Complete pricing guide for bouquets, centerpieces, ceremony arrangements, and floral installations
Wedding flowers represent one of the most variable line items in your budget. While the national average hovers around $2,600, actual costs swing dramatically based on your choices. A couple opting for simple greenery and seasonal blooms might spend $500-800, while elaborate floral installations with imported orchids and garden roses can exceed $10,000 or more. Understanding what drives these costs helps you make informed decisions that align with your vision and budget.
Floral expenses typically account for 8-10% of your total wedding budget. For a $30,000 wedding, that translates to $2,400-3,000 for flowers. However, this percentage varies significantly based on your priorities. Couples who prioritize photography or catering might allocate only 5% to florals, while those dreaming of a flower-filled celebration might dedicate 15% or more.
The florist industry operates differently than many other wedding vendors. Unlike a photographer who quotes a flat package rate, florists price each item individually. A consultation reveals exactly what goes into your quote: specific flower varieties, stem counts, arrangement sizes, and labor for each piece. This transparency is actually helpful because it allows you to adjust individual items rather than accepting or rejecting an entire package.
Geography significantly impacts pricing. Manhattan florists charge 40-60% more than those in mid-sized cities, reflecting higher rent, labor costs, and the premium wedding market. A bridal bouquet costing $175 in Nashville might run $280-350 in New York City. Before comparing quotes, ensure you're comparing florists in similar markets.
Professional florist quotes encompass far more than flower costs. Understanding these components helps you evaluate whether a quote represents good value:
| Item | Average Cost | Premium Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bridal Bouquet | $150 - $350 | $400 - $600+ |
| Bridesmaid Bouquet | $75 - $150 | $175 - $250 |
| Boutonniere | $15 - $35 | $40 - $65 |
| Corsage | $25 - $50 | $60 - $85 |
| Centerpiece (Low) | $75 - $150 | $175 - $250 |
| Centerpiece (Tall) | $150 - $250 | $300 - $500+ |
| Ceremony Arch | $300 - $800 | $1,000 - $2,000+ |
| Aisle Arrangements (each) | $50 - $100 | $125 - $200 |
| Flower Girl Basket | $35 - $75 | $85 - $125 |
| Cake Flowers | $50 - $150 | $175 - $300 |
The centerpiece of your floral order. Size typically 10-12 inches across. Premium blooms like peonies, garden roses, or orchids push costs higher. Cascading styles require more stems and labor than round hand-tied bouquets.
Usually 70-80% the size of the bridal bouquet using complementary flowers. With 4 bridesmaids at $100 each, this line item totals $400. Consider smaller nosegays or single-variety bunches to reduce costs.
Multiply by your table count for total cost. Twenty tables at $150 each equals $3,000 for centerpieces alone. Low arrangements run cheaper than elevated designs requiring additional structure and more blooms.
The range reflects dramatic differences in coverage. A lightly adorned arch with asymmetrical greenery runs $300-500. Full floral coverage with premium blooms on all sides can exceed $2,000 for the florals alone.
Personal flowers include all the small pieces that accompany your wedding party and family members. While individually modest, they add up quickly:
A typical wedding party of 12-15 people easily generates $500-800 in personal flowers alone. Review this list carefully during your consultation and consider whether every person truly needs a floral piece.
Flower pricing follows agricultural reality. Peonies cost $8-15 per stem during their May-June peak but $25-40 per stem in December when imported from South America. Planning your wedding during your desired flowers' natural season can save 30-50% on specific varieties.
Variety choice dramatically impacts your budget. Carnations and chrysanthemums cost $1-3 per stem, while orchids and garden roses run $8-15 each. A bouquet requiring 30 stems could cost $30-90 in carnations or $240-450 in garden roses. Your florist can suggest similar-looking alternatives at different price points.
Budget-friendly options: Carnations, alstroemeria, chrysanthemums, stock, snapdragons, and greenery-forward designs using eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, and ferns.
Mid-range choices: Standard roses, lisianthus, ranunculus (in season), spray roses, and hydrangeas.
Premium varieties: Peonies, garden roses, orchids, calla lilies, lily of the valley, and anemones (especially out of season).
Most commercial flowers sold in the US are imported from Colombia, Ecuador, or the Netherlands. This import infrastructure actually keeps prices stable year-round for many varieties. However, locally grown flowers from nearby farms can offer better quality and sometimes lower prices by eliminating shipping costs and time.
The trade-off: Local flowers follow strict seasonality. You'll have abundant options in summer and fall but limited choices in winter and early spring. If supporting local growers matters to you, discuss seasonal availability with your florist early in the planning process.
