How Much Does a Wedding Florist Cost?
April 25, 2025
When it comes to wedding planning, few details have as much visual and emotional impact as your flowers. From the bouquet you carry to the atmosphere your guests walk into—florals set the tone.
But let’s talk honestly: How much does it actually cost to hire a professional wedding florist?
If you’ve been searching the internet for answers, you’ve probably seen a wide range of numbers—and maybe a few raised eyebrows in your planning group chat.
We’re here to simplify that for you. No fluff. No sticker shock. Just clarity.
What You’re Actually Paying For
First, it’s important to know what goes into your floral investment. Put simply:
Wedding flowers aren’t just beautiful. They’re built.
You’re not just paying for the flowers themselves (though, yes—premium blooms are expensive).
You’re also paying for:
- Design expertise — Creating cohesive color palettes, selecting in-season blooms, balancing scale, texture, and tone.
- Labor — This includes flower prep, arrangement, transportation, setup, and often breakdown. Florals aren’t just “delivered”—they’re installed.
- Time — Your florist is often working behind the scenes for 25–40+ hours per wedding.
- Premium materials — From locally-sourced blooms to hand-dyed ribbons and custom mechanics for installations.
Typical Wedding Florist Price Ranges
Every wedding is unique, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect when working with a professional florist in Washington, DC, Charlottesville, or Northern Virginia:
| Service Level | What It Might Include | Estimated Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Intimate Wedding or Elopement | Bouquet, boutonnière, and a few accent pieces | $1,500–$4,500 |
| Mid-Size Wedding (75–100 guests) | Personal flowers, ceremony florals, centerpiece design, simple installation | $8,000–$10,000 |
| Full-Scale Wedding (100+ guests) | Custom ceremony design, lush tablescapes, installations, flip management, full breakdown | $12,000–$20,000+ |
Want a floral installation that climbs the walls or cascades from the ceiling? Expect labor costs and custom mechanics to reflect that.
Want imported blooms or specific out-of-season flowers? Budget accordingly.
The Industry Standard: 10–20% of Your Total Wedding Budget
Most planners and vendors agree: Florals typically account for 10–20% of your overall wedding spend.
If you’re planning a $75,000 wedding, that’s $7,500–$15,000 for florals—depending on your priorities, venue size, and the level of design involved.
Not because you “have” to spend that much—but because flowers are one of the only things guests see, touch, and remember in every part of your celebration.
How to Maximize Your Floral Budget
You don’t need an unlimited budget to have beautiful florals. But you do need a florist who knows how to use every dollar wisely. Here’s how we help our couples make the most of their investment:
- We repurpose ceremony florals during the room flip (like moving your arch behind the sweetheart table).
- We guide you toward seasonal blooms that are both stunning and cost-efficient.
- We design with intention so every piece serves a purpose and a mood—not just for aesthetics, but for experience.
We’ll also have the honest conversations—about what’s realistic, what matters most to you, and how to create the impact you’re dreaming of.
So… Is It Worth It?
If flowers feel like “just décor” to you, then maybe not. But if you’re someone who wants your guests to feel something when they walk into the room…
If you want florals that elevate the day and anchor the memories…
Then it’s worth investing in someone who doesn’t just design with flowers, but with feeling.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding flowers should reflect more than just your color palette—they should reflect you.
The cost will vary, but the value is always in the way it makes you and your guests feel.
If you’re ready to bring your floral vision to life with clarity and care, reach out here to inquire. We’re currently booking 2025-2026 weddings throughout Washington, DC, Charlottesville, and Northern Virginia.
