Flowers are one of those wedding expenses where the final bill almost always surprises people. A “simple” floral setup adds up fast when you start counting bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and ceremony arrangements.
The national average
Most couples spend $2,000 to $5,000 on wedding flowers. The national average is around $2,500. But it’s one of the most variable line items — DIY-focused couples can get away with $500, while elaborate floral designs with premium blooms can hit $15,000+.
Typical itemized costs
Bridal bouquet: $150–$400. The most important arrangement. Price depends on flower types, size, and complexity. Peonies, garden roses, and orchids run higher than standard roses or greenery-heavy bouquets.
Bridesmaid bouquets: $65–$150 each. Usually smaller, simpler versions of the bridal bouquet. Four bridesmaids at $100 each = $400.
Boutonnieres: $15–$30 each. Simple and quick to make. Budget $100-$200 for the full wedding party.
Corsages: $25–$50 each. For mothers, grandmothers, and special guests.
Ceremony arrangements: $200–$1,000. Arch/arbor flowers, aisle markers, altar arrangements. This is where costs escalate quickly if you want a fully decorated ceremony space.
Centerpieces: $75–$300 each. The biggest variable. Ten tables at $150 each is $1,500 just in centerpieces. Tall, elaborate arrangements cost more than low, compact ones.
Head table / sweetheart table: $150–$500. Usually more elaborate than guest table centerpieces.
Cake flowers: $50–$150. Fresh flowers on the cake are cheaper than you’d think.
Miscellaneous: $200–$500. Flower girl petals, welcome table arrangements, restroom flowers, card table arrangement, etc.
What affects the price
Flower selection is the top driver. Roses, carnations, and baby’s breath are affordable year-round. Peonies, dahlias, ranunculus, and orchids are premium and sometimes seasonal. Importing out-of-season flowers adds significant cost.
Season matters. Peonies in May? Reasonable. Peonies in November? Expensive import. Work with flowers that are naturally in season for your wedding date.
Arrangement complexity. A cascading bridal bouquet with 15 flower varieties costs more than a hand-tied bouquet with three varieties. Same principle applies to centerpieces.
Number of arrangements. This sounds obvious, but it’s where couples underestimate. Count every surface that needs flowers — ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, cake table, escort card table, restrooms. It adds up.
Delivery and setup. Most florists charge $150-$400 for delivery and installation. Complex setups (ceremony arches, hanging installations) cost more.
How to save money
Use greenery as the base. Eucalyptus, ferns, and olive branches are cheaper than flowers and create a lush, full look. Add a few statement blooms for color.
Choose in-season flowers. Ask your florist what’s naturally available during your wedding month and build your palette around those.
Repurpose ceremony flowers. Move ceremony arrangements to the reception space during cocktail hour. Your florist can plan for this.
Reduce the count. Skip individual aisle markers. Use candles instead of flowers for half your centerpieces. Use single-stem bud vases instead of full arrangements on some tables.
Consider wholesale or DIY. Costco, Trader Joe’s, and wholesale flower markets sell wedding-quality flowers for a fraction of florist prices. The tradeoff is your time (or a friend’s time) arranging them.
Opt for potted plants or succulents. These double as guest favors and cost less than cut flowers.
Don’t forget the tip
Wedding florists typically receive $50–$100 if they’re an employee, or a heartfelt thank-you if they own the business. If they went above and beyond — redesigning on the fly due to weather changes or delivering extra arrangements — tip on the higher end.
Use our free wedding tip calculator to get the right amount for your florist and every other vendor. More details in our guide on tipping your wedding florist.
Prices reflect 2026 national averages based on industry surveys and wedding planning data.