How Much Should You Budget for Wedding Flowers in the UK?
One of the most common questions I’m asked as a wedding planner is:
“How much do wedding flowers really cost, and why?”
Soft pink floral wedding arch, designed by Nina and captured by Lucy G Wedding Photography
To help answer this, I’ve collaborated with Nina, from Nina Isobel Florals, an incredibly talented florist based in Cardiff. Throughout this guide you’ll find her expert insights woven in, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what truly goes into designing abundant wedding florals.
Flowers are one of the most visually impactful elements of a wedding day. They transform spaces, set the tone, and appear in almost every photograph. But for many couples, understanding what goes into those beautiful arrangements - and how to budget for them - feels like a mystery.
In this guide, I’m breaking down what affects the cost of wedding flowers, what you can expect at different price points, and why this area of your budget deserves thoughtful planning, with Nina’s professional perspective along the way.
Pictured: Nina at work putting the finishing touches to a Bridal Bouquet - captured by Fleur Challis Photography.
Why Do Wedding Flowers Cost So Much?
It’s easy to compare a florist’s quote to a £30 supermarket bouquet and wonder where the difference lies. But wedding floristry is an entirely different process.
It’s not just about a single bouquet; it’s about sourcing, designing, transporting, installing, and maintaining floral pieces that will set the tone for your entire celebration.
Behind the scenes, florists are working with premium blooms (often priced 3-4x higher than wholesale), and every design includes labour, logistics, and styling time. Costs also cover vases, candles, props, composting, studio rent, and a professional team to handle set-up and clear-down. It’s a highly skilled, labour-intensive craft that blends artistry and logistics.
Nina says: “Florists are artists. The process of designing your wedding florals is a combination of creativity, skill, and experience. From the initial consultation to the final arrangements on your wedding day, we invest hours into planning and designing.”
This level of work is also why many florists have minimum spends. It ensures they can deliver the quality, service, and expertise couples deserve. Flowers aren’t just about beauty; they require meticulous logistical planning and high-quality, reliable supply.
Pictured: A stunning floral display for a marque wedding designed by Nina, captured by Lucy G Weddings
How Much Should You Budget for Wedding Flowers in the UK?
As a general rule, I advise couples to allocate around 10–15% of their total wedding budget to flowers if they’re aiming for a luxury aesthetic.
Flowers are one of the biggest contributors to your overall atmosphere. They create emotion, add texture, and elevate your photos in a way few other details can.
What You Can Expect at Different Price Points
Every wedding is unique, and your florist will always design something bespoke for you. But here’s a helpful guide to set expectations:
£2,000: Ideal for intimate or micro weddings, or if flowers aren’t a major priority. Typically includes a bridal bouquet, a few bridesmaid bouquets, buttonholes, and simple ceremony or table flowers.
£4,000: A full wedding flower package at a modest scale. Includes a bridal bouquet, bridal party florals, table centrepieces, and one small statement piece such as a ceremony arch or staircase arrangement.
£7,500: Allows greater creativity and impact. Expect larger installations, multiple feature moments, and more abundant table arrangements.
£10,000+: A full floral transformation. Think show-stopping arches, hanging installations, lush tablescapes, and cohesive florals woven throughout your day.
Nina adds: “There’s no ‘right’ amount to spend - it has to work for you. That’s why every quote we offer is completely bespoke. My goal is always to bring your vision to life within your budget.”
Pictured: A blush floral centrepiece designed by Nina, captured by Lucy G Weddings at The Ffrydd.
Do Seasonal and Sustainable Choices Save Money?
Often, yes - and they also elevate your design.
Choosing seasonal British flowers supports sustainability, ensures fresher, more natural-looking arrangements, and can be more cost-effective than imported stems.
Out-of-season flowers, especially imports, are subject to higher costs and availability challenges. A good florist will advise on where to invest for maximum effect and where you can save without compromising your vision.
How to Approach Your Flower Budget
Transparency is key. Many couples hesitate to share their budget, but doing so helps your florist design within your means and offer creative suggestions to maximise impact.
Even if you’re unsure, giving a ballpark figure is incredibly helpful. Most florists provide price guides to help you understand what’s realistic for your priorities.
Nina says: “Sharing your budget and vision before the consultation is super helpful. We can suggest creative solutions, advise where to prioritise, repurpose arrangements, and recommend flowers that maximise your budget. It also helps set expectations from the start.”
Pictured: An outdoor floral ceremony set-up designed by Nina, and captured by Rosie May Kelly Photography
Why Wedding Flowers Are Worth the Investment
Flowers are so much more than decoration, they are the art, atmosphere, and storytelling element of your wedding day. They frame your ceremony, guide your guests’ experience, and elevate your photos for years to come.
When you invest in professional floristry, you’re paying for:
Design expertise: A bespoke creative vision tailored to your venue and personality.
Quality and sustainability: Ethically sourced, high-quality blooms that last beautifully on the day.
Seamless execution: A professional team managing logistics, styling, and installation.
Impact: A cohesive design that transforms your venue and enhances your entire experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re beginning your wedding planning journey, don’t underestimate the power of flowers. They’re not “just flowers”, they’re the emotional and visual heartbeat of your celebration.
By working with an experienced, creative florist and setting a realistic budget, you’ll create something that feels effortless, beautiful, and entirely your own.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you’re looking for a luxury wedding planner in London or the Cotswolds, or a bespoke florist to bring your floral vision to life, we’d love to help.
Explore my website to find out more about the wedding planning services that I offer, or get in touch to begin your wedding planning journey.