Greenery costs significantly less than blooms while creating lush, full arrangements. Eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, and ferns run $2-5 per stem versus $5-15 for flowers. A greenery-heavy design with strategic bloom placement can look just as impressive at 40-50% lower cost.
Smart couples can achieve beautiful florals at any budget. These strategies help maximize impact while minimizing spend:
Building your floral design around in-season blooms offers the best value. Spring weddings shine with tulips, ranunculus, and peonies. Summer offers dahlias, zinnias, and sunflowers. Fall brings chrysanthemums, marigolds, and dried elements. Winter celebrations look stunning with amaryllis, anemones, and abundant greenery.
The organic, garden-inspired aesthetic popular in recent years happens to be budget-friendly. Cascading eucalyptus, abundant ferns, and masses of Italian ruscus create drama at fraction of the cost of bloom-heavy designs. Strategic placement of a few premium flowers provides focal points without busting your budget.
Your ceremony flowers can do double duty at the reception. Aisle arrangements become buffet or bar decorations. Altar pieces move to the head table or cake display. Bridesmaids' bouquets line the sweetheart table. This strategy effectively cuts your total flower order by 20-30%.
Candles, lanterns, books, fruit, and other decorative elements reduce how many flowers you need. A centerpiece combining a small floral arrangement with pillar candles costs less than an all-flower design while creating equally beautiful tablescapes.
Rather than elaborate florals everywhere, invest in one or two statement pieces and keep other areas simple. A stunning ceremony arch paired with understated reception centerpieces creates memorable impact. Alternatively, dramatic centerpieces might pair with a simple ceremony setup.
DIY flowers appeal to budget-conscious couples, but the decision involves more than just cost comparison. Understanding both options helps you make the right choice for your situation.
Wholesale flowers from online suppliers or local wholesale markets cost 40-60% less than florist-designed pieces. A DIY bridal bouquet runs $30-75 in flower costs versus $150-350 from a professional. For a full wedding, DIY flowers might total $400-1,000 compared to $2,000-3,500 professionally designed.
The flower cost comparison doesn't tell the whole story. DIY flowers require:
DIY flowers work best for simple designs, small weddings, or couples with flexible schedules. Single-variety bouquets, greenery garlands, and loose arrangements forgive imperfection. If you enjoy crafts and have helping hands available, DIY can be rewarding and economical.
Complex designs, structured bouquets, and large-scale installations benefit from professional expertise. Florists understand flower mechanics, conditioning requirements, and timing that ensures your flowers look perfect. If your wedding week is already packed, adding DIY flowers may create unnecessary stress.
Many couples find a middle ground: hiring a florist for personal flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres) and statement pieces (ceremony arch) while DIYing simpler elements like bud vases for cocktail tables or greenery runners. This captures professional quality where it matters most while saving on background elements.
Come to your florist consultation with Pinterest boards or saved images showing styles you love. Be clear about your budget upfront so your florist can design within your means. Share your venue details, color palette, and any must-have flowers. The more information you provide, the better your florist can serve your vision.
Be cautious of florists who won't provide itemized quotes, pressure you toward expensive flowers without offering alternatives, or seem unfamiliar with your venue. A good florist welcomes questions, respects budgets, and offers creative solutions.
Most couples spend between $2,000 and $3,500 on wedding flowers in 2026, with the national average around $2,600. This typically covers a bridal bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony arrangements, and reception centerpieces. Budget-conscious couples can spend as little as $500 with strategic choices, while luxury florals can exceed $10,000.
The most affordable wedding flowers include carnations ($1-3 per stem), chrysanthemums ($2-4), alstroemeria ($2-4), and baby's breath ($5-10 per bunch). Greenery like eucalyptus ($3-5 per stem) and Italian ruscus ($2-4) also stretch budgets beautifully. Seasonal flowers are always more affordable than out-of-season imports.
DIY wedding flowers can save 40-60% compared to professional florist prices. A DIY bridal bouquet costs $30-75 in materials versus $150-350 from a florist. However, factor in your time (15-30 hours), supplies ($100-200), and stress. DIY works best for simple designs; complex arrangements often benefit from professional expertise.
To save on centerpieces, consider greenery-heavy designs (50% cheaper than bloom-heavy), candles mixed with minimal florals, repurposing ceremony arrangements, using non-floral elements like lanterns or books, and limiting elaborate centerpieces to focal tables. Alternating high and low designs also cuts costs while maintaining visual interest.
Book your wedding florist 8-12 months before your wedding date. For peak season weddings (May-October) or popular florists, book 12-14 months ahead. This timeline ensures availability and gives you time for consultations, design adjustments, and ordering specialty flowers. Last-minute bookings (under 3 months) often result in limited options and rush fees.
Now that you understand florist costs, see how flowers fit into your overall wedding budget with our free calculator.