So, what do wedding flowers cost? This is a question that couples often ask me?  There are so many variables that determine how much you will pay for your wedding flowers, that really, it’s a bit like asking, how long is a piece of string.  

Whether you want just a few wedding flowers, or if like me, you love all things flowery, and your vision includes lots of freshly scented seasonal blooms in beautiful bespoke floral displays, you will most likely want, maximum impact for minimum spend. With this in mind, I would like to share with you 6 factors that determine the cost of wedding flowers and my top tips to help maximise your wedding flower budget.

6 Key Factors that Affect the Cost of Wedding Flowers

1. The type of flower, and quantity used   The cost of a single bloom varies hugely from one type of flower to another and even within the same species there is a huge difference in price, for example, you could spend from 50 cent to €3.50 plus for a rose. Why pay more you may ask? well, think small closed buds against large frilly open blooms, then take a sniff and decide which you would prefer.  Obviously, the more flowers that you have in your bouquets and arrangements, the greater the cost will be.

2. The design and scale of your floral displays. When you’re looking through wedding flower proposals, keep in mind that a bespoke large floral arrangement will cost more than a small standard one.  If there is a discrepancy between prices quoted, for what seems to be similar arrangements, then more than likely, the design and particularly the size are just not the same.  Be sure to compare like with like, you generally get what you pay for!   

3. The expertise of your florist or floral designer.  If you value quality designs and a reliable service for your wedding day choose a qualified professional florist. Many professional florists who specialize in weddings will have invested in formal studies and will continue to expand their range of skills and design techniques throughout their career. For their level of skill and expertise and the wide range of services that they offer, they will expect be renumerated accordingly. However, a word of caution, not all florists, have the same high level of education and training, and it shows in the quality of their work and overall design service.   A creative florist with good artistry skills will not only create unique designs for you but will also offer ideas on how to stay within your budget without compromising on the overall design aesthetic.

4. Seasonality   Hydrangeas and Peonies in June and July are more expensive to buy than in September and October when they are in their natural blooming season.   At certain times of the year demand and supply cause the Dutch flower market to increase the price of flowers for example, around St. Valentine’s day, Christmas and the New Year, the cost of flowers is significantly higher.

5. Locally grown flowers.   Seasonal, scented, freshly harvested, Irish cut flowers and foliage, offer magnificently beautiful flowers at a very fair cost.  Also choosing to buy locally grown flowers is an environmentally friendly option and helps to drive the local economy.

6. Location The location of your wedding venue may determine how much, if any, delivery charge you will pay to your florist. Sometimes, a florist will travel a certain distance without charging travel expense but for longer journeys a travel fee usually applies.    

Top Tips … on how to Maximise your Wedding Flower Budget  

Repurpose ceremony flowers for use at the reception.  The unity candle arrangement may be transferred to decorate the top table and the bride and bridesmaids’ bouquets may be used as table centrepieces.  Larger arrangements such as pedestal pieces can also be transferred, however, it is often wise to ask your florist to do this job, there may be a transfer fee, but considering that you are saving on buying extra pieces, it is a well worthwhile expense.

• Think Strategically It’s not always necessary to cover every surface at your reception area with flowers.  One or two ‘WOW’ statement pieces strategically placed will create an impressive impact and you can then put more simple centrepieces on the other tables.

• Foliage, seedheads and berries as an alternative to floral bouquets and arrangements offer lots of interesting shapes, textures and colour and can be a cost effective way to create a relaxed and natural look on your wedding.

• Choose a professional wedding florist that is passionate about their work and that is motivated to do the very best work that she/he can.  A good florist will offer you advise and ideas on how to create a fabulous floral impact, whether they are working within a large or small budget.  

At Meadowsweet flowers we realize that your wedding flowers are one of the most important elements of your big day, and we want to help you create your floral dream vision.  If you would like to know more, then let’s have a chat and exchange ideas about how we can create your perfect day.