Why Floral Design Costs What It Costs: A Transparent Guide for Couples

bohotany
Mar 16
3 min read

One of the most common questions couples have during wedding planning is: “Why are wedding flowers so expensive?” And it’s completely understandable, floristry is a world that many couples only encounter once, and the pricing can sometimes feel mysterious from the outside.

At Bohotany, we want to be open and transparent to help couples understand the true value behind thoughtful floral design. Here’s a simple breakdown of what goes into your wedding flowers and why the investment is what it is.

Seasonal Flowers, Sourcing & Quality

Premium flowers are grown, cut and handled with huge care.

Many are sourced from small British farms, where growers spend months tending each stem, battling the unpredictable British weather and fulfilling the demand that the wedding season brings.

Quality, stem length, freshness and rarity all influence cost. Seasonal blooms are more affordable and sustainable but even they take months of care before they reach your arrangements.

When purchasing for your wedding, timing matters and so spending your investment wisely with a florist that has the knowledge and experience with their craft rather than the cheapest option is also so important when weighing up your options.

The Design Process (Long Before the Flowers Arrive)

Floral design begins months, before your wedding day. This includes:

creative consultations
mood boards and concept development
site visits
sourcing vessels, candles and building mechanics
creating logistics plans for your venue
liaising with planners and suppliers

This design work ensures your flowers feel cohesive, intentional and aligned with the story of your celebration.

Hands-On Labour & Skilled Craftsmanship

Wedding floristry is incredibly labour-intensive, often involving a full team working long days. Your investment covers:

prepping and conditioning every stem
creating bouquets, buttonholes and tablescapes
building large-scale installations onsite
multiple early morning market trips
delivery, setup and final styling
An expert team of florists to bring your vision to life

It’s skilled, time-sensitive work. Part artistry, part engineering.

Installation Day Logistics

Unlike everyday flowers, wedding florals are often built on-site. This means:

travel to and from the venue
van hire and fuel
staff wages for the installation team
long hours to ensure every detail is perfect ( florists are up before the bird catches the worm!)

For statement pieces like arches or suspended clouds, entire structures need to be constructed safely and securely, requiring additional expertise and time.

Sustainable Techniques & Foam-Free Mechanics

Foam-free floristry takes longer and requires more skill. Using reusable mechanics and sustainable materials is better for the environment, but it adds hours of preparation and setup. Couples choosing sustainable floristry are also investing in design that reflects current standards of responsible practice.

Behind-the-Scenes Expenses Most Couples Never See

Like any small creative business, florists carry ongoing costs, including:

studio rent and utilities
insurance
storage and equipment
tools, vessels and candleholders
vehicle maintenance
professional cleaning and maintenance
staff training and development

These allow us to operate safely, professionally and at a high design level.

Post-Wedding Breakdown & Clearing the Venue

Once the celebration ends, the work continues. Teams often return late at night or early the next morning to clear down installations, pack equipment and ensure the venue is restored exactly as required, an essential part of the service that’s built into the cost.

We must responsibly dispose of all items, either by donating quality stems to local charities or sending everything to green waste. This includes sorting and cleaning all mechanics and vessels for reuse at the next event and updating the inventory.

So, What Are You Really Paying For?

You’re investing in:

high-quality seasonal flowers
sustainable, modern floristry methods
experienced designers and skilled craftsmanship
hours of preparation, on-site and off -site work, pre and post production.
thoughtful design that elevates your venue
a team dedicated to bringing your vision to life

Floral design isn’t just flowers on the day, it’s a full creative service rooted in expertise, planning and craftsmanship. When couples understand the value behind the scenes, the investment feels far more transparent and meaningful.

If you’d like a cost breakdown or help designing florals that work within your budget, we’re always happy to guide you.