Dreaming of beautiful wedding flowers without the sky-high price tag? You’re not alone. Florals are one of the most emotional — and expensive — parts of wedding planning, which is why so many couples find themselves asking the same question: should you DIY your wedding flowers or hire a florist?
The truth is, both options can work beautifully on a budget — if you understand the real costs, time commitment, and trade-offs involved. This guide breaks down exactly what it costs to DIY wedding flowers vs hiring a florist, how much time DIY really takes, and affordable alternatives that still deliver a polished look.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
✅ The real cost of hiring a florist vs. DIYing your flowers
✅ How much time & effort DIY wedding flowers actually take
✅ Affordable floral rental and bulk-buy options
✅ Real weddings where brides successfully DIYed florals (and how they did it!)
✅ Answers to common questions about DIY wedding flowers
Ready? Let’s dive in!
DIY Wedding Flowers vs Hiring a Florist: Quick Comparison
If you’re deciding between DIY wedding flowers and hiring a florist, it helps to see the differences side by side:
- DIY wedding flowers offer the biggest cost savings and full creative control, but they require significant time, organization, and comfort working with fresh flowers.
- Hiring a florist costs more, but removes stress, ensures professional results, and often includes delivery and setup.
| Floral Item | Average DIY Cost | Average Florist Cost |
| Bridal Bouquet | $50 – $80 | $195 – $275 |
| Bridesmaid Bouquets (x4) | $20 – $40 each ($80-$160 total) | $65 – $80 each ($260 – $320 total) |
| Boutonnieres (x5) | $5 each ($25 total) | $20 each ($100 total) |
| Centerpieces (x15) | $25 – $60 each ($375-$900 total) | $120 – $600 each ($1,800 – $9,000 total) |
| Wedding Arch Floral | $150 – $500 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Total | $600 – $1,500 | $3,800 – $13,500 |
Below, I’ll break down the real costs, time commitment, and pros and cons of each option so you can decide what makes sense for your wedding.
Hiring a Wedding Florist:
Costs, Benefits & When It Makes Sense
For couples who want professional-quality arrangements without the stress, hiring a florist is the easiest option—but it comes at a price.
How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost?
According to Brides.com and Flower Moxie, these are typical florist price ranges:
| Floral Item | Estimated Cost (Florist) |
| Bridal Bouquet | $195 – $275 |
| Bridesmaid Bouquets (x4) | $65 – $80 each ($260 – $320 total) |
| Boutonnieres (x5) | $20 each ($100 total) |
| Centerpieces (x15) | $120 – $600 each ($1,800 – $9,000 total) |
| Floral Arrangement for Wedding Arch | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Total Cost Estimate | $3,800 – $13,500 |
Why Hire a Wedding Florist?
✅ Professional Quality: Florists know exactly how to arrange, preserve, and display flowers for maximum beauty.
✅ Stress-Free: You don’t have to worry about buying, storing, or arranging flowers in the days before your wedding.
✅ Seamless Setup: Many florists also handle delivery and installation so you can focus on enjoying your big day.
Downsides to Consider:
- Higher Cost – Florists provide gorgeous arrangements, but they come with a price tag to match.
- Less Control – While florists offer a range of styles and floral selections, they may have limited ability to flex to accomodate your vision within your budget based on their inventory and expertise.
DIY Wedding Flowers:
Costs, Savings & Time Commitment
If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, DIYing your wedding flowers can cut your costs by 60-80%—but it’s not as simple as grabbing a bouquet the morning of your wedding.
DIY Wedding Flowers Cost Breakdown & Time Commitment
| Floral Item | Estimated DIY Cost | Time Required |
| Bridal Bouquet | $50 – $80 | 30 min – 1 hr |
| Bridesmaid Bouquets (x4) | $20 – $40 each | 30 min each |
| Boutonnieres (x5) | $5 each | 15 min each |
| Centerpieces (x15) | $25 – $60 each | 30 min each |
| Floral Arrangement for Wedding Arch | $150 – $500 | 2 – 4 hrs |
| Total DIY Cost | $600 – $1,500 | 12 – 15+ hours |
Is DIYing Your Wedding Flowers Right for You?
