Wedding Flowers Guide: Bouquets, Centrepieces and Costs
Planning wedding flowers in the GTA? Here is a practical guide to types of arrangements, what to discuss with your florist, and realistic budget expectations.
Wedding flowers are one of the most photographed elements of any wedding. They appear in nearly every important photo of the day, from the ceremony walk to the table shots to the candid moments. Getting them right is worth the planning effort.
The main types of wedding floral arrangements
Bridal bouquet. The most important arrangement, held by the bride throughout the ceremony and photos. Most brides choose a bouquet that reflects the overall palette and style of the wedding. This is typically the florist's most detailed piece and receives the most creative attention.
Bridesmaid bouquets. Smaller versions of the bridal bouquet, usually in a complementary or matching palette. Some couples choose identical bouquets for all bridesmaids; others vary the colour or composition slightly.
Boutonnieres. Single-bloom lapel flowers for the groom, groomsmen, fathers of the couple, and sometimes other key guests. Usually a stem or two from the bridal bouquet palette.
Ceremony arrangements. These include altar or arch arrangements (often the largest florals at the wedding), aisle arrangements, and pew or chair markers. Ceremony florals are often rented to the couple for the day and then returned or repurposed for the reception.
Reception centrepieces. Table centrepieces range from small, low arrangements to tall statement pieces with oversized vases. Most couples choose one centrepiece style for consistency, sometimes alternating between two heights for visual interest.
Floral installations. Flower walls, arches, hanging installations, and table garlands have become popular reception elements. These are labour-intensive and come at a premium.
Choosing a style
The major wedding flower styles are:
Romantic/garden: Loose, lush, abundant. Garden roses, peonies, ranunculus, sweet peas, greenery. Feels organic and luxurious.
Modern/minimalist: Clean lines, restrained colour palette, often white and green. Arum lilies, tulips, sculptural greenery. Elegant and timeless in photos.
Wildflower/bohemian: Free-spirited, eclectic, seasonal. Wildflowers, herbs, dried botanicals, unstructured arrangements. Popular for outdoor and countryside weddings.
Classic: Traditional roses and lilies in white, cream, and blush. Works for any venue style and photographs cleanly.
Questions to ask your florist
- What flowers will be in season on my wedding date?
- What is included in the quote (delivery, setup, takedown, vase rentals)?
- How far in advance do you need to be booked?
- What is your substitution policy if a flower becomes unavailable?
- Can you work with my inspiration photos?
- Do you do trials or mock arrangements?
Budget expectations in the GTA
Wedding flowers in the Greater Toronto Area typically represent 8 to 15 percent of the total wedding budget. As a rough guide:
- Bridal bouquet: $200 to $600
- Bridesmaid bouquets (each): $80 to $150
- Boutonniere (each): $30 to $60
- Low reception centrepiece: $80 to $200
- Tall reception centrepiece: $200 to $500
- Ceremony arch: $400 to $1,200
Full wedding floral packages from GTA florists typically start around $3,000 and go up significantly for larger weddings or more elaborate designs.
Timing
Book your wedding florist at least 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for dates in May, June, September, and October, which are peak wedding months in Ontario. A consultation with a florist before booking lets you confirm they understand your vision and can deliver at your budget.