A Guide to Understanding the Cost of Wedding Flowers in the UK

As a wedding florist who recently planned my own wedding, I completely understand the challenges of budgeting for your big day. I've also worked with countless couples over the years and know how hard it can be to figure out what to set aside for flowers.

Online information can be outdated, and prices can vary a lot depending on factors like the time of year, location, and, of course, your chosen florist. And on top of it all, recent events like Brexit and the rising cost of living have had a knock-on effect on the cost of flowers, too.

It can all feel a little overwhelming. But don't worry, I'm here to break it all down and help you understand the cost of wedding flowers, how much to budget for, and some useful advice on how you can get your dream flowers within a set budget.

Not sure where to spend your budget? Prioritise the flowers that will feature in key wedding photos.

What do florists mean when they say the cost of flowers has increased?

 You often hear this phrase, but what does it actually mean and why are flowers more expensive now?

In a nutshell, Brexit, the pandemic, and the increased cost of living have all had an impact on the cost of flowers in the UK. Brexit introduced new regulations and trade barriers, increasing import/export costs for flowers. The pandemic disrupted the global flower industry, causing supply chain disruptions and decreased production, leading to limited availability and higher prices. And last but not least, the rising cost of living, including inflation and production expenses, has contributed to an overall increase in costs.

So, yes, flower prices have increased but it shouldn’t stand in the way of you getting the wedding flowers you’ve always dreamt of. Often, it's simply about looking at where your budget is best placed, and which designs and flowers will give you the most value for your money. Both are things that a good florist will be able to help you with.

"Consider where your budget is best placed, and which designs and flowers will give you the best value for your money".

Floral bottles are a great option for impactful yet cost-effective floral accents.

How To Get The Best Value For Your Money

Choose Seasonal Flowers

We all want to ensure that we're getting the best value for our money, and when it comes to flowers and foliage, seasonality is key. Opting for flowers that are in season during your wedding date will make them more affordable to source.

For example, while it is still possible to source peonies in the autumn and winter they will be much more expensive than in the late spring, and the quality can be very questionable. You don’t just get better value, you get much better quality with seasonal flowers too.

Opting for seasonal flowers will help to maximise your floral budget.

 Establish Your Budget From The Beginning

Letting your florist know your ideal spend from the get-go will save you a lot of back and forth in the planning process. It will help them to propose designs that are within your spending plan and they can suggest alternatives for similar but more cost-effective designs if your wishlist is likely to take you past your budget.

If you’re not sure, but you have a loose idea of how much you’d ideally spend, this is helpful to mention too. Your florist will be able to let you know right away if you’re within the realm of what is achievable or can advise you if there’s some navigation to be done.

“Letting your florist know your ideal spend from the get-go will save you a lot of back and forth in the planning process”.

Letting your florist know your ideal spend will save you a lot of back and forth in the planning process.

Be Strategic with Where You Spend Your Budget

Understanding scale and proportion is a skill that florists are well versed in. Whether you’re getting married in a grand stately home or castles to rustic barns, marquees, and tipis; each venue will have its own unique features that can be enhanced with the right floral designs.

Following the essential elements like bridal flowers and ceremony arrangements, the next step is to consider the best use of your budget within your venue. A good florist will be able to help you to prioritize areas that will deliver the most visual impact, ensuring your flowers make a lasting impression without overspending in unnecessary areas. 

Consider repurposing floral arrangements from the ceremony to the reception.

Repurpose and Reuse

Consider repurposing floral arrangements from the ceremony to the reception. This will typically include a changeover fee but often works out far more cost-effective than having a whole new set of flowers created for your reception and/or wedding dinner, and there are endless opportunities to do this. One of my favourites includes floor meadows which are highly adaptable designs that work in several areas from the aisle and alter through to dinner and dancing.

 Some designs are better suited to moving than others. Therefore, if re-purposing flowers is something you’re interested in, let your florist know during your initial consultation so they can take it into consideration and propose designs that are going to transition well from one area to another.   

Meadow-style ceremony florals are a great option for designs that can later transiton to another area.

What Budget Should You Allocate for Flowers?

A general guide would be a minimum of 10% of your overall budget. For instance, if your overall wedding budget is £25,000, starting with a budget of £2,500 for flowers is a good benchmark. This estimate typically covers the cost of bridal party flowers, key ceremony arrangements, and some reception blooms. However, it's important to note that actual costs can vary significantly depending on the floral varieties, venue, and desired aesthetic. Tightly packed designs featuring an abundance of hydrangea and roses, for instance, would cost more than a lighter, airier arrangement with less densely arranged blooms.

Labour Costs

 Besides the flowers themselves, there are labour services to consider. Delivery, set-up, and changeover for example, ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day, followed by a swift and professional take down and removal the following morning. This is generally costed at 15-20% of the overall cost of flowers depending on your florist, location and scale of the job.

Allocating around 10% of your overall wedding budget to flowers is a recommended starting point.

Budgeting With Confidence

Hopefully, this guide on understanding the cost of wedding flowers in the UK has given you some handy insights on how to approach budgeting with confidence. And while flower prices have seen an increase, it doesn't mean you have to compromise on your vision.

By collaborating closely with a skilled florist, selecting seasonal blooms, prioritising overall aesthetics, and strategically managing your budget, you can achieve stunning floral arrangements that align with your desired style and financial plan.

If you found this guide helpful and want to stay updated with more floral tips and advice, keep an eye on here or follow me on Instagram at @selinakerleyflowers.