Why Wedding Flowers Cost What They Do (And Why They’re Worth It)
Ever wondered why wedding flowers cost what they do? If you’re recently engaged and starting to gather quotes, there’s a good chance you’ve already had that moment:
The “Oh… I didn’t realise flowers cost that much” moment.
First things first – you’re not silly for thinking it! I guarantee we’ve all been there! Wedding flowers are one of the least transparent parts of wedding planning, and prices can vary wildly from one florist to the next. It can feel confusing, awkward to ask about, and hard to understand what you’re actually paying for.
So let’s talk about it. Calmly, honestly, and without the fluff.
Let’s Start with the Awkward Bit
Flowers are one of the most emotional and visible elements of a wedding… but they’re also one of the hardest things to pin down on paper.
Two quotes might both say “ceremony flowers” or “table arrangements”, yet look completely different in real life. That’s because wedding florals aren’t something you should be picking off a shelf. They’re not a product; they’re a design-led, experience-based service.
And that changes everything!
Why Quotes Can Look So Different
One of the biggest frustrations I hear from couples is how difficult it feels to compare quotes. More often than not, that’s because you’re REALLY not actually comparing like-for-like.
Some florists focus on simple drop-offs or fixed packages and arrangements with minimal design input. Some have a ‘menu’ of popular wedding flowers to choose from and that’s the decision made. Some have a tick list of spots that need flowers, with a fixed price for each arrangement. Others offer a more involved, design-led service that includes on-site installation, styling, and ongoing guidance throughout the planning process.
Neither approach is wrong; but they aren’t the same service. The key is understanding what’s included, and whether it aligns with what you want your day to feel like.
Flowers aren’t the product, the experience is.
When you invest in a floral designer, you’re not just paying for stems in a vase.
You’re paying for the thinking, the planning, the design, and the reassurance that someone experienced is quietly holding everything together behind the scenes. That includes design expertise, creative vision, time spent getting to know you and your style, developing mood boards, researching your venue, sourcing seasonal flowers, conditioning and prepping them properly, installing on the day, and being there to problem-solve if needed.
Flowers may not last forever, but the way they’re designed, installed and brought together is what creates impact, and that feeling lasts far longer than the petals.
Value Isn’t About Quantity – It’s About Impact
One of the biggest myths around wedding flowers is that more automatically means better.
In reality, thoughtful design almost always wins over sheer volume. Impact comes from understanding the space you’re working in, knowing where florals will have the most effect, layering colour, texture and shape, and designing with light, movement and guest experience in mind.
This is why my process doesn’t begin with a price list or a shopping list of arrangements. It starts with a conversation.
How I Work (And Why It Looks Different)
At Wildflower & Willow, there are no fixed packages or upfront quotes.
Instead, you tell me your budget, and we design to that budget – focusing on what matters most to you, your venue, and how you want the day to feel. We talk through priorities, guest experience, logistics, and often visit the venue together to properly visualise the designs in the space.
It’s collaborative, relaxed, and entirely tailored to you.
This approach gives couples clarity, cohesion, and far fewer decisions to juggle. It also means there are no cookie-cutter weddings here. Ever.
Why Florals and Styling Work Best Together
Another reason wedding flower quotes can vary so much is whether florals and styling are considered separately.
When flowers, candles, linens, stationery and installations are handled in isolation, things can feel disjointed, and budgets can get stretched unnecessarily. When they’re designed as one visual story, everything flows better.
It’s not about spending more. It’s about spending smarter, creating cohesion, and getting the maximum impact from your investment.
A Reality Check
Not every florist is right for every couple and that’s a good thing (as much as I love my job, I do enjoy the occasional weekend off!).
If you’re looking for the cheapest option, a fixed menu to choose from, or a quick transaction, I might not be the right fit. But if you value thoughtful design, calm guidance, creativity rooted in experience, and a wedding that feels intentional (and bloody breathtaking!) my approach tends to make a lot of sense.
Wedding flowers aren’t just an item on a spreadsheet IMO, they’re a major part of how your day feels. Understanding what goes into them makes it much easier to choose not just a florist, but a process that truly supports you through planning.
Thinking Ahead?
If you’re early on in your planning journey and want clarity rather than confusion, that’s exactly where I love working. I’m currently welcoming a small number of 2026 enquiries, and 2027 dates are already booking quickly.
If you’d like to talk ideas, explore options, or simply see whether we’re the right fit I’d love to hear from you.
Enquire to start a relaxed conversation
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