Wedding Flower Cost Breakdown: LA Budget Guide

Flowers are one of the fastest ways to set the mood at your wedding. They show up in your photos, frame your vows, and help guests feel the style of the day the moment they walk in. Still, many couples start with the same question: what is a realistic wedding flower cost breakdown?

A helpful starting point is this: many couples set aside about 8-10% of their total wedding budget for florals. That percentage can shift based on your guest count, the size of your venue, and how many statement pieces you want.

For example, if you’re planning a $50,000 wedding in Los Angeles, a realistic floral investment often falls between $4,000 and $5,000. From there, you can decide what matters most, like a bigger bouquet, a ceremony arch, or fuller centerpieces.

If you already have your date and venue, you can also review our wedding floral design services to see what full-service support can include.

Decoding Your Wedding Flower Costs

It helps to think of wedding flowers like custom decor. You are not just buying stems. You are paying for design, sourcing, prep, transport, setup, and cleanup.

Two weddings can use “white flowers,” but have very different totals. One might use simple bud vases. Another might include a fully covered arch, a floral runner down a long table, and a hanging installation.

Setting realistic expectations

Clear expectations make planning easier. When you understand typical price ranges, you can pick priorities early and avoid last-minute surprises.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Average price ranges for bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony pieces
• The main factors that shape a florist’s quote
• Sample budgets for common wedding sizes

At Fiore Designs, we believe in clear planning and honest numbers. Our goal is to turn your inspiration into florals that feel personal, polished, and photo-ready.

A Detailed Breakdown of Wedding Flower Prices

When you build a floral budget, it helps to price each part of the day. Personal flowers, ceremony pieces, and reception designs each have their own range.

Use the numbers below as a planning guide. Your final quote will depend on flower choices, season, design style, and the labor needed on-site.

Personal flower prices

Personal flowers are worn or carried. They are also some of the most photographed items of the whole day.

In most weddings, the bridal bouquet takes the most design time. It may also include higher-cost blooms that need special sourcing.

Typical ranges:

• Bridal bouquet: $100 to $350
• Bridesmaid bouquet: $50 to $110 each
• Boutonniere: $10 to $30
• Corsage: $20 to $40

If you want a simple example of a gift-style bouquet shape and scale, our hand-tied bouquet is a good visual reference for a loose, garden-forward look.

Ceremony and reception floral costs

Ceremony flowers create the backdrop for your vows. Reception flowers create the feeling of the room for hours.

Large ceremony pieces, like arches and chuppahs, usually cost more because they need more stems and more labor. They also require safe installation and careful transport.

Labor is often a major part of an arch quote. Bigger designs take more build time, more hands, and more on-site work to install securely.

Reception centerpieces can become the biggest line item simply because you need one per table. Even a modest centerpiece adds up when you multiply it by 10 to 20 tables.

Average price range for wedding floral arrangements

Floral Item	Average Price Range (Low End)	Average Price Range (High End)
Altar or Aisle Arrangements	$100	$500+
Ceremony Arch or Chuppah	$500	$2,500+
Low Guest Table Centerpiece	$75	$250
Tall Guest Table Centerpiece	$200	$600+
Sweetheart Table Arrangement	$150	$700+
Cake Flowers	$50	$200+

Once you have a rough total in mind, our wedding flower budget calculator can help you sketch out quantities and priorities.

What Really Goes Into Your Floral Budget?

When you look at a florist’s proposal, the flower line item is only part of the story. The rest is the work it takes to make the flowers look perfect at the exact time your guests see them.

Here are the main things that shape a wedding flower cost breakdown.

Your bloom choices and the seasons

Flower type matters. Some blooms cost more because they are fragile, in short supply, or only available for a small window each year.

Premium blooms often include peonies, gardenias, and lily of the valley. More budget-friendly choices often include carnations, daisies, and many rose varieties.

If you want a flower that is out of season, it may need to be imported. That usually means a higher stem price and less flexibility if supply shifts.

