Why Are Wedding Flowers Expensive? (And What You’re Actually Paying For)
If you’ve started looking into wedding flowers, you might have had a moment of surprise. You’re not alone.
Couples often tell me they hadn’t realised quite how much goes into wedding flowers — especially when they’re planning a small, relaxed wedding.
This post isn’t about justifying prices or convincing you to spend more than you’re comfortable with. It’s simply an honest explanation of what wedding flowers actually involve, so you can make informed decisions for your day.
Aren’t Wedding Flowers Just Like Party or Event Flowers?
It’s a common assumption — after all, you’ve seen flowers for birthday parties, baby showers, or corporate events.
Wedding flowers are different. They require:
careful planning weeks in advance
attention to personal style and seasonal availability
conditioning so they look fresh from morning through evening
bespoke design for the couple and their day
Even the smallest weddings involve careful timing and preparation that most event flowers don’t.
FAQ: Why Do Wedding Flowers Cost More Than Other Event Flowers?
One of the main reasons is the level of personalisation.
With DIY wedding flowers, I always check what you’re planning to do with the flowers and welcome your inspiration photos. For example:
If you’re planning tables with bud vases, I’ll plan on growing flowers that suit these — strong stems, flowers that look beautiful individually, and varieties that complement each other.
If you’re planning to create larger arrangements, I’ll include a variety of flower shapes and sizes — draping stems, large focus flowers, and contrasting forms — and keep all of this in mind when harvesting.
With event or party flowers, you usually don’t get the chance to discuss your creative vision with me. The flowers will still be beautiful, but I don’t go into the same level of detail when choosing varieties and individual blooms. This is just one of the reasons why wedding flowers are more expensive — so don’t try to ‘trick’ your florist by calling your wedding a party or you may end up very disappointed!
FAQ: What Are You Actually Paying For?
When you book wedding flowers with me, your budget covers much more than just stems. It includes:
planning and consultation time
sourcing or growing flowers for your date
conditioning and storing flowers correctly
hours of hands-on arranging
experience, skill, and an eye for detail
the reassurance that your flowers are one less thing to worry about
Even for small weddings, the time involved is often more than people expect.
FAQ: Why Do Seasonal Flowers Matter So Much?
Seasonal flowers are one of the best ways to get beautiful blooms without inflating your budget.
Working with what’s naturally growing in the UK:
keeps costs more realistic
supports British flower growing
results in flowers that suit the time of year
Out-of-season flowers usually mean imports, higher prices, and less flexibility — which isn’t ideal for smaller wedding budgets.
FAQ: Why Is There Often a Minimum Spend?
Even though I don’t have a formal minimum spend, it’s worth noting that there’s always a base level of time and effort involved in any wedding, no matter how small.
That’s why I focus on weddings that are a good fit, rather than trying to offer everything to everyone.
FAQ: Are DIY Flower Buckets a Cheaper Option?
Yes — if you’re happy to be hands-on.
DIY flower buckets are a great option for:
very small weddings
couples who enjoy arranging flowers
relaxed, informal celebrations
They work because I’m supplying beautiful flowers without the design, setup, or styling time. It’s a different service, not a cut-down version of bespoke floristry.
FAQ: Is It Worth Spending More on Flowers?
That depends entirely on what matters most to you.
Flowers don’t have to be a huge part of your wedding — but when they are important, investing in them thoughtfully usually leads to a calmer, more enjoyable experience.
Most couples I work with aren’t looking for “as many flowers as possible.” They want flowers that:
feel natural and seasonal
suit the scale of their day
are made with care
That’s what I focus on.
A Final Thought
Wedding flowers don’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful.
If you’re planning a small wedding in Wiltshire, Somerset, or Bath, and you value seasonal flowers, honest advice, and a relaxed approach, I might be the right florist for you.
And if not — that’s absolutely okay too. Finding the right fit matters.
— Cicely Flowers 🌸