What Wedding Flowers Do I Need and How Much Will it Cost?

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what flowers you actually need. Between ceremony décor, reception centerpieces, and all those little details you hadn't thought about, it's easy to feel lost in a sea of petals and possibilities.

The good news? You don't need to be a professional florist to create a beautiful floral design for your big day. With a little planning and the right guidance, DIY wedding flowers can save you money while adding a personal touch that guests will remember.

This guide breaks down every area of your wedding that needs flowers, shows you what a typical wedding flower order looks like, and gives you real numbers on what it costs to DIY your blooms for a 100-guest celebration.

We've covered personal flowers like bridal bouquets and boutonnieres in a previous blog, so this guide focuses on the spaces and surfaces that bring your venue to life.

Where Do You Need Wedding Flowers?

Before you start ordering stems, take a mental walk through your wedding day. Every space tells a story, and flowers help set the scene. Here's where you'll want to think about adding blooms.

Ceremony Flowers

Your ceremony is where the magic happens, so it deserves to look stunning. Think about flowers for the altar or arch where you'll exchange vows. Many couples choose two large arrangements to frame this focal point, creating a backdrop worthy of your most important photos.

Don't forget the aisle. Whether you line it with petals, small arrangements, or hanging florals, these details guide your processional and add romance to every step toward "I do."

Cocktail Hour Blooms

After the ceremony, guests will mingle during cocktail hour. This is your chance to create an inviting atmosphere with flowers on cocktail tables, near the bar, and at your seating assignment display. These arrangements don't need to be large, but they should feel intentional and welcoming.

Reception Centerpieces and Beyond

The reception is where you'll spend most of your celebration, so it's worth giving extra attention to the floral design here.

Centerpieces are the star of the show. Whether you prefer tall, dramatic arrangements or low, garden-style clusters, your guest table flowers set the tone for the entire space. You might choose to alternate between full arrangements and simple bud vases to create visual interest while staying within budget. FiftyFlowers provides a range of pre-made centerpieces in various styles to simplify your design process. 

Your head table, sweetheart table, or estate table deserves special treatment too. These are where you'll sit, and they're often photographed throughout the night. A lush garland or statement arrangement makes these tables feel extra special.

Don't overlook the cake table, buffet stations, and even the dance floor or stage. Small touches of greenery or blooms in these areas tie your floral vision together and make the entire venue feel cohesive.

Other Important Spaces

Some areas are easy to forget but make a big impact when decorated thoughtfully.

Your welcome sign greets guests as they arrive. A small arrangement or garland nearby creates a warm first impression.

The guest book table is another photo opportunity. A simple arrangement here encourages guests to stop, sign, and snap a picture.

If you have a gift table, a few stems in a vase keep it from feeling bare.

Finally, consider adding a small arrangement to the restrooms. It's an unexpected touch that shows you thought of every detail.

Your Wedding Flower Checklist & DIY Costs

So, you know where to put flowers, but what do you actually need to order? To give you a clear idea, we've put together a sample checklist for a wedding of about 100 guests. This list covers all the key pieces for your personal flowers, ceremony, and reception.

Here's a typical DIY wedding flower order:

• For the Bridal Party:

• 1 bridal bouquet

• 6 bridesmaid bouquets

• 1 groom boutonniere

• 6 groomsmen boutonnieres

• 2 father boutonnieres

• 2 mother corsages

• For the Ceremony:

• 2 large altar arrangements (re-purpose these in your reception, flanking the dancefloor or on your buffet)

• A bag of petals for the aisle

• For the Reception:

• 10 guest table arrangements (We love mixing it up! Try 5 full arrangements and 5 tables with simpler bud vases for variety.)

• 1 welcome table arrangement

• 1 flowers for the cake

• 1 bar arrangement

Now for the big question: what will this cost? One of the best parts about going the DIY route is the incredible savings. When you buy flowers from FiftyFlowers and create the arrangements yourself, you get all the beauty without the high price tag of a full-service florist.

For the wedding flowers we've outlined, you can expect to spend around $1,500 to $2,500. This estimate reflects what our clients have spent on similar orders after a consultation with our expert floral consultants. Your final price will depend on the specific flowers you choose, what's available seasonally, and if you select popular premium blooms or beautiful, budget-friendly alternatives.

When you compare that to hiring a traditional florist—where a similar setup could easily cost $3,000 to $5,000 or more—the savings are huge! Putting in a little bit of your own time and creativity means you can save thousands and end up with flowers that feel truly you.

Tips for Staying Within Budget

Mix premium flowers with greenery. You don't need every stem to be a showstopper. Use greenery and filler flowers to bulk up arrangements and let a few statement blooms shine.

Simplify thoughtfully. Not every table needs an elaborate setup. Alternating larger centerpieces with simple bud vases adds visual interest without inflating your flower budget. Candles can fill space and highlight even the simplest arrangements.

Order a little extra. Having a few extra stems on hand is a great idea—not just for last-minute décor, but also as a backup in case a stem or two gets a little damaged during your creative process. It happens! Plus, leftover flowers can always be used for charming little accents.

Repurpose when possible. Maximize your floral budget by reusing ceremony arrangements and bridesmaids' bouquets at the reception. Move floral altar arrangements or aisle arrangements to frame the sweetheart table or reception entrance. Place bridesmaids' bouquets in vases for instant, cohesive centerpieces or accent pieces.

Know your numbers. Don't forget, every guest adds up to another seat at a table, which might mean more centerpieces or decorations to consider. Simple bud vases and candles are a beautiful and budget-friendly option here! And while every lovely bridesmaid deserves flowers, a beautiful bouquet isn't the only choice. You could have them carry elegant single stems for a modern, simple look.

Make Your Wedding Flowers Your Own

DIY wedding flowers give you the freedom to create exactly what you envision. Whether you dream of lush garden roses, wildflower arrangements, or simple eucalyptus garlands, you have the power to bring that vision to life.

Start by thinking through every space in your venue. Jot down where you want flowers and what style feels right for each area. Then, build your order around those needs, keeping your budget and skill level in mind.

With a little planning and the right resources, you'll walk into your wedding knowing every bloom was chosen and arranged with love. And that's a detail no hired florist can replicate.

Ready to start planning your DIY wedding flowers? Check out our thoughtfully designed DIY Flower Kits, Ready-Made Centerpieces, Boutonnieres and Corsages, and Wedding Collections. You'll find everything you need to create a day that truly reflects you.

Feeling a little unsure? We're here to help! Schedule a consultation with one of our floral experts. They'll guide you through your wedding floral choices, share professional tips, and help bring your vision to life.