Trying to Figure Out Your Wedding Flower Budget? Start Here

Deciding Your Flower Budget

When I first sit down with couples the first thing I usually hear is something along the lines of, “I have no idea what I’m doing or where to start.” Honestly, that is completely normal. Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also feel very overwhelming in the beginning. There are so many decisions to make and it feels like everyone expects you to magically know how it all works.

For a lot of vendors you can simply search something like “average cost for a DJ” or “average cost for a photographer” and you will usually find numbers that land in a pretty similar range. Flowers are a completely different story. The cost of wedding flowers can vary so much because every single wedding is different. Flower varieties, color palette, size of arrangements, the type of designs, installation mechanics, seasonal availability, and even the layout of your venue can all change the price quite a bit. Two weddings can have the same color palette and still look totally different in terms of scale and cost.

And lately weddings in general have gotten more expensive. Recent reports from Zola and The Knot show that the average wedding in the United States is now around $36,000, which is up from about $33,000 the year before. One of the biggest pieces of that budget is usually the venue, which can average close to $13,000 before catering, rentals, or anything else is even added in. Because prices have been climbing, it is also very common for couples to go over their original plan. Some studies say nearly three quarters of couples end up spending more than they expected while planning their wedding. If you are currently feeling that pressure, you are definitely not alone.

So naturally one of the biggest questions couples ask is: how much should we actually spend on flowers?

The honest answer is that it really depends. Every couple has a different financial situation, different priorities, and a different vision for their day. Some couples care deeply about flowers and want them everywhere. Others want something simple and beautiful without it taking up a huge portion of their budget. Neither option is wrong.

At Bell’s Flowers we have a $3,000 minimum for our full service weddings. That includes delivery and on site styling so we can make sure everything is placed exactly where it should be. The first ten miles of travel are included and after that we follow the state recommended mileage rate of 72.5 cents per mile. We also charge an hourly rate depending on how long we will be on site setting up. For couples who want something smaller or more flexible, we also offer pickup options with no minimums for more of an à la carte style order. Both services include our 20 percent labor and design fee since every piece is still custom created for your wedding.

I know that still leaves the big question of what number you should aim for when planning your overall budget. A general guideline many planners suggest is setting aside about 10 to 15 percent of your total wedding budget for flowers. Of course this can shift depending on what matters most to you. Some couples might spend a little less and others might invest more if florals are a big part of their vision.

Once you have a rough number in mind, the next step is deciding where those flowers will have the most impact. Personally, I always encourage couples to focus on designs that create a real wow moment. Something guests immediately notice when they walk in. A beautiful ceremony installation is a perfect example, especially if it can later be repurposed for the reception space. Moving arrangements from the ceremony to the head table, sweetheart table, or behind the cake is a great way to stretch your budget while still making the room feel full of flowers.

The tiny details are often where budgets quietly disappear. Things like corsages can be surprisingly labor intensive and by the end of the night they are usually halfway broken from dancing and celebrating. And groomsmen boutonnieres… if we are being honest, most of the time they are pinned on sideways or taken off the second the jackets come off at the reception.

Not only are some of those traditions starting to fade out, they also do not always fit the style of what we design. We are a romantic garden style florist. I would much rather create one lush, beautiful altar piece that feels full and natural than design eleven tiny chair flowers that no one really notices. When couples book with us it is usually because they connect with that style and trust our input. My goal is always to suggest designs that will complement you, your vision, and your venue so everything feels cohesive.

Of course if flowers are your thing and you want them everywhere then go for it. Give the bridesmaids bouquets the size of your head. Cover the tables in flowers. Line the aisle with arrangements. I will happily design all of it. But if that does not feel like you, that is completely okay too. Your wedding should reflect what actually matters to you, not what you feel like you are supposed to have.

At the end of the day flowers are there to enhance the feeling of the day. They should add beauty and atmosphere, but they should never feel like another stressful box to check. If you are feeling unsure about where to start, that is exactly what we are here for. We will talk through ideas, priorities, and your budget to create something that feels special and true to your day. 🌸

From the garden, with love

Isabel