What event florals cost, and where the budget goes

When a florist quotes R8,000 and another quotes R15,000 for the same wedding, the difference often isn't greed—it's what each person is actually delivering. Understanding where the money goes transforms a quote from a shock into a sensible line item. The cheapest option isn't automatically a saving, but it's worth confirming what's included—a written scope that names the flowers, quantities and setup covered protects you from surprises on the day.

What raw flowers actually cost

Flowers themselves are the smallest part of the bill. A bunch of roses from the market costs far less than those same roses arranged in a bridal bouquet. The gap widens when you're sourcing specific varieties for a December wedding (out of season) versus July (peak supply). A florist paying a wholesale supplier pays more than a supermarket does, but they also get fresher stock with better lifespan and access to varieties you cannot buy at retail. Some flowers are simply expensive—imported peonies, garden roses, certain orchids—and a quote stuffed with those will cost more than one built on locally grown dahlias and proteas. If a quote is light on detail about which flowers versus filler and greenery make up the arrangement, ask for a breakdown—a florist unwilling to specify the flower-to-filler ratio in writing is harder to hold to expectations than one who sets it out clearly.

Labour and design time

A florist doesn't just show up and stick stems in water. They're charging for design consultation, custom arrangements, travel to your venue, setup on the morning of your event, and often breakdown afterwards. If your event is on a Saturday in peak season, the florist is turning down other bookings to be there. If your venue is an hour outside the city, that travel time and fuel cost money. Ask what design input is included for the quoted price—some quotes cover a standard arrangement while others include tailoring to your colour scheme or theme, and a florist should be able to state clearly which you're getting. The florist building custom installations, tiered centrepieces, or arch flowers is spending considerably more time than someone delivering pre-made bouquets.

Venue logistics and infrastructure

Some venues make florals simple: a clear space, stable surfaces, water access and a timeline that doesn't shift. Others present hidden costs. A marquee without built-in hanging points means the florist needs to hire or fabricate structures to suspend florals. An outdoor garden in October might need weather contingency—protective wrapping or reinforced arrangements. A ceremony in a heritage church with strict rules about fixture placement requires problem-solving time. A venue two hours away on a dirt road adds travel cost and time risk. These friction points either get baked into the quote upfront or they become emergency add-ons on the week before, which always cost more.

What gets left out of cheap quotes

Any quote, regardless of price, can skip things you assumed were included, so it's worth checking the details rather than assuming. Backup flowers for wilting blooms. Water topups during a long reception. Ceremony arch setup, which can be a separate line item. Centrepieces for a cocktail table or gift table, not just guest tables. Return of vases or containers (some florists charge for these; others build the cost into their quote). Trial arrangements before the event. A florist who quotes without asking how many tables you're dressing, whether you need ceremony flowers, or if the bride's bouquet needs a backup hasn't scoped the job properly, which makes the quote hard to trust regardless of price. When you compare quotes, check what each one actually covers. One might include tables and ceremony; another might be bouquets only.

The real question isn't whether a florist is expensive—it's whether they're delivering what you need and charging fairly for it. Whatever the price, a florist who puts venue setup, design consultation and backup plans in writing gives you more certainty than one who leaves scope vague and is hard to reach after the morning drop-off. When you're evaluating quotes, dig into the detail: what's included, what's extra, what's the florist's experience at your specific venue, and how much custom design work is happening. On Strove, you can check reviews from other couples who've used the same florist at your venue and see exactly what their service included.