How Much Do Wedding Flowers Actually Cost in Ann Arbor & Metro Detroit?

If you’ve just gotten engaged (congratulations! 🎉) and are starting to research wedding flowers, you’ve probably noticed one thing very quickly: almost no one talks about pricing. And when they do, it’s vague, confusing, or wildly inconsistent.

You’re not doing anything wrong — wedding floral pricing is one of the least transparent parts of the planning process. My goal with this post is to pull back the curtain a bit and help you understand what couples in the Ann Arbor & Metro Detroit area are realistically investing in their wedding flowers, and why.

The Short Answer: Most Couples Fall Into One of These Ranges

While every wedding is unique, here’s a general breakdown of what couples in Southeast Michigan typically invest in wedding florals:

• $3,000–$5,000 → Intimate or simplified floral designs with a few statement moments

• $5,000–$8,000 → Full ceremony + reception florals with thoughtful design throughout

• $8,000–$15,000+ → Design-forward weddings with installations, layered textures, and custom details

These numbers aren’t about “cheap” versus “expensive” — they’re about scale, design complexity, and labor.

What Actually Drives the Cost of Wedding Flowers

This is the part most couples find surprising.

1. It’s Not About Stem Count — It’s About Design

A lush bridal bouquet or ceremony installation isn’t just flowers. It includes:

• Floral mechanics and structure

• Design time and sourcing

• Conditioning and prep

• On-site installation and breakdown

You’re investing in both the materials and the expertise behind them.

2. Installations Change Everything

Arches, arbors, staircase moments, ceiling installations, beam work, and meadows are beautiful — and they are also labor-intensive.

Installations often require:

• Multiple designers on site

• Additional setup time at the venue

• Custom mechanics

• Access coordination with planners and venues

Even a single ceremony installation can significantly impact the overall floral investment.

3. Seasonality Matters (Especially in Michigan)

Peonies in May? Easy. Peonies in October? Not so much... but the dahlias in that month...

Out-of-season blooms need to be imported and sourced from specialty growers, which affects availability and cost. Many couples find that trusting seasonal flowers results in a more natural, elevated design and a better use of budget. We source our flowers first (May through October) from local flower farms in Dexter, Munith, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and near the Ohio border.

4. Guest Count ≠ Floral Count

This one surprises a lot of couples.

A 200-guest wedding doesn’t automatically mean double the flowers of a 100-guest wedding. What matters more is:

• Number of tables

• Size and style of centerpieces

• Whether tables are round, rectangular, or mixed

• Use of candles, linens, and rentals

Floral design is about visual impact, not math.

5. Repurposing Flowers Isn’t Always “Free”

Repurposing ceremony flowers for the reception can be smart — but it still requires labor, timing, and coordination.

Sometimes it’s a great strategy. Other times, it’s better to design fewer, stronger moments and let them shine where they matter most.

If Flowers Aren’t Your Top Priority (That’s Okay)

Not every couple wants florals everywhere — and that can still result in a stunning wedding.

Some thoughtful, budget-conscious approaches include:

• Focusing florals on the ceremony and head table

• Using bud vases paired with candlelight

• Choosing one or two statement moments instead of decorating every surface

• Giving your florist creative freedom with seasonal blooms

Intentional design almost always feels more elevated than over-decorating.

What a Full-Service Floral Experience Typically Looks Like

For couples who value a natural, garden-inspired aesthetic and want a full-service experience (design, delivery, setup at the ceremony and reception venue, and breakdown at the end of the night), most weddings we design typically fall in the $5,000–$10,000+ range, depending on scale and complexity.

This level of service allows your florist to think holistically about the space — how guests move through it, how flowers interact with architecture, and how the day feels as a whole.

A Final Thought

Wedding flowers aren’t about checking boxes — they’re about creating atmosphere, emotion, and memory. The right floral design should feel intentional, effortless, and aligned with who you are as a couple.

If you’re early in the planning process, consider this post a starting point — not a rulebook. Ask questions. Be honest about your priorities. And work with vendors who make you feel informed and supported, not rushed or pressured.

If our approach feels aligned, you’re always welcome to reach out to learn more or explore what might be possible for your celebration. Visit our wedding inquiry page and start the process, I would love to work with you for your dream day!

xo,

Laura