How much do wedding flowers really cost? It's a question we get asked all the time by brides and grooms who are bewildered by the costs and all that is involved in the floral process. There is a lot to be aware of, including the expense of the travel as well as the setup, bouquets, decorations, and repurposing. So much so that we have broken down each lovely floral component to provide you with a complete picture and an estimate of how much your wedding flowers should roughly cost. So, let's get to it, shall we? All is revealed today in our insider's guide to the true cost of wedding flowers and what you should expect to pay.
What may seem like just a few flowers is actually quite a sizeable list when you write it down. It involves a lot of work such as back-and-forth emails, consults, planning and designing and for some weddings, a team of three to four florists to make your dream wedding become a reality. Here are a few floral facts and tips to first take note of:
Do your Research
Choose the types of flowers you want to include, along with the amount and variety. Unsurprisingly, more flowers result in higher costs.
Seasons are Important
Are the flowers you have in season or not? Be aware that it will cost extra to import flowers if you choose to use them out of season. Not to mention that ordering seasonally is a more environmentally friendly approach. If you're looking for a specific flower, think about utilising this kind throughout because florists must order a minimum quantity.
Big Calendar Dates
Budgeting at least 10% more is necessary for weddings in December or busy florist calendar days.
Additional Costs
Always account for extra costs like delivery, setup, transfer, and removals.
Basic Wedding Flowers
These are the essentials, the wedding flowers you are most likely to have.
- Bride's Bouquet: €150 - €400
- Bridesmaid Bouquets: €90 - €300
- Floral Crowns: €50 - €120
- Buttonholes/ Boutonnieres / Corsages for mums: €18 - €60 each
- Thank You Bouquets for Mums: €55
More Decorative Wedding Flowers
If you're a bit of a flower fan like we are, your vision may involve plenty of blooms at the reception, in which case, study these costs carefully. These are of course just indicative prices, the specifics will depend on your flower choices and the style and scale of arrangements you go for.
- Ceremony Arrangement: €120 to €800
- Pew Ends: €30 - €80 per pew end bunch with a ribbon.
- Floral Arches €800 - €2000
- Floral Pillars €1000+ per pair
- Floral Bud Vase (if not repurposing your pews): €10 - €25
- Floral Table Centrepieces: €100 - 200+ per table
- Dressed Candelabra: €50+
- Foliage Garlands: €20 - €25 per foot
Delivery, Set Up, Labour & Collection: €250+
These separate costings can range depending on the distance driven and the number of workers needed on site. You should also budget extra money so the florist can collect everything the following day. If you are looking to repurpose your ceremony flowers for your main reception, your florist may offer an out-of-studio fee, where they will be on hand all day to set up and install, transfer and re-set up and collect/take down also. Depending on the number of staff needed, the cost of this service can start from €150+ per day.
Hire a Good Florist - It's worth it!
Now that you have all the information, decide what you want and what you can live without whilst consulting with a professional florist. If wedding flowers are important to you it is worth hiring a reputable wedding florist who will deliver the style, quality and service you want, while also bringing their own creative flair to the aesthetic. A good florist will work with you to help you achieve the look you want with your budget in mind.
Top Tip: Book early to secure your date and after more design/style decisions have been made they can make a plan closer to the wedding date.
Overall Total Average Spend on Wedding Flowers: €2500 - €4000
So there you go. What you decide to spend is up to you, but at least now you know the typical cost of wedding flowers in Ireland. Use the above numbers to work out your own budget and there shouldn't be any surprises.
A very special thank you to Flicky from Howe Hill Flowers & Sarah from Flowers From The Secret Garden who helped us compile the information in this post.
For help and inspiration check out our other wedding flower posts here and if you're watching your budget (so you have more to spend on flowers!) see our 39 Ways To Save - Wedding Budget Tips.