If you want to plan around what is freshest and easiest to source, use our guide to flowers are in season throughout the year.

The size and complexity of your designs

A simple bouquet and a cascading bouquet are not priced the same. The second requires wiring, extra mechanics, and more design time.

Complexity goes up when you add:

• More scale: larger arches, taller centerpieces, thicker coverage
• Airy, layered styles: these often take longer to place cleanly
• Custom structures: builds that require extra materials and planning

If an arch is part of your vision, our wedding arch cost guide explains the most common styles and what affects price.

The “behind the scenes” costs: labor and logistics

Wedding flowers involve a lot of time outside of design. This includes prep days, packing, transport, setup, and late-night cleanup.

Most full-service floral quotes include:

• Delivery: careful transport for delicate arrangements
• Setup: placing every piece, pinning personals, installing structures
• Breakdown: removing rentals and clearing installs after the event

If you want ceremony pieces installed on-site, you can review ceremony flower pricing and typical build options.

Real Wedding Flower Budget Examples

Price ranges help, but sample budgets make it real. Below are three common wedding sizes and how the floral budget might be allocated.

Think of these as templates. Your venue layout, table count, and priorities will shape the final mix.

Intimate and chic: 50 guests

With a smaller guest list, you can spend more per piece and still keep the overall budget controlled. This is a great setup for a standout bouquet and strong ceremony focal pieces that can be moved to the reception.

Sample budget total: $4,500

• Personal flowers ($950):
  • Bridal bouquet: $350
  • Bridesmaid bouquets: 2 at $125 each ($250)
  • Boutonnieres: 5 at $25 each ($125)
  • Corsages for mothers: 2 at $40 each ($80)
  • Flower girl petals and crown: $95
• Ceremony decor ($1,350):
  • Two large focal arrangements on pedestals: $1,200
  • Aisle petals: $150
• Reception decor (6 tables) ($1,500):
  • Guest table centerpieces: 5 low arrangements at $200 each ($1,000)
  • Sweetheart table arrangement: $400
  • Cake flowers: $100
• Labor, delivery and tax (approx. 20-25%): ~$700

Classic romance: 100 guests

This size often supports a clear ceremony focal point, plus a full set of reception centerpieces. You can also build in more personal flowers for a larger wedding party.

Sample budget total: $8,000

• Personal flowers ($1,370):
  • Bridal bouquet: $375
  • Bridesmaid bouquets: 4 at $130 each ($520)
  • Boutonnieres: 8 at $25 each ($200)
  • Corsages for family: 4 at $40 each ($160)
  • Flower girl petals and crown: $115
• Ceremony decor ($2,500):
  • Partial floral arch: $2,000
  • Aisle marker arrangements: 8 at $62.50 each ($500)
• Reception decor (12 tables) ($2,880):
  • Centerpieces: mix of tall and low ($2,400)
  • Sweetheart table arrangement: $300
  • Cake flowers: $180
• Labor, delivery and tax (approx. 20-25%): ~$1,250

If you are still deciding centerpiece styles, our wedding reception centerpiece ideas post shows options that work at different budget levels.

Lush and grand: 150+ guests

Larger weddings need florals that read across a bigger space. This is where bigger installs, more tables, and extra accent areas often come into the plan.

Sample budget total: $15,000+

• Personal flowers ($1,800):
  • Bridal bouquet: $450
  • Bridesmaid bouquets: 6 at $150 each ($900)
  • Boutonnieres: 10 at $30 each ($300)
  • Corsages for family: 4 at $40 each ($160)
• Ceremony decor ($5,000):
  • Full floral arch or chuppah: $4,000+
  • Lush aisle arrangements: $1,000
• Reception decor (16 tables) ($5,800):
  • Centerpieces: mix of elevated and low ($4,800)
  • Sweetheart table installation: $750
  • Cocktail bar arrangements: $250
• Labor, delivery and tax (approx. 20-25%): ~$2,400

