If you meet with a florist before doing some research, you’ll probably be in for sticker shock. The cost of wedding flowers can vary a lot depending on specific flower choices, but we’re here to help you figure out a basic budget so you will have an idea of what you can afford before you start shopping.
First, some flower cost basics.
Some flowers are more expensive than others.
The least expensive flowers will be easily accessible and in-season wherever and whenever your wedding is. If you want flowers that are exotic or out-of-season, then the price will be higher. Your florist will be able to tell you what’s in-season in your color palette. You will likely still have many choices even if you exclude the more expensive flowers.
Second, greenery is less expensive than blooms, and works just as well for many purposes.
Think garlands of greenery around hurricane lamps and candlesticks as a centerpiece instead of flowers, or just a few blooms interspersed with greenery. This kind of arrangement will be much less expensive than a full vase of flowers. The same is true of arch and arbor decor.
Here’s how it all breaks down.
Bridal bouquet range: $150-$400
Average cost in NoVa: $250
What you get: a medium-large, cascading arrangement, with mostly in-season flowers
Lower cost: $150
What you get: a smaller, round bouquet, with in-season or less expensive flowers
Higher cost: $400
What you get: exotic or out-of-season flowers and/or a very large bouquet
Bridesmaids bouquet range: $50-$150
Average cost in NoVa: $100
What you get: scaled-down version of bride’s average bouquet above
Lower cost: $75
What you get: scaled-down version of bride’s lower cost bouquet above
Even lower cost: $50
What you get: all greenery or all baby’s breath
Higher cost: $150
What you get: scaled-down version of bride’s higher cost bouquet above
Boutonnieres: $10-$25
Average cost (for groom): $20
What you get: 1-3 flowers with some greenery or baby’s breath
Lower cost (average for groomsmen): $12
What you get: 1 stem
Even lower cost: $7.00
What you get: all greenery, or an inexpensive single flower such as a carnation
Higher cost: $25
What you get: a more elaborate boutonniere with out-of-season florals or additional complexity
Corsages: $15-$45
Average cost: $30
What you get: 1-5 of the same flower, such as roses, lilies, or an orchid
Lower cost: $20
What you get: single flower
Even lower cost: $15
What you get: preserved flowers
Higher cost: $45+
What you get: larger, more elaborate corsage with mixed or more expensive flowers
Large ceremony arrangements: $150-$400
Average cost: $250
What you get: large container arrangements with mostly seasonal blooms and greenery
Lower cost: $150
What you get: large container arrangement with more greenery
Higher cost: $400
What you get: large or extra large container arrangement with more or out-of-season flowers
Arches and Arbors: $200-$1200
Average cost: $500
What you get: 2 large sprays of seasonal flowers (such as for two corners of an arbor) or one extra large piece
Lower cost: $200
What you get: just greenery, or a single smaller arrangement
Higher cost: $1200+
What you get: floral and greenery-covered arch or arbor
Low Centerpieces : $25-$150
Average cost: $100
What you get: seasonal flower bouquet in low container, appropriate size for centerpiece of large round table
Lower cost: $50-$75
What you get: greenery with decorative item such as candlesticks or a lantern; collection of vintage bottles with a single flower in each
Higher cost: $150
What you get: larger low container with bouquet or more expensive flowers
Tall Centerpieces: $150-$350
Average cost: $250
What you get: tall container with medium-large seasonal arrangement
Lower cost: $100
What you get: tall container with less expensive material such as greenery, branches, babys breath, and fewer flowers
Higher cost: $350
What you get: tall premium container with more or out-of-season flowers
Aisle and chair arrangements: $15-$150 (per chair)
Average cost: $50
What you get: small bouquet hung from aisle chairs
Lower cost: $20
What you get: greenery attached to aisle chairs
Higher cost: $150
What you get: larger arrangement placed along aisle
Cake Flowers: $35-$100
Average cost: $85
What you get: flowers on each layer of 3 layer cake and on base
Lower cost: $35
What you get: several flowers for smaller cake
Higher cost: $100
What you get: more expensive flowers or flowers for larger cake
Below is a summary table you can use to calculate your approximate flower budget.
| Item | Lower | Average | Higher |
| bride bouquet | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| bridesmaid bouquet | $50 | $100 | $150 |
| boutonnieres | $10 | $18 | $25 |
| corsages | $20 | $30 | $45 |
| ceremony arrangements | $200 | $250 | $400 |
| arches and arbors | $200 | $500 | $1200 |
| centerpiece (low) | $50 | $100 | $150 |
| centerpiece (tall) | $150 | $250 | $350 |
| aisle/chair arrangements | $20 | $50 | $150 |
| cake flowers | $35 | $85 | $100 |
| set-up and delivery | $300 | $400 | $500 |
What might a typical wedding floral budget look like in NoVa?
Here is one possible scenario:
- Ceremony flowers: one large or two smaller seasonal pieces on arbor, repurposed to sweetheart table ($500)
- Bridal bouquet and 4 bridesmaids: med-large with seasonal flowers ($650)
- boutonnieres: groom only ($20)
- corsages: two ($60)
- cake flowers: just a few on a small cake ($50)
- centerpieces: collections of small bottles with single seasonal blooms in each for 12 tables ($780)
- other arrangements: medium seasonal arrangement on top of barrel at entrance to reception ($150)
- set-up and delivery, $350
- Total cost: $2,560
The average amount that NoVa couples spend on flowers is about $2,500.
We expect this to be a bit higher for 2023, due to price increases.
These prices are only averages, of course – florists may vary significantly in their individual pricing. One company’s average my be another company’s high end. Remember that florists also have set-up and delivery fees, and these are based on the distance to your venue as well as the complexity and number of your arrangements. To keep your floral budget in check, look for a florist who regularly services the area of your venue, and be sure to talk about which flowers in your color palette are the least expensive.
And remember – floral arrangement is an art, so if you love someone’s style and want their particular expertise in creating show-stopping colors and arrangements, you may need to pay more for that particular florist.
By now you should have a ballpark figure for what you want at your wedding, and you can start shopping for a florist who can help make your dream wedding a reality.
Cover photo by Ten23 Photography, florals by Holly Chapple at Hope Flower Farm
