Why Do Florist Quotes Differ?

June 4, 2025

Ever received two very different quotes for wedding flowers and wondered why? A cheaper quote might reflect a scaled-back design - not necessarily a better deal. Floral pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all - your quote reflects each florists artistry, interpretation, abundance, and approach. Let's break it down...

Interpretation & Style

Every florist has their own artistic eye. Even with the same inspiration photos, each florist will have a different artistic response.

Some things to consider:

  • Personal style - some naturally favour abundant, dimensional, floral focused designs, while others embrace greenery heavy designs with smaller touches of florals throughout

  • Every florist has their own preferences when it comes to ingredients - the flowers and textures they love to work with to create their signature look

  • Design approach and skill - the way the florist approaches colour, shape, texture, movement. It’s not just what flowers are used, but how they’re used. Years of training, experimenting, and honing their craft all inform how they interpret your brief


Pinterest Dreams vs Desired Budget

We all love a dreamy curated Pinterest board...

While such a great starting point to gauge style and preferences - your inspiration photos might be filled with dozens of high ticket premium flowers, and require hours of labour to create a Kardashian-level floral scape.

Some florists will be upfront about what your dream vision might cost, and how to scale thoughtfully to fit within your desired budget.

Scaling back too far, though, can shift the look entirely. It’s about finding a balance that honours your budget and the visual story you’re dreaming of.

If a quote seems too low for the vision, chances are, the final design might not match what inspired you in the first place.


Flower Quality & Seasonality

A transparent florist won’t promise you peonies year round

Seasonal availability plays a big part in what can be achieved.

A florist who knows their seasons well will gently guide you toward flowers that are at their best and most likely around your wedding date - and help set realistic expectations to avoid disappointment.

Sometimes substitutions are needed, but a skilled florist will choose the best possible alternatives to stay true to your aesthetic.


Business Structure & Overheads

Every business has its own operating costs and overheads:

No two florists run their business the same way.

Some are solo operators working from home studios who bring in freelancers for larger weddings. Others may have commercial spaces and full-time teams.

How a florist chooses to structure their business isn’t “good” or “bad” - it simply means they have different overheads, which naturally impacts pricing.

Things like vehicle registration, business insurances, software subscriptions, storage, and staffing are all part of the behind-the-scenes costs that support your wedding day.


Communication & Care

You’re trusting someone with one of the most emotional and visual parts of your wedding. So how they make you feel matters.

  • Do they listen? Respond clearly? Share your vision?

  • Do they respond to you in a timely manner or communicate clearly when you can expect delays?

  • Have they communicated how their process works?

  • Are you confident they’ll show up and deliver what was promised?

A florist you trust makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable - from planning to the big day.


Choosing the Right Fit for You

Rather than shopping purely by price, consider:

  • Does this florist’s style align with my vision?

  • Do I trust their artistic expertise?

  • Do I value their approach to service and quality?

Floristry isn’t just a product - it’s also a service.

Experienced florists bring years of design knowledge, industry relationships, and logistical know-how to your day.


So… Why Do Florists’ Quotes Differ?

Because you’re not just paying for flowers

You’re paying for style, quality, expertise, service, and trust.

When comparing quotes, consider: Are you paying for what you actually want? Or a scaled-back version that doesn’t hit the mark?

If you’re comparing quotes now, I hope this helps you look beyond the numbers and feel more confident choosing someone whose work (and way of working) truly resonates with you.


Cover Image: Kirsty Tulloch Photography

https://kirstytullochphotography.com.au/

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