Why do Flowers Cost So Much?
If you’re wedding planning and beginning a budget, you’re probably finding that flowers take up a large chunk of that budget. But what is a wedding without flowers? What is a wedding reception without flowers. It is the decoration that creates the ambiance not only for you but for your guests and flowers create that special day enjoyed by all.
But a lot of wedding couples or anyone for that matter do not have an idea what goes on behind the scenes for a flower to arrive in your bouquet.
You could say it starts with a seed and that’s true but let’s not get that detailed. Let’s start at the flower market but not forgetting the expense so far of the growers to produce these flowers.
Netherlands is the biggest flower market in the world
2.81 billion in roses alone!
The Netherlands import and re-export 40% of the world’s flowers. Keeping up with the world’s demand for flowers involves an intricate and delicately balanced supply chain of workers, farmers, wholesalers, airlines, cargo ships, traders, florists and grocery stores. France receives 80% of their flowers from the Netherlands. The UK and the US a huge market too. The bride a tiny fraction! Sorry, bride-you are important though!
The movement of these flowers is done by a lot of cold storage and cold containers that put the flowers in a dormant state. The costs across this supply chain; rent temporary space, pay fuel surcharges, find space on airlines, hire independent drivers, find more refrigerated trucks, pay staff. Miami International Airport is the main port of entry for the planes full of flowers in the US for example. This is in addition to the import taxes that need to be paid before a florist receives their order.
So the florist has your flowers for the wedding bouquet in her workshop. Now the florist makes sure each flower is photo-ready in time for your wedding by trimming the leaves, removing any thorns, and taking care of other details like removing the sturdy “guard petals” on the outside of roses that protect them in transit.
Designing begins by the florist and like an artist, they aren’t slapping paint onto a canvas. Florists are carefully arranging, rearranging and then probably arranging again to perfect the combination of colors, the show of each flower and balancing the whole tableau.
Your bouquet is packed carefully, hydrated and probably refrigerated so this means expenses for refrigeration delivery van and coolers in their workshop. Tape, ribbon, paper, wire, and vases are included in the cost depending on the style and decorating of the venue.
Delivery charges for that bouquet can be all over the map if you’re wedding is long distance or requires special delivery times and preparation. The florist will make sure the bouquet has enough hydrations, traveled well and will be picture perfect. This is a labor cost for the florist. Now add on sales tax.
Wow, that is the life of a flower that goes into your bouquet. They have passed through more hands, maybe travelled through more countries, might have been talked about in more languages, and are better traveled than you. It is so incredibly complex behind the scenes. But don’t worry, I work within every bride’s budget! Email me and we can discuss your floral vision together!
