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Give the florist a palette and a budget, not a flower: in season versus imported differs threefold
Florals are one of the easiest places to overspend at a wedding, and the reason is usually not quantity but specifying flowers that aren't in season.
The gap runs to three times
In-season and imported flowers can differ threefold in price.
For the exact same bouquet, using local seasonal blooms might cost just $150, but specifying winter peonies or a specific rose variety bumps it up to $450. In photos, most people can't even tell the difference anyway.
The right way to communicate
Don't say "I want peonies." Give three things:
- A paletteSuch as cream, champagne, warm pink, and blush, or simply give the florist a few reference images.
- A moodSuch as wild and natural, classic formal, American minimal, and vintage styles.
- A budget(Just state the number)
Then let the florist choose from what's in season. They know what's beautiful, cheap and hardy this time of year.
One question to ask directly:
"For this palette and mood, what's available this season?"
Cost reference
Typically $2,500–$6,000(A bridal bouquet alone averages about $160) 💵. That's the national range, but regional variations are huge, and major cities can run up to double.
What it has to cover
- The bridal bouquet
- Boutonnieres (groom, groomsmen, both fathers)
- CenterpiecesMultiply the unit price by the number of tables; this usually makes up the bulk of the total cost.
- The ceremony arch and venue decor
A Chinese wedding also has to consider: corsages for both mothers, and whether the tea ceremony space needs decorating (see item 43 of the checklist).
Three ways to save
- Move the ceremony florals to the receptionThings like ceremony arches or aisle arrangements can be moved to the reception room afterwards. You get to use the same money twice, just agree with the florist and coordinator in advance on who will move them.
- Vary centerpiece heightsYou don't need a large floral arrangement on every table. Setting up a few tall ones and keeping the rest low looks great and saves money.
- Lead with greeneryGreenery like eucalyptus is budget friendly, long lasting, and photographs beautifully.
Practical questions to ask
"Does the quote include delivery and teardown?" (See item 41 of the checklist)
"What time can you get in to set up?" (Align with the venue's load-in window, see item 45 of the checklist)
"If it's outdoors, how many hours will these hold in the sun?"
That last point is crucial for outdoor weddings: certain flowers wilt within two hours in the heat.
After the wedding
Flowers will be left over. Decide in advance what happens to them: guests take them, they go to a nearby care home, or someone collects them. Otherwise they become part of the teardown problem (see item 128 of the checklist).
In one line
Just give the florist your color palette, vibe, and budget, and let them pick from what's in season. Naming specific flowers is usually where that threefold price difference comes from.