✅ Budget-Friendly – If you’re looking to slash your floral budget, DIY is a great way to save.
✅ Creative Control – You get to hand-pick every flower and design every arrangement.
✅ A Personal Touch – Many brides find DIY flowers more meaningful because they create them with loved ones.
Challenges to DIY Wedding Flowers to Keep in Mind:
- Time-Consuming – Expect to spend 12-15+ hours (plus practice time!) arranging flowers.
- Requires Storage & Transportation – Fresh flowers need to be kept cool and hydrated leading up to the wedding.
- Potential for Stress – If floral arranging isn’t your thing, DIY could feel overwhelming.
Real Brides Who DIYed and Saved Thousands on Their Wedding Flowers
Still undecided? These real weddings show creative ways brides saved by DIYing a portion or all of their wedding flowers:
- 🌿 Boho Park Wedding: This bride bought dried eucalyptus & pampas grass for a DIY boho look → See how she did it!
- ❄️ Winter Micro Wedding: This bride sourced fresh florals from Trader Joe’s & had bridesmaids prep arrangements the day before → Check it out here
- 🌷 Budget-Friendly Bud Vase Centerpieces: One bride hired a florist but bought all her vases separately to save → See the full wedding
- 💐 Greenery Instead of Flowers: Another bride opted for fresh greenery instead of blooms to cut costs → See her décor
- 🌿 My Own Wedding: I hired a florist only for key floral pieces (bouquets & arch) and DIYed my greenery garlands → See my wedding & cost breakdown
Wedding Flower Rentals:
A Budget-Friendly Alternative to DIY
If you love the look of professionally designed flowers but don’t want to pay full price, consider renting silk flowers from companies like Something Borrowed Blooms.
✔ Saves up to 70% compared to fresh flowers
✔ No last-minute prep or stress
✔ Eco-friendly & reusable
For a high-end floral look on a budget, rentals offer the best of both worlds.
DIY Wedding Flowers FAQ
In most cases, yes. DIY wedding flowers can save couples anywhere from 60–80% compared to hiring a full-service florist, especially if you limit florals to bouquets, centerpieces, and greenery. However, if time, convenience, and professional quality matter most, hiring a florist might be worth the extra cost. I recommend starting your decision process by establishing your wedding budget.
✔ 6+ months before: Research styles, take an online floral arranging class, and choose your suppliers.
✔ 3-4 months before: Order sample flowers and practice assembling bouquets.
✔ 1-2 weeks before: Place your final bulk flower order.
✔ 2-3 days before: Assemble all arrangements and store them properly.
Technically, yes! If you have time to plant in advance, growing flowers can be the cheapest option. But keep in mind: some flowers have short lifespans, you’ll need a backup plan in case of bad weather, you’ll have to harvest & arrange everything right before the wedding, so it’s important to weigh the cost benefit of growing your own!
DIY flowers can be stressful if you underestimate the time involved. Couples who plan ahead, practice arrangements, and enlist help from friends or family tend to have the best experience. For an easier DIY experience, choose:
✔ Hardy flowers (roses, eucalyptus, baby’s breath)
✔ Simple styles (hand-tied bouquets, bud vases)
✔ Help from friends or family
It depends on your budget & priorities! Here are considerations to help you decide.
Real flowers: More natural and fragrant, but pricier & delicate
Silk flowers: Reusable, allergy-friendly, & way cheaper if rented
Popular options include bulk flower suppliers like FiftyFlowers, Blooms by the Box, Flower Moxie, and even wholesale retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club, depending on your floral style and timeline.
Final Thoughts: Should You DIY or Hire a Florist?
The right choice depends on your budget, time, and skills:
- 💐 Want convenience & pro quality? → Hire a florist. Explore affordable florists near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.
- ✂️ On a budget & enjoy crafting? →DIY might be for you! Find your supplies.
- 🌸 Want a luxury look without the price? → Consider renting floral arrangements
And, before you go…
Download my Affordable Wedding Vendors Guide
I put together a step-by-step guide to finding affordable wedding vendors — including florists, rentals, and décor — without sacrificing style.