Rather you believe it or not, your budget is not the enemy. Your budget is your friend, guiding you and helping you make choices. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to weddings…do you go with the strapless rhinestone gown from Amsale or a more cost effective yet similar gown from David’s Bridal? Fillet or New York Strip? Orchids or roses? A string quartet or the Village People cover band?
While I don’t know a lot about how much steaks cost, I do have a vast knowledge of flowers. Below is everything you need to know to set your floral budget!
BUDGET RULE: The average bride in Columbus spends between 8-10% of her overall budget on flowers. Example: If your budget is $20,000 (the average in Columbus) then most likely you are going to spend between $1600-$2000 on the flowers.
RULES ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN: While the above is an excellent guideline and proves true in many cases, if you have 12 bridesmaids or 50 guest tables and want flowers for all, the above 8-10% rule may not be enough. In contrast, if you have one bridesmaid and require no floral centerpieces then the 8-10% may give you a budget larger than necessary. Or if you have a medium sized party (3-4 bridesmaids, equal number of groomsmen and about 15 guest tables) and want everyone to carry peonies and your centerpieces to be all peonies, you may need to increase your budget allotment, too.
HOW TO CREATE A FLORAL BUDGET: The below is a sample of the average costs brides incur; individual results may vary.
- Bridal Bouquet~ average size is 10″ round~ With classic flowers, such as roses, freesia, hydrangeas in single variety collections or up to three varieties the average cost is $75-200. With more premium flowers, such as peonies, orchids, callas or a collection of several different varieties the average is $150-300.
- Bridesmaid Bouquets~average size is 6″ round~With a single variety or a focal and an accent, such as roses accented by waxflower, the average is $25-50. With multiple varieties the average is $40-80. EXCEPTION: For an ultra sleek modern look, your bridesmaids can carry a single full size calla for a little as $10 per bridesmaid. This is a great way to boost a budget!
- Corsages~Moms have told me over the years they want it petite and we have listened! Keeping with this fact, a classic miniature rose corsage, rather pin on or wrist, costs about $15-20. The average overall for corsages is $15-35.
- Boutonnieres~Overall average is $10-20, but single rose boutonnieres can cost as little as $6. I suggest creating something more special for the groom and a step down for the rest of the gentlemen. He should also match the bride in some fashion, even if it is simply an incorporation of the wedding color in the ribbon down the stem of the boutonniere.
- Altar Arrangements~Ahh, the tricky one. I have designed altar arrangements as inexpensively as $50 but they are shorter and not as full as what one may expect an altar arrangement to be. A “plump” altar arrangement, reaching about three-feet in height and about two feet wide will cost $150+ depending on the types of flowers. The more varieties, the more it will cost. The taller you want it, generally the more it will cost. Full size open cut callas are a great way to break this rule. They are tall and have a great impact with even just a few in a tall slender vase. And don’t forget, you probably want two of them!
- Pew/Chair decorations~Traditional handmade bows cost $10+. Flowers can cost anywhere from $10-50 per piece. For example, a single hydrangea with a pretty bow tied to it could be as little as $10, while a pomander ball or wreath could reach $50 or more. Rule Breaking Idea: repurpose these flowers at the reception!
- Centerpieces~ Tall centerpieces that tower over your guests heads typically begin at $100 and go up. Short centerpieces with a single variety, such as hydrangeas or roses, average $30-60. Short centerpieces with multiple varieties average $50-100. The Rule on centerpieces with flowers submerged: The only flower that will sink is an orchid (Dendrobium or Cymbidium work best). Other flowers can be submerged, but they will want to float by design.
BUDGET SAVING RULES: Below is a list of ideas you can do to stretch your floral budget as far as possible!
- Use flowers that are in season. Tulips can be obtained any time of the year, but you will pay as much as triple in the summer or fall than you would in the spring.
- Utilize flowers available year-round. Roses, hydrangeas, fugis, lilies, freesia, callas, gerberas, stock, lisianthus, snap dragons, solidago, statice, waxflower, delphinium and orchids are great choices no matter what the season. Plus, you don’t have to worry about a bad crop and the flower not being available when it should; they are available all the time from somewhere in the world.
- Provide your own vases/containers. Be sure to take them into your florist ahead of time for a trial-run to make sure they are the appropriate size.
- Provide your own “extras” such as ribbon or candles. Rhinestone belts on bouquets and circumfrancing centerpiece vases are quite stunning and can be purchased via the internet yourself, saving money with the florist.
- Contract your own linens, even lighting if you can. Most venues will charge you a “middle man” fee for doing this for you.
- Repurpose flowers! Pew/chair flowers can become centerpieces or escort table decor while altar arrangements can greet your guests as they enter for dinner or adorn your Tuscan-style head table. Your bouquets also can be instant head-table or Tuscan table decor. Incorporate candles or rose petals between the bouquets for added ambience!
Now, calculate! And be sure to give your budget to your florist and be upfront about how much you can invest in flowers. Your florist will appreciate the honesty and you’ll appreciate not getting sticker shock from the proposal! 
