How many flowers do I need for my wedding bouquet?

For a classic round bridal bouquet you typically need 20–30 medium blooms (like roses) or 35–45 smaller blooms (like spray roses or ranunculus). Our calculator estimates stems automatically based on bouquet size and style, and you can adjust the density slider if you prefer a fuller or more airy look.

How much should I budget for wedding flowers?

A common rule of thumb is to allocate 8–15% of your total wedding budget to flowers and decor. The exact amount depends on guest count, number of arrangements, flower types and season. This calculator shows a low, average and premium price range so you can see how your choices affect the total cost.

Which flowers are cheaper and which are more expensive?

Carnations, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria and greenery are usually budget-friendly. Roses, ranunculus and stock are mid-range. Peonies, garden roses, orchids and out-of-season blooms are premium. In the calculator you can pick a price tier per arrangement to approximate these differences.

How can I save money on wedding flowers?

To save money, focus flowers on key areas (bouquet, ceremony backdrop, head table), reuse arrangements between ceremony and reception, mix premium blooms with filler flowers and greenery, choose in-season flowers, and keep centerpieces low and simple. Use the calculator to test different scenarios and see how each change affects your total.

Does the calculator replace a professional florist?

No. The calculator is a planning tool that gives realistic ballpark numbers for stems and budget. A professional florist will refine the recipe based on your exact flower choices, local prices, vase sizes and logistics. Bring your calculator summary to consultations as a starting point for discussion.

Wedding Flower Calculator – Bouquets, Centerpieces & Budget Planner

How the wedding flower calculator works

This tool turns your guest count, style and season into a realistic flower recipe and budget. It doesn’t replace a florist, but it gives you solid numbers before you start getting quotes.

1. Estimate number of tables and centerpieces

First we estimate how many guest tables you’ll have:

Tables = ceil( guest count ÷ guests per table )

If you include reception centerpieces, we assume one per table. You can later ask your florist to reuse ceremony arrangements at the reception to reduce this number.

2. Stems per arrangement

We start from typical stem counts used by professional florists and adjust for size and density:

Bridal bouquet: 20–30 stems for a medium, classic bouquet.
Bridesmaid bouquet: about 60–70% of the bridal bouquet.
Boutonniere / corsage: 3–5 stems (1–2 focal blooms plus filler and greenery).
Centerpiece: 12–30 stems depending on whether it’s bud vases, low compotes or tall arrangements.
Ceremony decor: grouped into a few “units” (arch, aisle markers, altar pieces) with generous stem counts.

Your choices for bouquet size, flower density and centerpiece type scale these base numbers up or down.

3. Price per stem and total budget

Flower prices vary widely by country, florist and season. To keep things simple, we use average price bands per stem and per arrangement:

Budget tier: more greenery and hardy flowers (carnations, mums, alstroemeria).
Standard tier: classic mix with roses and seasonal blooms.
Premium tier: peonies, orchids, garden roses and imported flowers.

Your season choice (in season, shoulder, off season) nudges the price band up or down. We show:

Estimated total budget – a central estimate.
Low–high range – to reflect regional and florist-to-florist differences.

4. Interpreting the results

Use the results as a planning guide, not a quote:

Bring the stem counts and budget range to florist meetings.
Test “what if” scenarios – for example, fewer centerpieces or a lower price tier.
Decide where to splurge (bridal bouquet, ceremony arch) and where to simplify.

Typical stem counts by arrangement

Here are common ranges used by many florists:

Small bridal bouquet: 15–20 stems
Medium bridal bouquet: 20–30 stems
Large bridal bouquet: 30–40+ stems
Bridesmaid bouquet: 12–20 stems
Boutonniere: 3–5 stems
Low centerpiece: 15–25 stems
Tall centerpiece: 20–30+ stems
Floral arch (full): 150–300+ stems depending on size and coverage

Tips to save on wedding flowers

Reuse arrangements: Move aisle arrangements to the reception, or use ceremony urns on the head table.
Prioritize impact areas: Focus budget on the bouquet, ceremony backdrop and head table.
Mix premium and budget blooms: Use a few special flowers surrounded by more affordable filler and greenery.
Stay seasonal: In-season flowers are usually fresher, more available and better priced.
Keep centerpieces low and simple: Tall installations and hanging pieces require more flowers and labor.

Frequently asked questions

Is greenery included in the stem count?

Yes. For simplicity, the stem counts include both flowers and greenery. In reality, a florist may break this down into focal flowers, secondary flowers and foliage.

Can I change the currency?

The calculator uses a generic currency symbol. To adapt it, simply treat the numbers as your local currency (€, $, £, etc.). Your florist can then provide an exact quote.

What if I’m doing DIY flowers?

If you’re arranging flowers yourself, use the stem counts as a shopping list, then add 10–20% extra to cover breakage, short stems and last-minute changes.

Wedding Flower Calculator

Wedding Flower Planner

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