Understanding the True Cost of Wedding Flowers for Your Perfect Day
As engagement season approaches, we know many couples will be diving into wedding planning, envisioning breath-taking celebrations filled with stunning floral arrangements. It’s a magical time, but one question is bound to arise:
What’s the real cost of wedding flowers?
You may have come across averages, like the one cited by a well-known Irish wedding survey that reported a spend of around €921 on wedding flowers. To us this seamed to be a bit on the low side. For those dreaming of Pinterest-worthy floral installations, luxury bridal bouquets, and cohesive designs throughout their venue, this number doesn’t tell the full story. Let's break down the factors that affect wedding flower pricing to help you plan wisely.
1. Average Prices Can Be Misleading
The average spend on wedding flowers is often skewed by various factors, such as:
Minimal Floral Requirements: Some couples opt for very simple designs or minimal florals, which significantly lowers the average.
Artificial Flowers: Those on a budget may choose artificial flowers, a more cost-effective option but not the same as fresh, lush, and bespoke arrangements.
Venue-Inclusive Flowers: If flowers are included as part of your venue’s package, the cost may not be reported, further skewing results.
For those who want a luxury floral experience, complete with installations and statement pieces, it’s crucial to look beyond these averages.
2. Why Luxury Floral Arrangements Are Different
Creating bespoke floral arrangements involves more than just the blooms themselves. A high-end wedding florist offers:
Expert Design and Customisation: Tailoring each arrangement to your theme and vision.
Sustainable Techniques: Eco-friendly methods and the use of heirloom varieties or ethically sourced blooms.
Full-Service Handling: This includes setting up floral installations, transitioning flowers between ceremony and reception, and ensuring everything looks picture-perfect.
3. Service Fees and Their Importance
One often overlooked aspect is the service charge, which covers:
Labour and Time: Designing, transporting, installing, and dismantling floral arrangements, sometimes over several days.
Expert Handling: Ensuring every petal and stem remains fresh and vibrant.
Post-Wedding Cleanup: This often involves hours of work to return venues to their original state.
Our survey among Irish wedding florists revealed that service fees range from 10% to 30% of the total floral cost or per-staff charges from €225 to €350 per day. These fees ensure the flawless execution of your floral vision.
4. Transparency Matters
We believe in transparent pricing, so you understand where every euro goes. Whether it’s for labour, logistics, or VAT, we aim to give you a comprehensive breakdown. If a service fee feels out of budget, some florists, like my good friend Flicky from Howe Hill Flowers, offer options for couples to manage their own floral logistics.
Where to Learn More
For couples beginning their planning journey, here’s how to make informed decisions:
Consult Your Florist Directly: Discuss your vision and get an accurate quote tailored to your needs.
Compare Like with Like: Evaluate bridal bouquets from florists with a similar style and flower quality.
Read Trusted Sources: Platforms like One Fab Day and Kay’s Flower School provide reliable insights.
Remember, your wedding flowers are an investment in the beauty and atmosphere of your day. As the engagement season unfolds, we’re here to guide you, offering bespoke, luxury arrangements designed to make your day unforgettable.
Planning your dream wedding? Let’s chat about how to bring your floral vision to life!
Our Wedding Florist Pricing Survey Results (by Yesca’s Flowers and Howe Hill Flowers