensive, and costs can quickly add up, especially if you're looking for a Pinterest-worthy display. On average, couples set aside 10-20% of their wedding budget for flowers, but there are ways to save money. You could opt for artificial flowers, or buy flowers wholesale and arrange them yourself. If you're set on fresh flowers, it's a good idea to be flexible about the types of flowers used and to choose seasonal blooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of the total wedding budget | 10-25% |
| Average budget | $3500-$7500 |
| Budget-friendly flowers | Tulips, Hydrangeas, Wood Flowers |
| Cost-saving methods | Using artificial flowers, buying flowers wholesale, buying from a local flower farm, repurposing bouquets |
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What You'll Learn
How much to allocate for flowers
When budgeting for wedding flowers, it's important to consider how important flowers are to you and your partner. On average, couples allocate 10% to 20% of their total wedding budget to flowers, with some sources suggesting up to 25% if you're looking for an abundant, Pinterest-worthy display.
If you're working with a modest budget, there are several ways to save money on flowers. Firstly, consider using artificial flowers instead of fresh ones. Wood flowers, for example, are handmade from natural materials, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly. You can also opt for in-season flowers, which tend to be cheaper and fresher than out-of-season options. Ask your florist for recommendations on affordable, seasonal flowers. If you're crafty, you can even create your own bouquets and arrangements with flowers from local flower farms or wholesale suppliers.
The type of flowers you choose will also impact your budget. Peonies, orchids, and other premium blooms will require a larger budget. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider tulips or hydrangeas, which tend to be less expensive. Adding greenery as filler can also help stretch your budget, especially if your main flowers are costly.
When creating your flower budget, be realistic and upfront with your florist about your financial limitations. Florists can work with you to suggest affordable options and advise on what's in season. Keep in mind that you may need to be flexible with the types of flowers and the size of bouquets to stay within your budget.
Lastly, don't forget to factor in additional costs such as labour charges, vases, and other floral accessories. These expenses can quickly add up, so it's essential to be mindful of them when allocating funds for your wedding flowers.
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DIY vs florist
Wedding flowers can be expensive, and it is one of the biggest expenses for weddings. Couples typically allocate 12% to 20% of their wedding budget for flowers. Florists are expensive because they have years of training and experience, and they will go to great lengths to find the perfect flowers for your wedding. They will also know how to deal with flower-related emergencies.
If you are on a tight budget, doing your own wedding flowers can be a great way to save money. However, it is important to remember that it is not as easy as it looks. You will need to be creative, willing to get up early, and realistic about what you can achieve. You will also need to think about the time and effort required to put the bouquets and centrepieces together, as well as the cost of materials and transportation. If you are going to DIY your wedding flowers, it is highly recommended that you take a class or consultation with a professional florist to learn some basic techniques.
If you decide to go with a florist, be upfront about your budget so that they can advise you on the best flowers for your price range. Florists often have minimums for weddings to ensure they make a profit, so it is important to be flexible with your flower choices if you are on a tight budget.
There are also some middle-ground options if you want to save money but don't want to DIY your flowers. For example, you could order pre-arranged centrepieces online or buy bulk flowers and arrange them yourself. You could also use artificial flowers, such as wood flowers, which are eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
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Fresh vs artificial flowers
Fresh flowers are the traditional choice for weddings, and their bright and colourful appearance, as well as their unique fragrances, can add to the beauty and atmosphere of your special day. However, fresh flowers can be expensive and may wilt or freeze depending on the weather. They also need to be sourced and arranged close to the wedding day, adding to the last-minute costs.
Artificial flowers, on the other hand, are much more affordable and can be ordered in advance, helping to spread out the cost of the wedding. They are also more durable and can withstand unpredictable weather conditions, which is ideal if you are planning an outdoor wedding. The quality of artificial flowers has improved significantly in recent years, and it can be hard to tell the difference between high-quality artificial flowers and real flowers. You can also find artificial flowers in almost any colour, allowing you to match your bridesmaids' dresses or create a unique look.
Wood flowers are a type of artificial flower that is handmade from tapioca root and other natural materials. They are eco-friendly and budget-friendly, often costing the same as fresh flowers for one bouquet. Wood flowers can look and feel very realistic, as they are treated with a softening treatment and dyed to match the colours of real flowers.
