Who Needs Flowers and How Many?

Planning wedding flowers can feel overwhelming — there are so many people and places to consider. This checklist breaks it down by category so you can see exactly what you need, how many, and what's typical for Montana weddings.

Use this as a starting point for your florist consultation. Not every wedding needs every item — your celebration should reflect YOUR priorities, not a Pinterest checklist.

Your Complete Wedding Flower Checklist

  • Bouquets

    Bridal bouquet (1) — $250-$400
    Bridesmaid bouquets (1 per attendant) — $150 each
    Toss bouquet (optional) — $75
    Flower girl petals (1 basket) — $40

    Tip: Order bridesmaid bouquets in a complementary but slightly simpler style than the bridal bouquet.

  • Boutonnieres & Corsages

    Groom boutonniere (1) — $30-$40
    Groomsmen boutonnieres (1 each) — $30 each
    Father boutonnieres (2) — $30 each
    Mother corsages (2) — $50 each
    Grandmother corsages (as needed) — $50 each

  • Centerpieces & Reception

    Table centerpieces (1 per table) — $75-$160 each
    Bud vases (2-3 per table) — $75/table
    Head table arrangement (1) — $200-$400
    Cake flowers (1 set) — $75-$150
    Bar/buffet accents (as needed) — $50-$100 each

  • Ceremony Flowers

    Arch/arbor arrangement (1) — $300-$800
    Aisle markers (6-10) — $50-$75 each
    Ceremony meadow (full installation) — $2,000+
    Pew flowers (as needed) — $40-$60 each

    Tip: Ceremony arrangements can be repurposed at the reception to maximize your budget.

  • Special Additions

    Floral crown — $70
    Hair flowers (pins/combs) — $40-$75
    Ring bearer flowers — $30
    Pet collar — $40-$60
    Memorial flowers — $30-$50

    Tip: Don't forget about your rehearsal dinner — a few simple arrangements go a long way.

What People Forget

After designing flowers for hundreds of Montana weddings, here are the items couples most often realize they need at the last minute:

Restroom flowers — Small bud vases in your venue's restrooms add an unexpected touch of elegance that guests always notice.

Welcome table arrangement — The first thing guests see when they arrive sets the tone for your entire celebration.

Getaway car flowers — A simple floral garland or arrangement for your exit vehicle makes for stunning photos.

Rehearsal dinner flowers — Even simple arrangements elevate your rehearsal from dinner to event.

Thank-you bouquets — For parents, wedding planners, or anyone who helped make your day possible.

Adrienne's Checklist Tip

"My biggest advice? Start with what matters most to YOU, not what a checklist says you should have. Some of our most beautiful weddings had only a bridal bouquet and a few bud vases. Others went all-in with ceremony meadows and garlands. There's no wrong answer — the right flowers are the ones that make your heart sing when you see them."

— Adrienne Zimny, Farmer-Florist

Questions

Wedding Flower Checklist FAQ

How many flowers do I actually need for my wedding?

It depends on your guest count and venue size. A 100-guest wedding typically needs 1 bridal bouquet, 3-5 bridesmaid bouquets, 6-8 boutonnieres, 2-4 corsages, 10-12 table centerpieces, and ceremony flowers. Intimate weddings of 30-50 guests can look lush with half those quantities.

What wedding flowers should I prioritize on a budget?

Invest in your bridal bouquet first — it appears in the most photos. Next, prioritize ceremony flowers (arch or focal arrangement) and table centerpieces. Skip extras like aisle markers and pew flowers. Consider DIY buckets ($200 each) for reception arrangements to stretch your budget further.

Can I repurpose ceremony flowers at the reception?

Yes, and we recommend it. Ceremony arch arrangements can move to the head table, aisle markers can become cocktail hour accents, and bridesmaid bouquets can line the head table. We plan for repurposing in every wedding proposal to help maximize your floral budget.

When should I finalize my wedding flower order?

Finalize your flower order 6-8 weeks before your wedding. This gives us time to confirm what will be blooming during your wedding week and make seasonal adjustments. We'll schedule a final meeting to review quantities, confirm delivery logistics, and collect your final balance (due 30 days before).

Ready to Plan Your Wedding Flowers?