Tropical florals on lounge set by Ella & Louie — *Ella & Louie, Photo by* *Lerina Winter Photo*

Flowers are synonymous with weddings. The blooms are often the largest design element of the day, adding life and pops of color to the event while also seamlessly flowing from early morning getting ready pictures to the ceremony to the reception. As a couple, it’s so important to understand your own wants and needs when it comes to wedding flowers and to work with an experienced florist who understands the process and will do whatever it takes to turn your vision into a reality.

Here in Santa Barbara, we have countless talented flower designers to choose from and we are proud to have seven of them as trusted members of Santa Barbara Wedding Style. These companies include Cody Floral Design, Ella & Louie, Boho Chic Dreams, PacWest Blooms, Tangled Lotus, The Twisted Twig, and Alexis Ireland Florals. These experts are well-versed in current trends and can help navigate the often intricate process of wedding floral planning and design.

A few of these members recently opened up to share a few of the trends they are currently noticing among their couples as well as some valuable insights on budgeting for your wedding day florals. Look no further than these amazing artists to create your floral masterpieces. And, if you’re looking for details to complete your wedding day look such as table numbers or guest books, you can find plenty of options that match your theme and color palette on Etsy.

Wedding Flower Trends

According to our florist members, currently, in the wedding world there’s a growing trend towards elegant calla lily bouquets as well as toward grass and natural materials instead of cultivated options. Some couples are opting for more minimalistic designs, doing away with traditions like boutonnieres and corsages while focusing instead on details like bud vases and petite bridal and bridesmaid bouquets. On the other end of the spectrum though, some pairs are going big by giving full trust to their florist and investing in things like abundant ground florals, statement pieces, and other large one-of-a-kind designs. These creations can also be great for repurposing. However, our floral designers warn against repurposing anything that is on the ground for centerpieces or bridesmaid bouquets as centerpieces as the quality and condition of your flowers can’t be guaranteed.

As for trending flower types, wildflowers have been stealing the hearts of brides and grooms throughout 2024, and florists predict that continuing into 2025. Classic and timeless white and green florals are also a popular pick. Other more general wedding trends happening now include a move toward more backyard or intimate outdoor spaces used as venues. Couples are also loving editorial photography right now while wedding cakes are becoming less common.

Budgeting for Wedding Flowers

When budgeting for wedding flowers, it’s essential to consider all the different arrangements you'll need, from personal flowers like bouquets and boutonnieres to those for the ceremony and reception. A crucial factor to remember is that labor costs will typically add at least 30% to your total floral budget, and this percentage can increase if you have a tighter timeline for setup or installations. Additionally, expenses for delivery, setup, and strike are often overlooked but can significantly impact your overall costs.

Taking all these elements into account will help ensure that your floral budget aligns with your vision, plus take a look at the following estimated costs, broken down by floral type.

Average Cost of Wedding Flowers:

Bridal bouquet: $250 - $450+
Bridesmaid bouquet: $85 - $120
Boutonniere: $25
Pin-on corsage: $40
Wrist corsage: $35
Reception centerpieces: $120 - $600+ (can range)
Bud Vases (not including the vases): $15 - $40 (depends on flower types)
Flower girl petals: $25
Ceremony structures: $1,500 - $4,000 - $10,000+ (depends on how big and lush,
plus a rental fee of structure)
Ceremony aisle arrangements/aisle florals - $2,500 - $15,000 (depends on how lush, how long, etc.)
Arrangements next to place cards and guest book: $200-$400
Head table/sweetheart table florals: $500 - $1,500 (depends on how many centerpieces, how long, etc.)
Cake flowers: ~$150 (depends on the size of the cake, etc.)
Flower crown: $100 - $250 (depends on flower types)
Flatlay flowers - $10-$25
Candles: $3 - $20 each

Now let’s take a closer look at each of our Santa Barbara floral members and how they can help you design the wedding flowers of you dreams!

PacWest Blooms

Known for their stunning, organic designs, PacWest Blooms specializes in creating personalized floral arrangements that capture the essence of each couple's unique story. Their commitment to sustainable practices is reflected in their use of locally sourced blooms, ensuring that every bouquet is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. With a keen eye for color and texture, PacWest Blooms crafts arrangements that elevate any wedding setting.

Boho Chic Dreams

Embracing a free-spirited, bohemian aesthetic, Boho Chic Dreams offers whimsical floral arrangements that infuse a sense of romance and playfulness into weddings. Their designs often feature a mix of wildflowers, greenery, and unique textures, perfect for couples looking for a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. The team is dedicated to tailoring each arrangement to reflect the individual style and personality of the couple.

Alexis Ireland Florals

With a focus on elegance and artistry, Alexis Ireland Florals creates bespoke floral designs that transform wedding venues into breathtaking spaces. Alexis combines a refined understanding of color theory with a love for nature, crafting arrangements that feel both luxurious and organic. Her passion for flowers shines through in every detail, ensuring each couple's vision comes to life with grace and sophistication.

Tangled Lotus

Tangled Lotus is celebrated for its innovative floral artistry and attention to detail. They specialize in creating striking arrangements that blend classic and modern elements, making them a popular choice for couples seeking a unique touch. Their team prides itself on using high-quality, seasonal flowers to produce designs that are not only stunning but also reflective of the local landscape.

The Twisted Twig

The Twisted Twig brings a whimsical charm to wedding florals with their creative and distinctive designs. Known for their attention to detail and personalized service, they work closely with couples to create arrangements that perfectly complement their wedding theme. Their use of natural elements and unexpected floral combinations adds a touch of enchantment to each celebration.

Ceremony arch on the beach with blush and white florals from Twisted Twig — *Photo by* *Head & Heart Photography*

Cody Floral Design

Cody Floral Design is recognized for its sophisticated and contemporary floral arrangements that make a bold statement. With a strong emphasis on color and form, their designs are tailored to enhance the overall aesthetic of the wedding. The team is passionate about crafting unique experiences, ensuring that each bouquet and centerpiece tells a beautiful story of love and celebration.

Ella & Louie

Ella & Louie focuses on timeless elegance, creating floral designs that capture the beauty of each season. Their arrangements often feature lush blooms and refined greenery, adding a touch of sophistication to weddings. The team is dedicated to understanding the couple’s vision and transforming it into floral art that enhances the overall ambiance, making each celebration memorable and unique.

Flower Trends & Budgeting with Our Wedding Florists