Episode 38 - How Much Should You Spend On Wedding Flowers? (A Florist Explains)
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Episode Summary
Flowers are one of the wedding costs couples understand least. Most have no idea what a bouquet, an arch or a set of table arrangements should cost until the first quote arrives. In this episode of The Secret Society of Brides, a UK wedding podcast, Georgie is joined by Eve, the Swansea wedding florist behind Eve Francesca Designs, to unpack what goes into the price of wedding flowers and how to get the most from your budget.
Eve explains how florists buy through online flower auctions and local growers, why the same rose can cost 30p or several pounds, and how season, scarcity and demand around dates like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day push prices up. She shares the budgets she sees in her own work and why she'd rather spend at the top table than on tall centrepieces. Her favourite money-saving tip is repurposing ceremony flowers so they work all day.
There's also practical advice on what to bring to your first florist consultation, why venue access times can change your flower plans and your quote, and what happens to your flowers once the wedding is over.
Key Takeaways
Flower prices depend on quality, season and scarcity, and some varieties rise sharply around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.
Choose seasonal flowers and use more foliage to add scale for less.
Repurpose ceremony arrangements on the top table, cake table or evening area so your flowers work all day.
Spend where guests and photos will notice most, such as the top table and your bouquet, rather than filling every space.
Share a realistic budget with your florist early so the design is built around it, not scaled back later.
Check supplier access times with your venue, as limited set-up time can add staff and cost.
Episode FAQs
Why are wedding flowers so expensive?
The price reflects more than the stems. Flower costs vary with quality, season and scarcity. Popular varieties rise sharply in price around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, and when demand outstrips supply. Imported flowers pass through auctions, freight, border checks and wholesalers before reaching a florist. Florists then add the cost of conditioning, design time, vessels, transport, set-up and clear-down on the day.
How can I save money on wedding flowers?
Choose seasonal flowers, which are better value and easier to source, and use more foliage to add scale. Repurpose ceremony arrangements by moving them to the top table, cake table or evening area, and keep guest table arrangements low and simple. Agree a budget early and share it with your florist, so the design is built around what you can spend rather than scaled back later.
What should I bring to my first wedding florist consultation?
Bring your venue, date and a realistic budget, plus inspiration images. Point out what you love about each image, such as the colour palette, the arrangement style or a specific feature like aisle flowers. Florists can work with a look and a feel more easily than a fixed list of flowers. Some varieties, such as peonies, have short seasons and may not be available on your date.
What time does a wedding florist need access to the venue?
It depends on the design, but large installations such as arches, aisle arrangements and hanging displays often need several hours to set up. Ask your venue about supplier access times before you book. If access is restricted to an hour or two before the ceremony, your florist may need to pre-build arrangements, bring extra staff or hire a larger vehicle, which can add to the cost.
What happens to wedding flowers after the wedding?
Many florists return the next day to collect hire items and can bundle the remaining flowers into bouquets for the couple to take home. Some florists also donate flowers to local projects that repurpose them for care homes, hospices and community groups. Couples who want to keep their bouquet can book a flower preservation service in advance, as most need the flowers within a few days.