Planning your Wedding Flowers: A Guide to Florals and Budgeting

When envisioning the perfect wedding, few elements say romance as effortlessly as flowers. Yet, understanding how to budget for your blooms can sometimes feel overwhelming. Unlike other wedding elements, florists rarely offer set price lists or packages, and minimum spend requirements can vary widely. To make this process simpler—and to keep the joy in your planning—we’ve answered some of the most common questions about wedding flowers.

What Influences the Cost of Wedding Flowers?

Several factors shape the cost of your wedding flowers. Here’s what to consider as you design your dream day:

1. Floral Choices
Not all flowers are created equal, and their costs reflect this. Prices can vary not only by type but also by availability and seasonality. A skilled florist will work within your budget while ensuring your vision comes to life. Be open and honest about your expectations—florists are your creative allies and will strive to craft beauty within your means.

2. Style and Design
The complexity and abundance of your floral arrangements can significantly influence their price. Intricate designs, require time and meticulous attention to detail. Meanwhile, arrangements which are extremely flower heavy and are predominantly made up of flowers are going to cost more than a looser, more organic design. If your heart leans toward artistic, bespoke designs, be prepared for a higher investment.

3. Guest Count and Venue Size
More guests and a larger venue mean more floral decor. More tables mean additional centrepieces, and expansive spaces may call for grander installations to create the impact you desire.

4. Set-Up and Removal Logistics
The timing and logistics of floral installations can also affect costs. Check with your venue about when your florist can begin setting up. A tight schedule may require additional staff to ensure everything is ready on time. Similarly, removal costs vary based on whether florals need to be cleared the same evening or the following day.

Dispelling Common Myths About Wedding Flowers

It’s time to debunk a few popular misconceptions about wedding flowers:

“Foliage is cheap.”
While foliage can add volume to arrangements, it’s not always a budget-friendly choice, especially in off-seasons when imported greenery is relied upon.

“Dried flowers cost less than fresh.”
Dried and preserved flowers are often more expensive due to the labour-intensive processes involved in their preparation. Similarly, realistic and premium faux flowers can be five to ten times the cost of fresh blooms.

“Adding ‘wedding’ to the name triples the price.”
While weddings can be more expensive than other events, it’s not due to arbitrary markups. Wedding floristry often involves longer consultations, bespoke designs, and unique logistical challenges.

At Amy Carlile Flowers, we show you the breakdown of where your budget is going, so that you can understand the amount of time and effort that goes into creating your dream wedding florals.

How Much Should You Budget for Your Wedding Flowers?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question—your floral budget should reflect your priorities and comfort level.

I would say, couples usually allocate 10% of their wedding budget to flowers. However, with rising costs, some experts suggest reserving 13–15%. This percentage may vary depending on the scale of your celebration and how much florals mean to you. For smaller, intimate weddings, a higher percentage might be appropriate to achieve your desired impact, while larger weddings may require creative prioritisation.

Start your planning journey by researching florists whose styles align with your vision. Be upfront about your budget—this helps florists offer options that are both stunning and realistic.

Here are some typical price ranges to guide your expectations:

• Bridal and bridesmaid bouquets: £100–£350

• Buttonholes: £15–£20

• Bud vases: £15–£30

• Table arrangements: £150+ (larger designs will cost more)

• Large installations (arches, columns): £500–£1,000+ per meter

• Mantelpiece and aisle meadows designs: £375+ per meter

• Urn arrangements: £350+

Why Do Florists Have Minimum Spends?

Wedding floristry is a labour of love—but it’s also a business. Minimum spends ensure florists can cover their costs and maintain a sustainable income. From sourcing premium blooms to managing labour-intensive setups, the process requires significant resources.

Every florist will have their own approach based on their expertise, style, and the number of weddings they take on each year. By understanding their minimum spend requirements early on, you can ensure your collaboration is built on mutual respect and clarity.

At Amy Carlile Flowers, we aim to offer a bespoke and personalised service to each any every one of our couples. If we lowered our minimum spends, we do not feel we could provide our clients with the best service, as we would not have the time to dedicate to their wedding properly.

By approaching your wedding flowers with an open heart and informed mind, you’ll find the perfect balance between your dreams and your budget. After all, flowers are more than decorations—they’re the backdrop of your day, adding that extra bit of romance to your memories and photographs.