How much do wedding flowers cost?

There is no single number, and I would be wary of anyone who gives you one without asking anything. What can be explained is what it depends on, so you can build your budget and compare quotes properly.

The variables, in order of weight

1. Number of tables. This one drives everything. A 150-guest wedding has twice as many centerpieces as an 80-guest one, and that line item is usually half of the floral budget.
2. Centerpiece height. A tall centerpiece can cost three times as much as a low one, between flowers and structure.
3. The species you choose. Out-of-season peonies or orchids change the number completely.
4. The date. A Saturday in November, at the height of wedding season, is not the same as a Friday in June.
5. Number of decorated spots beyond the tables.
6. Setup and teardown: hours of work, transport, and whether the venue has to be entered and left twice.

What a serious quote should include

If a quote doesn't spell this out, it can't be compared with another one:

• The exact number of pieces of each type.
• Species and approximate number of stems per piece.
• The height of each arrangement.
• Whether vases, stands and structures are rented or purchased.
• Setup times and who does the teardown.
• What happens if a species isn't available that day: the substitution clause.

The five decisions that bring the number down the most

1. Choosing seasonal flowers. It is the most important one and the least noticeable in the final result.
2. Foliage, candles and glass instead of flowers in secondary spaces. A eucalyptus runner with candles costs a fraction of the same thing in flowers.
3. Larger tables. Fewer tables with more people each means fewer centerpieces. It is the biggest lever and almost nobody uses it.
4. Reusing pieces from ceremony to reception. It takes coordination and saves a lot.
5. Focusing on a few strong spots instead of spreading across many weak ones. It also looks better.

Where not to cut

• The bridal bouquet. It is in every photo and it is the smallest item in the budget.
• The ceremony spot. It is the main photo.
• Professional setup. Having the family handle the decor on the day usually ends badly: nobody has time, and it shows.

When to ask for a quote

Three to six months ahead. Before that, the venue and guest count usually aren't settled yet, and those are the two variables that weigh the most. And bring to the meeting: date, venue, number of tables, color palette and three reference photos. With that, the quote is a real one and not a range that means nothing.

Availability of each flower changes with the season. If you are looking for a specific flower, ask us before ordering and we will confirm whether we have it.