Ask a Wedding Florist: Frequently Asked Questions Vol. 1
I'm pulling back the curtain! If you’ve ever wondered what a wedding and event florist REALLY does besides playing with beautiful flowers, this series is for you! This post covers questions like "What does a wedding florist actually do?" to “How much do wedding flowers cost?” to “Where do you get your flowers?” and more.
If you’ve ever wondered what a wedding florist REALLY does (besides playing with beautiful flowers all day — because spoiler, there’s more), this series is for you!
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be answering the most common (and surprising) questions I get about my work as a floral designer for weddings and events in the San Francisco Bay Area. From pricing to logistics to design process, I’m pulling back the curtain on the sometimes-illusive career of floral design.
I’m kicking things off with the basics. If you have any burning questions, drop them in the comments and I will answer them in an upcoming post!
1. What does a wedding florist actually do?
A wedding florist conceptualizes, sources, designs, delivers, and installs all floral elements for weddings. This includes everything from bouquets and centerpieces to larger-scale installations like a ceremony arch. While a lot of the hands-on work happens the week of the wedding, 6-12 months of pre-planning involves proposals, design decks, supplier orders, budgeting, logistics and timelines, sourcing other rental items like vases and candles, and staffing.
2. How much do wedding flowers cost?
It varies! A common guideline is to allocate 10-15% of the total wedding budget to florals. My clients typically spend between $20-45K on florals. And if you’re curious what goes into the expense of wedding flowers, check out this blogpost I wrote here.
3. Where do you get your flowers?
I source my flowers from the San Francisco Flower Market (one of the largest wholesale flower markets in the US!), as well as a few local Bay Area flower farms. I prioritize small growers and collectives when possible to source the freshest, most unique seasonal blooms while supporting sustainable floristry.
4. What’s the hardest part about wedding floristry?
I’d say the physical demands (early morning market runs, long hours on your feet, lifting heavy buckets, climbing ladders for installations) paired with the unpredictability of the business (perishable product, time constraints, sourcing surprises, tricky weather). Lots of coffee, flexibility, and problem solving!
5. What’s the best part of wedding floristry?
Of course, being surrounded by beautiful flowers is a dream—but what truly makes it rewarding for me is the ability to take a vision, refine and elevate it, and use color theory and design to transform a space in ways my clients never imagined. I also thrive on the teamwork and collaboration with planners and other vendors, the energy of a fast-paced event day, and delivering a seamless, thoughtful client experience. That’s at the heart of my business and where I shine the most!
6. What are your favorite flowers to work with?
I cannot possibly pick one but here are some favorites by season. All photos via GC Collective.
WINTER & SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
If you have any specific questions, drop them here as a comment :) I will answer in an upcoming post!
Let’s Bring Your Floral Vision to Life!
Wedding flowers aren’t just a line item; they’re a work of art that powerfully sets the tone – transforming your venue and creating lasting impressions for your guests.
Inquire here to schedule a consultation, and we can start a journey together that will elevate your vision beyond the imaginable.
Wedding Floral Pricing Explained – And How to Make the Most of Your Floral Budget
What really goes into the cost of wedding flowers? For couples planning a wedding in the San Francisco Bay Area, this articles breaks down why wedding flowers are an investment, what’s behind the pricing, and most importantly, how to make the most of your floral budget.
Photography: Kristine Herman | Planning: Harlene Events
Planning a wedding or event in the San Francisco Bay Area means endless possibilities — stunning venues, diverse styles, and an amazing group of talented vendors to bring your vision to life. Flowers in particular are a big part of setting the tone for your day. But REAL floral artistry? It holds a special power – to tell a story of your personal style, to transform your venue space, and to create unforgettable memories for you and your guests that will last a lifetime in your memories and photos.
When it comes to wedding flowers, many couples experience sticker shock or simply don’t realize what goes into the cost. So let’s break down what’s behind the pricing and—most importantly—how to make the most of your floral budget.
What Goes Into the Cost of Wedding Flowers?
1. The Cost of Flowers Themselves
Fresh, premium flowers are a luxury item — and like any luxury, they come with a cost. Here’s why:
Sourcing: locally grown, sustainable blooms often have higher labor costs, while rare, out-of-season imported flowers come with high shipping fees
A long journey to wedding day: Flowers pass through many hands before they even reach your florist (growers, wholesalers, shippers, and market distributors)
Rising costs & tariffs: Global supply chain issues and tariffs on imported flowers continue to drive up pricing
2. Time, Labor & Custom Craftsmanship
Unlike a grocery store bouquet, wedding florals are fully custom and require high-touch artistry. Your floral designer and team aren’t just picking out flowers, they’re:
Crafting a unique design that aligns with your wedding style, color palette, and venue
Collaborating with your planner and vendor team to ensure a cohesive look and feel
Handling planning & logistics (floral recipes, ordering, site visits, mockups, and sourcing)
Staffing dozens of team members to prep, design, arrange, pack, setup, and breakdown just one single wedding (even more for larger installations)
3. Logistics & Transportation
Getting flowers from point A to point B (in perfect condition) is not as simple as tossing them in the back of a car. Your florist is factoring in:
Refrigerated vans & trucks to keep flowers fresh
Careful packaging & transport systems to prevent damage
Drive time, gas, and mileage
4. Waste & Overages
Florists intentionally buy extra flowers to ensure the best quality and account for natural loss – bruised petals, wilty or broken stems. Nobody wants wilty flowers on their wedding day!
5. Beyond Just Flowers: The Extras that Make a Difference
Florists often provide much more than just flowers, like:
Unique vessels and vases that elevate the vision
Candles and candle accessories to complete the tablescape
Heavy duty rental structures for arches and installations
Photography: Catherine Marie Taylor | Planning: Lorelle Events
How to Make the Most of Your Floral Budget
Work with a planner: A good planner will help you prioritize your floral budget strategically and work collaboratively with your florist
Be flexible: Trust your florist! Flexibility on flower types, colors, and rentals allow them to create something really special while staying within budget.
Repurpose Arrangements: Ask your florist about repurposing florals from the ceremony to the reception (when done thoughtfully, this is a great cost-saver).
Focus on impact areas: Instead of spreading your budget too thin, invest in high-impact designs (like the ceremony backdrop or an epic reception installation) where flowers will have the most wow factor.
Photography: Stephanie Lynn | Planning: Olivia Grace Events
Let’s Bring Your Floral Vision to Life!
Wedding flowers aren’t just a line item; they’re a work of art that powerfully sets the tone – transforming your venue and creating lasting impressions for your guests.
Inquire here to schedule a consultation, and we can start a journey together that will elevate your vision beyond the imaginable.