Flowers

DIY/Budget – $1,000-$2,500

• Goal: Significant savings through personal labor.
• Strategy: Focus on “personal” flowers (bouquets/boutonnieres) and use simple greenery or single stems in bud vases for tables.
• Note: Requires 20–40 hours of prep time and specialized tools like shears, floral tape, and cool storage.

Mid-Range/Standard – $5,000–$8,000

• Goal: A cohesive, professional look without large-scale structural builds.
• Strategy: Professional bouquets, full table centerpieces, and a clear ceremony focal point like a floral arch ($650–$2,000).
• Efficiency: Repurpose ceremony arrangements for the reception head table to maximize value.

Luxury/High-End – $15,000+

• Goal: A “Pinterest-style” immersive experience with premium blooms.
• Strategy: Large-scale installations (hanging floral ceilings, staircase cascades), rare out-of-season blooms (peonies, orchids), and high-complexity designs.
• Production: Often requires a large team for on-site builds and late-night “strike” (cleanup) services.

Shape and Structure

The “silhouette” of your arrangements dictates how many stems and what kind of mechanics (foam, wire, tape) the florist needs.

• Round & Classic: Symmetrical, tight, and uniform. Usually uses “mass” flowers like roses or carnations. (Mid-range pricing).
• Organic & Airy: Natural, asymmetrical, and whimsical. Uses lots of “filler” and “line” flowers to create movement. (Higher pricing due to delicate stem placement).
• Architectural/Modern: Minimalist with clean lines, often focusing on one type of flower or tropicals. (Varies; can be budget-friendly or high-end).

Bloom Density vs. Greenery

Greenery is generally cheaper than blooms, but “high-end” greenery (like Pieris or Italian Ruscus) can still cost a premium.

• Lush & Bloom-Heavy: Very little greenery visible; packed with flowers. (Highest price tier).
• Garden Style: A balanced mix of flowers and various textures of greenery. (Standard pricing).
• Greenery-Forward: Focuses on eucalyptus, ferns, or vines with minimal “pops” of flowers. (Best for budget tiers).

Color Palette Specifics

Don’t just say “pink.” Be specific about the undertones, as this helps the florist source specific (and potentially pricier) varieties.

• Monochromatic: Different shades of one color (e.g., “all white” or “all red”).
• Moody & Saturated: Deep plums, burgundies, and dark foliage.
• Pastel & Airy: Soft blushes, peaches, and creams.
• High-Contrast: Bold pairings, like bright orange with deep teal.

Key Descriptive Keywords

Pick three of these to help your florist visualize the “vibe”:

• Boho: Dried elements, pampas grass, terracotta tones, textured.
• Romantic: Soft petals, spilling over vases, candlelight, classic blooms.
• Industrial: Sleek, copper accents, geometric shapes, minimal foliage.
• Whimsical: Wildflowers, varied heights, “just picked” look.