How Much Are Flowers for a Wedding?

Q: What are the average wedding flower costs?

The average cost of wedding flowers in 2021 was $2,300. However, what a couple spends can vary depending on the flowers they choose and how many arrangements they have at their ceremony and reception.

Q: How can you lower wedding flower costs?

You can lower wedding flower costs by choosing less expensive varieties of flowers, such as tulips and calla lilies, making your own arrangements and bouquets rather than hiring a florist, and using flowers from your ceremony at the reception.

Q: What factors influence the cost of wedding flowers?

Some types of flowers, like orchids and dahlias, are more expensive than others. Elaborate wedding flower arrangements are pricier than simpler ones. Choosing flowers that are out of season, and working with a florist rather than creating your own floral arrangements, will also cost you more.

Jacqueline DeMarcoUpdated February 24, 2023

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Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.

Flowers add beauty, color, and style to a wedding. And many brides-to-be have a specific vision in mind for their floral bouquets and arrangements. But what they may not realize is that wedding flowers cost quite a bit. Here’s what you need to know about the average cost of wedding flowers, plus ways to save money on this expense.

Determining the Need for Wedding Flowers

Weddings are expensive. The average wedding cost in 2021 was $34,000, according to The Knot 2021 Real Weddings Study, and wedding flowers factor into that price tag. That’s why it’s important to create a budget for the blooms on your special day. The first step is to make a list of the flowers you’d like for the ceremony and the reception. For example, you’ll likely want a bridal bouquet and flowers for the wedding party. Do you also need floral arrangements for the ceremony? Corsages for family members such as your mothers and grandmothers? And what about flowers for the tables at the reception? Mapping out exactly what flowers you need will help you get a sense of what you’ll pay.

Understanding the Cost of Wedding Flowers

It’s important to understand the true cost of wedding flowers, especially if you’re having a wedding on a budget. Wedding planners typically recommend spending 10% of your wedding budget on flowers, but that is just a guide. Every couple needs to set a specific flower budget that works for them. Some may want to decorate a simple wedding space with lots of blossoms. Others may have a venue that doesn’t require much decor. In addition, you may want to prioritize other expenses, such as the average wedding dress cost, and spend less on flowers. Think about what works best for you.

Average Cost of Wedding Flowers

How much are flowers for a wedding? According to The Knot’s 2021 study, the average cost of wedding flowers is $2,300. That’s up from $2,000 in 2019. This average gives you a good baseline for determining how much you want to spend on flowers for your big day.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Wedding Flowers

With weddings, the expenses add up. Before couples even start planning, they may find that the average engagement ring cost and the expense of engagement photos can be pricey. And that’s just the beginning. However, it’s important to remember that the average wedding flower cost is not what you have to spend. Couples can determine how much they can afford to pay for flowers and then get creative to make their budget work. For instance, the type of flowers you choose affects the cost, as does the labor required to make arrangements. Tulips, calla lilies, and carnations are less expensive flower varieties, while orchids tend to be the most expensive. Choosing flowers that are out of season will also cost you more. And elaborate arrangements will be pricier than simpler ones.

Lowering the Cost of Wedding Flowers

There are several ways to cut back on the average wedding flower costs, including:

Use less expensive flowers, such as tulips, carnations, and calla lilies.
Choose flowers that are in season.
Buy flowers wholesale or from the grocery store and use them to make your floral arrangements instead of hiring a florist.
Repurpose your wedding flowers. Use the flowers from your ceremony as arrangements on the cake table and the gift table at the reception.
Use fewer flowers and more greenery in arrangements at the reception and supplement with candles and other decorations such as ribbons and linens.

Recommended: Guide to Planning a Wedding on a Budget

Can You Get Financing for Wedding Flowers?

You can finance wedding flowers to help pay for them. For instance, there are multiple ways to use a personal loan, and wedding flowers is one of them. You could also charge wedding flowers to your credit card. Spreading out the cost of major wedding purchases like this one may take some of the financial strain off.

Wedding Flower Financing Options

Here’s more information about financing options for wedding flowers or other expenses for your big day.

Personal Loans

Weddings are one of the common reasons for getting personal loans. Personal loans are flexible and can be used for a variety of purposes and expenses, including wedding flowers. The way a personal loan works is that a bank, online lender, or credit union lends you a lump sum that you pay back with interest in installments over time. One of the tricks and tips for personal loans is that the higher your credit score is, the lower the interest rate you may qualify for. Once you’re approved for a personal loan, you can typically get the funds quickly, within one to five days.

Credit Cards

Putting wedding-related expenses on a credit card can be easy and convenient. You could use a rewards card and get miles and points to redeem when you spend for wedding flowers. However, credit cards tend to have high interest rates. One option is to apply for a new credit card with a 0% introductory APR. As long as you can pay off your balance in full before the introductory period ends, you won’t be charged interest. If you can’t repay it in time, however, a high interest rate may kick in.

The Takeaway

Flowers for weddings can cost thousands of dollars, but there are ways to cut back on the costs. For instance, choosing less expensive flower varieties and creating your own arrangements rather than hiring a florist can help you save a significant amount. Making a budget for flowers and other wedding-related expenses can help you create the perfect day personally and financially.

3 Personal Loan Tips

Personal loan interest rates vary from lender to lender, but generally depend on your credit score. With one online application, Lantern by SoFi makes it easy to find and compare the personal loan interest rates that you qualify for.
If the interest rates you’re being offered seem too high, try lowering the loan amount. Generally, the larger the loan, the greater the risk for lenders, who likely charge a higher interest rate for the increased risk level.
Watch out for lenders who advertise “guaranteed” loans. Legitimate lenders will want to know your creditworthiness before offering a loan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the average wedding flower costs?

How can you lower wedding flower costs?

What factors influence the cost of wedding flowers?

Photo credit: iStock/ozgurcankaya

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About the Author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a personal finance writer and editor based in Southern California. While she spends the bulk of her time writing about complex financial issues, she also tackles a variety of subjects ranging from food to fashion to travel. Her work can be found across dozens of publications such as Credit Karma, LendingTree, Northwestern Mutual, The Everygirl, and Apartment Therapy.

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