Silk flowers are another popular choice for artificial wedding flowers. They are lightweight, easy to transport, and will not wilt or freeze. However, silk flowers can be just as expensive, if not more so, than fresh flowers, especially if you choose a silk version of a common flower.
Ultimately, the choice between fresh and artificial flowers depends on your budget and personal preferences. If you have a tight budget, artificial flowers can be a great way to save money without sacrificing style or quality. However, if you have the means and prefer the look and scent of fresh flowers, they can add a beautiful and traditional touch to your wedding.
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In-season flowers
Choosing in-season flowers for your wedding is a great way to save money on your floral budget. Flowers that are in season are typically more abundant and easier to source, which often means lower prices. They are also fresher and more vibrant, with richer colours and a longer vase life, so they will look their best on your big day.
If you are getting married in January, your options include anemones, with their distinctive black centre, and the architectural iris, which can "spring" up through the snow. Freesia, with its perfumed fragrance, can also be a January bloom if grown indoors in a pot. For a February wedding, ranunculus, waxflower, and star-shaped clematis are all in season.
If you're looking for summer wedding flowers, you're in luck, as this is the season with the greatest diversity and abundance of blooms. Roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, sunflowers, and cornflowers are all in season during the summer months. However, be aware that some delicate flowers, like hydrangeas, may not be the best choice for your wedding day, as they may not stay fresh-looking throughout the event.
For a spring wedding, you could opt for cherry blossoms, freesia, or lily of the valley. Peonies are also a spring flower, but their season ends midway through the summer, so they can be a good choice for a late spring or early summer wedding.
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Flower types and fillers
When budgeting for wedding flowers, it's important to consider the types of flowers and fillers you want to include in your arrangements. Filler flowers are supporting characters in a floral design story, adding texture, volume, and colour to the overall arrangement. Here are some popular options to consider:
Flower Types
- Roses: These classic flowers come in various colours and can be used as focal or filler flowers. Spray roses are smaller and can fill gaps between larger standard or garden roses.
- Tulips: Tulips add elegance and colour to your arrangements. They can be used as filler flowers or stand on their own.
- Peonies: Large and dramatic, peonies can be a stunning focal point in your bouquet or centrepiece.
- Alstroemeria: Also known as the Peruvian lily, alstroemeria adds texture and diversity to your arrangements with its striped inner petals. It comes in a range of colours, including whites, golds, pinks, and purples.
Filler Flowers and Greenery
- Myrtle: One of the most popular types of greenery, myrtle has long stems with glossy leaves, creating thick foliage that works well in centrepieces. It also has a sweet fragrance, making it perfect for weddings.
- Feverfew: With long, flimsy stems that blossom into tiny flowers resembling daisies, feverfew pairs nicely with bright colours or pastels.
- Dusty Miller: The dusty miller has frosted foliage, giving it a wintry vibe. It pairs well with pastels and looks especially chic with light orange or pink roses.
- Silver Dollar Eucalyptus: With its circular leaves resembling silver dollars, this filler has matte gray and blue foliage that pairs beautifully with whites and pastels.
- Baby's Breath (Gypsophila): This whimsical filler adds a romantic touch to your bouquets and flower decorations.
When choosing your flower types and fillers, consider the season and availability of certain flowers. Being flexible with your choices can help you stay within your budget. You can also mix and match different types of flowers to create a similar look without breaking the bank.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, couples set aside 10% to 20% of their wedding budget for flowers. The exact amount depends on how important flowers are to you and your venue. If you feel flowers are 'the thing' that will bring your unique day to life, you may want to allocate a larger portion of your budget to them.
Here are some ways to save money on wedding flowers:
- Opt for artificial flowers instead of fresh flowers. For example, wood flowers are eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
- Choose seasonal flowers. Ask your florist what's in season and what they can source cheaply.
- Be flexible about the types of flowers used. If you have to have certain flowers, your price will go up.
- Buy flowers from a local flower farm or a wholesale retailer.
- Get creative and DIY your wedding flowers.
The cost of wedding flowers depends on the types of flowers used, the number of flowers, and the labour charges. Couples typically spend between $3,500 and $7,500 on wedding flowers, but some spend less or more based on their preferences. For example, a bridal bouquet can cost upwards of $120, while bridesmaid bouquets can cost around $12 each.
