Reference
Where your floral dollar actually goes.
Most floral budgets bend on the same four decisions. Below is how the spend splits in a typical wedding — plus the trade-offs that let you tighten without hurting the photos.
5 min read
Typical split
Where it goes in a typical 100-guest wedding
The split is roughly consistent regardless of total budget. The biggest line item is almost always reception centerpieces because there are simply more of them than any other piece type.
40%
Reception centerpieces
25%
Ceremony decor
25%
Personal pieces
10%
Accents + extras
The four levers
Trade-offs that move the needle most
You don't have to make all four — most couples make one or two and keep the rest. The savings compound across guests and pieces.
- Saves ~40% per centerpiece
Centerpieces low vs tall
Low centerpieces use roughly 60% of the stems a tall riser piece needs. Same visual coverage at the table level.
- Saves ~50% on ceremony spend
Single arch spray vs full set
One corner spray on an arch reads as styled in photos. A full 3-piece set is "magazine" level.
- Saves ~30% per table
Garland vs individual centerpieces (long tables)
A single garland down a banquet table replaces 4–5 small centerpieces and reads as more cohesive in photos.
- Saves ~20% per bouquet
Bridesmaid bouquet size
Going from a 22 cm bridesmaid bouquet to an 18 cm "posy" doesn't affect photo composition — it lets the bride's bouquet stay the visual anchor.
Then build the list
Run the floral checklist for a concrete piece count.
Once you've picked a budget direction, the checklist computes the exact piece list — bouquets, centerpieces, arch, and more — based on your guest count and party size.
More in planning
The shorter resources that pair best with this one.
Start here
Color quiz
4 questions, 1 minute. Get a palette match grounded in your venue, season, and overall mood.
1 min · interactive
Personalised
Floral checklist
Punch in your guest count and wedding-party size — we build the exact piece list you actually need.
2 min · interactive
Schedule
90-day timeline
When to lock the palette, when to order, when to assemble. A short, calm countdown.
4 min read