After nearly 10 years in business, we recently came to a big realization regarding the proposal process.  We realized that creating quotes for couples (and coordinators) who have not established a specific floral budget can create major issues which lead to complicating the booking process, and lessen the chances of the couple booking their dream florist.

While many couples who reach out to us say they haven't created a budget because they're unsure of what flowers cost, they typically have already established an overall wedding budget, and may even have a price range in mind that they would feel most comfortable staying within. 

It is our goal to help shed some light on the importance of establishing a floral budget, and communicating your budget to your wedding florist prior to your floral design consultation.

The Importance of Creating a Floral Budget (prior to your floral design consultation) 

The scenario looked something like this: A wonderful bride would reach out to us to learn more about our services and pricing, and to receive a floral proposal.  We would set up a consultation to learn more about her wedding vision, look at her Pinterest board, and discuss the floral elements she would like to have for her special day. After her consultation, we would create a floral design concept and proposal that included everything on her wish list. A week or so later, the bride would follow up to let us know that although we were her #1 choice, she decided to go with another florist who was able to offer a floral design package at a lower price point.

Unfortunately, what the bride didn’t realize is that we could have also proposed a design concept at a lower price point, had we known what her specific budget was in the beginning.   This brings us to the major issue caused by not establishing and providing a floral budget. 

The Scenario

Unlike comparing quotes from two different event rental companies for the same wooden crossback chair, floral designs are 100% customizable, unique, and can be adjusted to fit a range of price points.

Unless you provide wedding florists with your specific floral design budget, you can expect to receive proposals that fall within a wide range of price points. For example, let's say that you receive 3 proposals, all with the same floral items. One of the proposals is $5,000, another $7,000, and the other $10,000.  While it may appear that the florist who created the $10,000 proposal charges twice as much for the same designs, this isn't necessarily the case.  What is more likely is that the $5,000 florist proposed significantly more simplified designs, with less premium flowers, and more economic flowers and vessels.

If instead you let each florist know what your specific floral budget is, you can receive proposals that fall within a budget you are comfortable with.  You will then be able to make your final decision based on other important factors, such as style, personality, and trust.       



This is why it's important for you to decide what you're comfortable with spending, so that the florist has the opportunity to create a concept that fall within your budget

Comparing Blueberries to Pears

1. One of the simplest ways to establishing your floral design budget is with a percentage of your overall wedding budget.  Our clients typically spend 10 -12% of their overall wedding budget on flowers, and sometimes up to 15%, if flowers are a high priority for them.

2. If you're working with a wedding planner, you can ask them what a typical floral design proposal would be for your guest count and venue. An experienced planner will be able to offer some insight into pricing, and help you determine your budget.  

3.

Tips for Establishing Your Floral Budget & Booking Your Dream Florist