From bouquets to centerpieces, flowers play a significant role in setting the atmosphere and enhancing the beauty of the event. Not determining who will pay for the flowers could cause wedding planning financial concerns among couples, which may lead to unnecessary expenses.
Since starting Jennifer Cole Florals in 2005, I’ve helped couples achieve their wedding floral dreams. Along with this is sharing my knowledge on who should pay for the wedding flowers.
Who Pays for Wedding Flowers?
Traditionally, the bride’s family covers most of the expenses on flowers. However, in some cases, the groom’s family may contribute to specific floral arrangements. It ultimately depends on the couple’s preferences and financial situation, as some couples may not budget together and pay for the costs themselves.
In my experience as a wedding flower expert, it’s essential to communicate openly and honestly with every party involved. Discussing budget expectations early can ensure everyone is on the same page and help plan for beautiful, memorable, and affordable wedding flowers that everyone will cherish.
Who Traditionally Funds Wedding Flowers?
Traditionally, the bride’s family covers most of the wedding floral-related expenses. However, it’s worth noting that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Remember that each couple’s financial situation and family dynamics are unique.
Bride’s Family
In traditional wedding etiquette, the bride’s family is typically responsible for most wedding-related expenses, including the flowers. This comes from a time when the bride’s family was expected to cover most costs associated with the wedding.
If a bride’s family wants to follow tradition, they would be the ones to fund the floral arrangements. Some examples of floral expenses they may cover:
- Bridal bouquet
- Bridesmaids’ bouquets
- Flower arrangements for the ceremony and reception
Groom’s Family
By tradition, the groom’s family had fewer responsibilities regarding wedding expenses. They were typically expected to cover costs such as the marriage license and rehearsal dinner.
If the groom’s family is contributing to floral expenses, they may cover specific items, such as:
- Boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen
- Corsages for the mothers and grandmothers
- Decorative flowers for the rehearsal dinner
What Are the Modern Trends in Funding Wedding Flowers?
Times are changing, and these wedding customs are becoming more flexible. It’s essential to have an open conversation with both families to determine the best way to share the expenses, including those for the wedding flowers.
Split Costs
I’ve noticed a trend in funding wedding florals: splitting the costs between families. Whenever couples and families consult me, it’s a practical approach to help ease the financial burden on the couple. Additionally, it promotes a sense of unity between the two families.
To make it easier for everyone, consider the following:
- Budgeting: Both families can discuss and allocate a specific amount for wedding flowers.
- Collaboration: Sharing ideas and preferences will create a harmonious and personalized result.
The Couple
Nowadays, many couples are taking charge of funding their wedding flowers. As a wedding flower specialist, I’ve seen a significant shift toward the couple paying for their floral arrangements. A survey shows that 48% of newlywed couples paid for their wedding expenses, with 4% of their wedding budget going to flowers.
With the changing wedding dynamics in modern society, it’s not uncommon for couples to share the cost of their wedding floral needs. Particularly for same-sex couples, there is little debate about who pays for what because they prefer to focus on these aspects.
- Independence: Couples appreciate the freedom to choose how many flowers are needed for the wedding and customize their floral arrangements.
- Design: This allows them to incorporate their style and preferences.
What is Wedding Flower Payment Etiquette?
Over the years of planning and designing wedding flower arrangements, I’ve guided couples in deciding who will pay for their floral needs. Traditional etiquette provides some guidance regarding who pays for the wedding floral arrangements.
| Floral Arrangements | Inclusions | Who Can Pay For It? |
| Engagement party | Bouquets, centerpieces, arches | Couples, families |
| Bridal shower | Bouquets, corsages, floral hair accessories | Couples, bridal party |
| Wedding rehearsal | Bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres | Couples, groom’s family |
| Wedding ceremony | Bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, arches, altar Arrangements, aisle decorations, petals for tossing | Couples, bride’s family |
| Wedding reception | Couple and guest table arrangements, centerpieces | Couples, families |
Engagement Party Floral Arrangements
When it comes to engagement party floral arrangements, it’s usually the responsibility of the couple or their families to cover the cost. I’ve observed that the couple often decides on a budget and then designates who will be responsible for paying.
Bridal Shower Flowers
For the bridal shower flowers, tradition states that the maid of honor or bridesmaids typically bears the cost. In my experience, it’s common for the bridal party to pool their resources together to create beautiful yet budget-friendly arrangements. Some popular wedding floral expenses they cover include:
- Bride’s bouquet
- Bridesmaids’ bouquets
- Corsages
- Floral hair accessories
Wedding Rehearsal Flowers
The wedding rehearsal flowers are often less extravagant than the wedding day arrangements, although they still require some budgeting. In most cases, I’ve seen the groom’s family handling these expenses. They tend to cover items such as the groom’s boutonniere and groomsmen’s boutonnieres.
Wedding Ceremony Floral Arrangements
Traditional wedding etiquette suggests that the bride’s family covers these costs for the wedding ceremony floral arrangements. However, I’ve guided modern couples to break this norm and helped them split the expenses more evenly.
Part of these expenses includes the ceremony backdrop and decor. You also need to determine who wears flowers at a wedding.
Wedding Reception Florals
Finally, the wedding reception florals are a significant part of the overall wedding budget. While the bride’s and groom’s families often share this expense, it still depends on the couple’s preferences and financial situations.
Related Questions
How to Determine Who Should Pay for Wedding Flowers?
To know who should pay for the wedding flowers, start by discussing financial expectations with your partner, especially if your families are involved in the payments. While some family members pay for the flowers as gifts, ensure this is voluntary and clear to everyone involved.
Is the Cost of Wedding Flowers Split Between Both Families?
Although it’s not a strict rule, the cost of wedding florals can be split between families if they agree. This can help ease the financial burden on the bride’s family and create a sense of collaborative effort in planning the wedding.
How to Pay For Wedding Flower Costs?
To pay for wedding flower costs, couples can allocate funds from their overall wedding budget to cover flowers. You may also ask for contributions from your families. Another option is to search for affordable options to keep costs low without compromising on the beauty and quality of the arrangements.
Conclusion
It’s common for the bride’s family to cover the costs of most floral arrangements while the groom’s family takes care of other wedding-related expenses. However, times have changed, and many couples prefer splitting expenses and managing their budget. Jennifer Cole Florals can provide full-service event design and wedding floral arrangements.
