Flower Dreams, Budget Realities: A Guide to Smart Wedding Spending
When you start dreaming up your wedding day, flowers are often at the heart of the vision - lush ceremony aisles, breathtaking bouquets, and centerpieces that make the whole room feel magical. But with so many possibilities, figuring out how to align your floral dreams with your budget can feel…overwhelming.
At Remi & Gold, we believe every couple deserves a floral experience that feels intentional, personal, and unforgettable - no matter the budget. Here’s our guide to investing wisely, knowing where to splurge, and making design choices that deliver the most wow for your spend.
In this guide, we’re covering:
How much of your wedding budget to dedicate to flowers for a cohesive, elevated look
The floral moments worth splurging on for maximum impact
Smart swaps and repurposing tips that save money without losing the wow-factor
How flower seasonality affects both design and cost
Popular trends couples often underestimate in price
Ways to prioritize your floral wish list when budget is a factor
Common “hidden” costs every couple should know
How to find a florist who matches your wedding style and vision
kelly hornberger fine art photography - greenhouse at driftwood - driftwood, tx
How Much of Your Wedding Budget Should Go to Flowers?
As a general rule, we really encourage couples to set aside 10-15% of their overall wedding budget for florals to achieve a cohesive, elevated look. If flowers are a top priority for you, and you want them to be a major design focal point - you will likely spend 15-25% of your budget here instead!
It all comes down to your personal preferences. If florals are your love language, we’ll help you make the most of that investment.
jeff brummett photography - four seasons - austin, tx
The Floral Moments Worth the Splurge
Not all blooms are created equal when it comes to impact. We recommend focusing your budget on:
Personal flowers – Your bouquet, boutonnieres, and any bridal party florals will be in countless photos.
Ceremony designs – This is where your guests will experience that first wow moment.
High-traffic spaces – Think reception tabletops, bars, lounges, or dance floor installations.
These are the places where your guests will linger, and where your investment will be noticed and remembered.
caroline lima photography - the arlo - austin, tx
Smart Swaps That Save Without Sacrificing Style
If you want maximum impact without stretching your budget, repurposing is your best friend.
One of our favorite tricks? Ground arrangements or potted florals that can pull double duty and give you the best bang for your buck! Imagine a semi-circle meadow framing your ceremony aisle using ground arrangements. After the ceremony and photos, your floral team can relocate and repurpose those same designs to frame the band stage or create a jaw-dropping backdrop for dancing. It’s a double wow factor - without doubling your spend.
ruét photography - windemere farms - san marcos, tx
How Seasonality Shapes Your Budget
The time of year you’re getting married plays a huge role in what blooms are available (and how much they cost).
In-season flowers tend to be more readily available, typically lower cost, and tend to look more full and last longer.
Out-of-season flowers may have limited availability, come at a higher cost, and sometimes arrive smaller or less fresh since they’re outside their natural growing cycle.
We’ll help you navigate these choices so your arrangements look lush and intentional - without unexpected sticker shock.
Trends That Often Cost More Than You Think
Some floral trends look effortless in photos, but require significant time, product, and logistics behind the scenes.
A prime example? Hanging installations. Any design that requires a ladder or scissor lift comes with extra labor, setup, and structural planning for stability - not to mention the amount of product needed for fullness. The result is breathtaking, but it’s worth knowing these designs will be a larger budget item.
ruét photography - south congress hotel - austin, tx
Prioritizing Your Floral Wish List
When budget is a factor, we guide couples to start by identifying their must-haves - the moments they care about and want to focus on the most. From there, we can scale back the florals in areas that don’t matter as much to them and really lean into the designs they want to remember!
We also encourage couples to browse Pinterest or real wedding galleries to see what resonates. Often, you’ll find that you will likely have an immediate reaction to certain styles, which helps us to tailor designs that feel personal and true to your vision.
Understanding the “Hidden” Costs
While we’re always transparent about pricing, it’s important to know what’s typically included in floral quotes:
Sales tax
Design fees
Flip fees (if you’re having your floral team repurpose florals to another space in your venue)
Clean-up fees
Flower choice & seasonality surcharges
Peak season pricing (for in-demand wedding months)
Beyond these standard charges, your flower choices and seasonality can also influence your overall spend. Premium blooms or weddings during peak floral seasons (when demand is high) may increase costs due to naturally higher market prices.
ruét photography - prospect house - austin, tx
Finding a Florist Who Gets Your Vision
Your floral designer should be more than just a vendor - they should be a creative partner who understands your style, priorities, and vision for the day.
Do thorough research before you commit! Look for a florist with a wide range of experience who has designed weddings in styles similar to your personal style. This ensures they can bring your aesthetic to life while also offering fresh, creative ideas you might not have considered. We also recommend booking your wedding planner first and using them as a resource to help you narrow down the best floral partner for your vision.
We recommend:
Reviewing online portfolios on websites, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Asking your venue for recommendations (your venue’s aesthetic plays a big role in floral design).
Choosing a florist with a proven track record in your style - whether that’s romantic garden blooms, bold and colorful arrangements, or sleek modern minimalism.
When you find a florist who truly gets you, the design process becomes collaborative, inspiring, and stress-free.
jason & daris photocinema - palmyra lookout at peaks resort - telluride, co
Smart Wedding Flower Planning for a Luxury Look
Beautiful wedding flowers don’t have to break the bank, but they do deserve thoughtful planning. By prioritizing your must-have moments, making smart swaps, and working with a florist who aligns with your vision, you can have florals that feel like you and make a lasting impression on your guests.
Whether you’re planning a luxury celebration in Austin, Scottsdale, Telluride, or beyond, the Remi & Gold team is here to help you dream big -and spend smart.
✨ Ready to start designing your wedding flowers?
