how to maximize Your Wedding Flower Budget

Couples planning a wedding in 2024 and beyond are navigating higher costs than ever. A new study from Zola revealed that the average cost of a wedding in 2024 is estimated to surpass $30,000 USD (that’s over $40,000 CAD). With over 80% of wedding vendors reporting that their costs had increased in 2023, many couples are left wondering if their dream wedding is beyond reach.

Here at Porcelain & Vine, we understand that the overall costs of planning a wedding can easily add up. To help couples bring their dream wedding to life we’ve developed a consultative approach to wedding styling & floral design that allows us to maximize your floral budget without sacrificing on visual impact. Before we delve into tips for how to save money on your wedding flowers in 2024, let’s break down the 3 main factors currently impacting global flower prices:

Why Are Wedding Flowers So Expensive?

Saving inspiration pictures (like this image above) to a Pinterest board is a great way to show your floral stylist what sort of arrangements

and table settings you’d like. Staying open to alternative recommendations will allow you to achieve a similar look on a smaller budget, allowing you to strategize how to best spend your wedding budget.

1- Covid-19 Caused A Global Flower Shortage

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the temporary closures of many of the world’s largest flower farms, resulting in a reduced overall crop yield. As the flower market strives to recover, the scarcity of certain blooms has contributed to increased costs.

2- Climate Change Is Impacting Flower Supply 

Extreme weather events, a consequence of global warming, have affected the viability of many flower crops. Droughts and storms have rendered portions of these crops unusable, further impacting the global flower supply chain.

3- Oil Prices Make Importing Flowers More Expensive

Fuel prices are on the rise, and this increase directly impacts the cost of importing flowers into Canada. As the expense of transporting flowers surges, florists are compelled to adjust pricing to maintain the quality and variety of available blooms.

For a comprehensive exploration of the current flower shortage and its impact, we recommend this blog post from a major US flower wholesaler, Mayesh: The Flower Shortage Explained.

your dream wedding is within reach

Working with a skilled wedding florist can help you get the most blooms for your buck.

6 tips for getting the most out of your wedding flower budget

Prioritize Seasonal Blooms

Nature's bounty is your ally. Choosing seasonal blooms is not only more environmentally friendly, but also ensures cost efficiency as you’re not shipping them in from somewhere warmer. At Porcelain & Vine we are happy to recommend alternative flowers that are in season and can give a similar visual vibe to your inspiration photos.

Select Larger Flowers

Make a lasting impression by opting for larger blooms that take up more space in a bridal bouquet or wedding table centerpiece and using more cost-effective greenery to fill in the blank spaces. If you’re looking to optimize your budget, let your florist know you’re open to cost-effective ‘filler’ wherever they recommend.

Stay Flexible

The more open you are to alternative flower selections, the greater your savings. At Porcelain & Vine we believe your wedding flowers & decor should be a collaborative effort. We’re skilled in recommending alternatives that align with your vision while respecting your budget. So send us those inspo pics, and let us take care of the rest!

Define Your Floral Priorities

Your dream wedding may include various floral elements, but understanding your priorities allows for thoughtful allocation of your budget. If you’re not sure how to prioritize, we can assist you in determining what floral elements will provide the largest visual impact on your big day.

Strategic Floral Placement

For floral décor viewed from a distance (like floral chandeliers, wedding backdrops & floral arches) consider using more budget-friendly flower options and greenery as substitutes for costly blooms. Reserve premium blooms for close-up focal points like your bridal bouquet and boutonnieres, ensuring that every detail shines in the spotlight.

Select The Right Florist

Finding a florist who understands your wedding floral aesthetic and respects your budget requirements is key to ensuring success. If you feel your florist is pushing the most expensive option on you and doesn’t seem open to finding creative solutions, that might be a sign they’re not the vendor for you.

Porcelain & Vine is committed to guiding our clients through the process of floral design. We work collaboratively with our clients to bring their event vision to life - within their budget.

Porcelain & Vine:

Owner Susan Findlay is a stylist & florist offering over 20 years of experience to help her clients create a beautiful wedding or event. Based out of Peterborough, Ontario Canada, Porcelain & Vine services Peterborough, The Kawarthas, Lindsay, Millbrook, Pontypool, Keene, Norwood &

Cobourg,Port Hope regions.

Let Porcelain & Vine bring your dream event to life.