Wedding floral budget scenarios

Floral Element	Small Wedding (50 Guests)	Medium Wedding (100 Guests)	Large Wedding (150+ Guests)
Personal Flowers	$950	$1,370	$1,800
Ceremony Decor	$1,350	$2,500	$5,000
Reception Decor	$1,500	$2,880	$5,800
Labor & Delivery	~$700	~$1,250	~$2,400
Total Estimated Budget	$4,500	$8,000	$15,000+

How to Maximize Your Wedding Flower Investment

Saving money on flowers does not have to mean “less beautiful.” It usually means choosing fewer priorities, planning smarter, and letting each arrangement do more than one job.

Focus on the moments people notice most

Guests look at a few areas the most. When you focus your budget there, your flowers feel more intentional.

• Ceremony focal point: arch, chuppah, or altar area
• Bridal bouquet: in portraits, aisle photos, and detail shots
• Reception entry: sets the tone right away
• Sweetheart or head table: a key photo background all night

If you want more ways to keep your vision strong on a smaller number, read our guide on save money on wedding flowers.

Let your florist suggest in-season alternatives

If you love a certain color and texture, you usually have options. Being open to substitutions can lower cost and improve freshness.

Instead of naming one flower, try naming the feel you want, like “soft and romantic,” “modern and sculptural,” or “wild garden.” That helps your florist build something that fits your photos and your budget.

Repurpose ceremony flowers at the reception

Repurposing is one of the simplest ways to stretch a budget. It can be as easy as moving aisle arrangements to reception tables.

Common repurpose ideas:

• Arch flowers to sweetheart table: reuse the focal blooms where you sit
• Aisle pieces to centerpieces: instant table decor without added cost
• Bridesmaid bouquets to accent vases: great for bars, gift tables, or bathrooms

Partnering With Your Florist

Your florist is both a designer and a logistics partner. The best results happen when your priorities are clear early on.

Preparing for your floral consultation

Bring inspiration images, but keep it simple. Around 15-20 photos is usually enough to show your color palette and overall style.

Also be ready with:

• Venue details: ceremony space, reception room, table sizes
• Guest count: helps estimate centerpiece quantities
• Budget range: helps shape realistic options
• Must-haves: the items you care about most

If you want a quick list of every possible floral item to consider, our wedding flower checklist is a helpful planning tool.

Key questions to ask your florist

The right questions help avoid confusion later. For more guidance, see our tips on how to choose a wedding florist.

1. What is included in your proposal?
2. Who handles delivery, setup, and breakdown?
3. How do you handle substitutions?
4. Have you worked at my venue before?
5. What do you need from me, and by when?

Answering Your Top Questions About Wedding Flower Costs

These are the questions we hear most often when couples start building a wedding flower cost breakdown.

How much of my wedding budget should I set aside for flowers?

Many couples plan for 8-10% of the total wedding budget. If you want large installs, like hanging flowers or full arches, 12-15% may be more realistic.

Are silk flowers cheaper than real ones?

Often, no. High-quality silk flowers can cost as much as fresh, sometimes more. You may keep them, but the upfront cost can be significant.

What is the best way to save money on wedding flowers?

Choose in-season blooms, repurpose ceremony flowers, and focus on fewer high-impact moments. A strong ceremony focal point plus thoughtful reception designs often looks more polished than many small pieces spread everywhere.

Do I need to tip my florist?

It is never required, but it is appreciated. If you choose to tip, 10-15% is common. Some couples also tip a flat amount per team member.

Next Steps: Build Your Floral Plan

Your wedding flower cost breakdown should feel clear, not confusing. Start with your total budget, pick your top priorities, then price out the pieces that support the look you want.

If you are ready to plan personal flowers, ceremony design, and reception centerpieces with one team, explore our reception centerpiece planning options, then reach out through our wedding inquiry form to start your proposal.