The Main Arrangement Types

Bridal bouquet: The centerpiece of your personal flowers. Size ranges from a small, tightly gathered nosegay to a large, cascading arrangement. Budget $150-$400 for a standard bridal bouquet, more for premium flowers like garden roses, peonies, or orchids.

Bridesmaid bouquets: Smaller versions of the bridal bouquet or a complementary design. Typically $75-$150 each. Some brides opt for simpler single-variety bouquets for bridesmaids to save budget for the bridal bouquet.

Boutonnieres and corsages: Small pinned or wrist arrangements for the wedding party and family. $15-$35 each. Keep these simple - a single bloom with a sprig of greenery is the standard.

Ceremony Flowers

Ceremony arch or chuppah: Can range from a simple greenery garland ($300-$600) to a fully flowered installation ($1,500-$5,000+). If your ceremony and reception are in the same space, ask your florist to design pieces that can be moved and reused.

Aisle markers: Flowers on every row of chairs looks great but adds up fast. Placing arrangements on every third or fourth row, or just at the front, reduces cost while still framing the space.

Reception Flowers

Centerpieces: The biggest line item in most floral budgets. Low arrangements ($75-$150 each) sit at eye level. Tall arrangements on risers ($150-$350 each) add drama but cost more. A mix of high and low creates visual interest and helps manage budget. For a 20-table reception, centerpieces alone can run $2,000-$6,000.

Head table or sweetheart table: Usually gets a more elaborate arrangement, often a long, low runner of greenery and flowers ($200-$500).

Money-Saving Tips

Choose flowers that are in season - out-of-season blooms cost 2-3x more. Use more greenery and fewer premium flowers. Repurpose ceremony flowers at the reception. Skip individual place setting flowers. Choose a venue that already looks good and needs less decoration. Hydrangeas and carnations give big visual impact per dollar.

Questions for Your Florist

What flowers will be in season on my wedding date? Can you work within my budget and still achieve this look? Do you handle setup and breakdown? Will you reuse ceremony flowers at the reception? What's your backup plan if a specific flower isn't available? Do you charge a delivery/setup fee? When is final payment due?