Wedding Flowers - Quote

I would reach out to other florists for quotes so you have something to compare her quote to

I'd get other quotes to compare, but that doesn't sound unreasonable to me. Flowers are expensive.

It depends on what you're asking for. I'd get some quotes from other people, but also consider what the repercussions could be if you're not satisfied.

It doesn't sound crazy, no.

If this quote is out of budget, which is sounds like it is but I might be wrong, I'd reach out to other florists and be honest with your FMIL and her friend. However, depending on your area and the season, that might be perfectly reasonable.

Wow! My quote was almost $400 and I thought that was pushing it. Definitely keep searching, and be sure to tell the florist your budget.

Depending on what you are wanting that's totally normal pricing. I'm paying $700 for just wedding party flowers, and a few very small arrangements to hang on the aisle chairs, and one big arrangement for my guest book table. We opted out of floral center pieces due to price and the fact that they don't fit well with our theme but if we needed those it could easily have been over what you were quoted.

It's not an unusual amount for a professional florist but of course depends on how much you are getting and the types of flowers. I would absolutely seek out more quotes, that's just being responsible. You are under no obligation to use your FMIL's friend. In fact, that can be a bad idea - it can get messy if you hire her and are not satisfied with the product she delivers.

Don't listen to Andrea. She thought $400 was a lot for a pro florist? She is out to lunch.

I would get other quotes just to compare with. I had quotes range from $3500 to $1000 for the same things! If you find a cheaper option, graciously decline the friend's offer and explain you need to work within a certain budget.

My estimate for everything was similar--around $2400. She was going to charge me to rent some stuff I wanted for the centerpieces (vases for $2 each, with 3 on each table, and floating candles at $5 each). It also included $200 for set up of candelabras at the church and another $200 for setup of the centerpieces at the reception. Ultimately I've decided this is way more than I want to spend on flowers, so we're going a different route.

She should have given you a detailed breakdown of the costs. Mine did down to the price of each piece and what flowers were to be used. See if there's any wiggle room in it because mine told me we had lots of room to work with on the bridesmaids bouquets.

What are you asking for?

For about $2,600 I'm getting:

-Bridal bouquet ($200)

-3 bridesmaid bouquet ($85 each, so $255 total)

-6 boutonnieres ($20 each, so $120 total)

-3 corsages ($30 each, so $90 total)

-2 gigantic urn arrangements for the ceremony ($300 each, so $600 total)

-6 ceremony aisle arrangements ($37.50 each, so $225 total)

-petals lining ceremony aisle ($100)

-cake flowers ($25)

-6 reception centerpieces ($75 each, so $450 total)

-arrangement for guest book table ($40)

Delivery and set up $300

Tax $222.46

Grand total $2,627.46

I decided to go with a slightly more expensive florist than I had to, simply because he is amazing and is so professional and I trust him to do his thing without needing to worry at all.

Get price quotes from others and go from there

Hi Jassel! It would be the most helpful if you could post how that quote broke down - how much was it for each item (bridesmaid bouquet, centerpieces, boutonnieres, etc.)!

Six bridesmaid bouquets plus your bridal bouquet could easily run you $700-$1,000, and if the centerpieces are $100 each (which would be a great price) that's $2,000 before you blink! The easiest ways to cut down your floral costs are to ask for less volume / small sized bouquets and arrangements, adding more greenery and less flowers, and choosing cheaper flower types.

Can you re-use your bridesmaid bouquets for the centerpieces? I did this and it worked out really well! That would take care of 6 of your centerpieces. Also, what about varying the size of your centerpieces? We did 6 tall arrangements ($$&dollar, 6 low arrangements ($&dollar, and 7 arrangements with bridesmaid bouquets (&dollar. The variety in size looked great in our reception room and I didn't feel like I was sacrificing on the amount of flowers, and the variety in price was helpful to our wallets

Hi WWLynnie, thank you for the information.

She did not give me a breakdown. I just asked her for a breakdown so I can see where I can possibly cut down costs. I asked her for simple centerpieces with more magnolia leaves and one magnolia or two gardenias per centerpiece.

Yes i would be willing to reuse the BM bouquets as centerpieces. Thank you for that suggestion. Our centerpieces will be small and simple.

Thank you everyone for all of your help! I appreciate it so much and will be reaching out to other florists today.

Thank you!!

Get more quotes. It doesn't hurt.