Luxury Weddings

Cost of Flowers- what is "reasonable"?

twostep127twostep127 member
First Anniversary First Comment
edited July 2015 in Luxury Weddings
Hi everyone,

First post here, long time lurker! My FI and I have nailed down most of the larger components for our summer 2016 wedding, but I'm completely lost when it comes to flowers. I'm hoping you all can provide some insight!

We are having a ~250 person, black-tie optional ballroom wedding in center city Philadelphia, with 10 attendants each. Our aesthetic is very elegant but simple, so we're not looking for anything super unique or exotic- I requested white hydrangeas as the main flower used, with perhaps some white roses and other classic white flowers and greens. We'll be needing about 25 table arrangements (some tall, some short), 11 bouquets, arrangements for the escort table and some of the cocktail tables (maybe 10?), and simple boutonnieres. No arrangements for the church, as it's historic and beautiful enough on it's own! Basically, I want pretty flowers that complement the rest of the day well, not show-stopping arrangements.

My parents are being very generous with a great live band and fairytale venue (and we could not be more grateful at how much they have offered), but this is one element that's less important to all of us. Does anyone have an estimate on how much the above would cost in a major metropolitan city? The first florist I've spoken to quoted 10-12k, which seems over the top, but I'm not sure whether it's par for the course with what we're requesting

Thank you for any and all opinions!

Re: Cost of Flowers- what is "reasonable"?

  • edited July 2015

    reasonable depends on the person. I am not much for flowers, so I chose one type and had minimal pieces (tall centerpieces, 4 bouquets, 4 bouts, and two small pieces for the church).

    There is a post below that may be helpful:

     

    http://forums.theknot.com/discussion/1008442/flowers-how-much-are-you-spending#latest

     

    ETA: I was fixing spelling, but I didn't share the cost of my flowers because it was 2004. Obviously, the prices of things have changed since then. I used all calla lilies.

     







  • Oh boy, this depends on so many things:

    -Where you're getting married
    -The season you're getting married in (out-of-season flowers often cost more)
    -What kinds of flowers you want
    -The number/type of bouquets and centerpieces

    The list goes on. This is the breakdown for my Aug wedding in a touristy part of Florida

    7 bridesmaid bouquets
    1 bridal bouquet
    5 bouts
    4 corsages
    12 tall candelabra centerpieces
    Flowers for cake
    ---------------------------------
    $2,395.00


    To me, that seems low. But to others, that is a lot. Again, it really depends. 

    Follow Jells2dot0's advice and check out that other thread.  in various areas. 

  • Thanks for both of your input! I read through the other "Flowers" thread and it sounds like our estimate probably isn't far from what it should be- going to get some other quotes to confirm.
  • Based on my flower prices, and the quantities you listed, I'd say your bare minimum pricing will be 4500.  Maybe add some more for Philadelphia vs. Nashville.
  • The simple answer is what is "reasonable" depends on what you want to spend.  Give your florist a number!  If your budget is unlimited, then say so, but if it's not and your budget is closer to $5000 or even $10,000, give them the number!  If you go in with "I have an $8000 budget (remember to leave room for upgrades, tax, and delivery for whatever this amount you want to spend is, so go low but not too low), here's what I need" and go from there on negotiating what you'll get for the money.  The quote you got very well could be incredibly reasonable for what you were getting by the time all was said and done.  OTOH, if you're not confident that what they quoted you is worth it, give them a number to recalculate arrangements to.  Also, if they're high ask "how can we get this down closer to where I need it to be for my budget?"  Some florists will even come in below your budget, but you simply need to do some shopping around...
  • Hi everyone,

    First post here, long time lurker! My FI and I have nailed down most of the larger components for our summer 2016 wedding, but I'm completely lost when it comes to flowers. I'm hoping you all can provide some insight!

    We are having a ~250 person, black-tie optional ballroom wedding in center city Philadelphia, with 10 attendants each. Our aesthetic is very elegant but simple, so we're not looking for anything super unique or exotic- I requested white hydrangeas as the main flower used, with perhaps some white roses and other classic white flowers and greens. We'll be needing about 25 table arrangements (some tall, some short), 11 bouquets, arrangements for the escort table and some of the cocktail tables (maybe 10?), and simple boutonnieres. No arrangements for the church, as it's historic and beautiful enough on it's own! Basically, I want pretty flowers that complement the rest of the day well, not show-stopping arrangements.

    My parents are being very generous with a great live band and fairytale venue (and we could not be more grateful at how much they have offered), but this is one element that's less important to all of us. Does anyone have an estimate on how much the above would cost in a major metropolitan city? The first florist I've spoken to quoted 10-12k, which seems over the top, but I'm not sure whether it's par for the course with what we're requesting

    Thank you for any and all opinions!
    As other posters mentioned, it will vary depending on multiple variables.  I'd get multiple quotes and also post on your local board.

    Also, there's no such thing as black tie optional.  EVERY event is technically black tie optional.  Please don't put this on your invites - it's rude to mention to any sort of dress code unless the event is truly black tie.
  • I'm in Philly and received quotes from about $3500-7000 for the following:

    bridal bouquet
    4 BM bouquet
    4 corsages
    6 bouts
    arch decor
    10 centerpieces
    escort table

    Given you need more flowers than I would, I'd expect $5-7k to be reasonable but you can also bring the price down with your selection of flowers. I don't think you need to pay $10k.
  • @Knottie1444412285 the OP asked this question 4 months ago. Please feel free to contribute to recent posts or create your own, but also note the original posting date. Thanks!

     







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