Dreaming of gorgeous wedding flowers but worried about the cost? Whether you’re planning a luxe coastal celebration in Noosa or a romantic hinterland wedding in Maleny, floral styling doesn’t have to break the bank. In this guide, we’re sharing 21 clever ways to save on your wedding flower budget – all tailored for Sunshine Coast and Brisbane couples. From choosing in-season blooms to working smarter with your florist, these tips will help you stretch your budget without sacrificing style.
Smart Wedding Flower Budget Tips
1. Set a clear floral budget
Start with a number. Most couples spend 8–15% of their total wedding budget on florals, but you can adjust this based on your priorities.
2. Prioritise high-impact moments
Focus on the “hero” pieces — like your bouquet, ceremony arbour, or one reception statement installation. These will be most photographed and most noticed.
3. Repurpose florals across the day
Use your ceremony flowers again at the reception — especially arbours, plinths, aisle arrangements, and welcome sign blooms.
4. Choose in-season, local flowers
They’re not only fresher — they’re more cost-effective, especially from Sunshine Coast or Brisbane growers.
5. Go lush with foliage
Greenery-heavy designs still look luxe but are much gentler on the budget.
6. Pick flowers with big visual impact
Blooms like hydrangeas, king proteas, and dahlias fill more space with fewer stems.
7. Stick to fewer flower types
A streamlined palette allows your florist to buy in bulk and reduce waste.
8. Opt for simple table arrangements
Think single stems in bud vases, clusters of jars, or small posies rather than large centrepieces on every table.
9. Reuse bridal party bouquets
Have vases waiting at the reception to place them in for double-duty styling.
10. Skip or simplify extras
Boutonnieres, corsages, flower girl petals — keep only what matters to you.
🔗 Not sure what’s typically included in wedding florals? Our wedding florist FAQs have you covered.
Location-Specific Tips for the Sunshine Coast & Brisbane
11. Choose a florist familiar with your venue
They’ll know the logistical requirements and what floral elements work best with the space — especially important for hinterland venues with trickier access.
12. Embrace natural beauty
Venues in Flaxton, Yandina or Montville often come with stunning natural backdrops — meaning you need less floral styling overall.
13. Check if your venue allows repurposing
Some locations (especially in Noosa or heritage sites) may have bump-in/out time limits — knowing this early helps plan smarter.
🔗 Find your ideal Noosa wedding venue here
🔗 Hinterland wedding venue more your vibe? We’ve got you covered here
🔗 The rest of the Sunshine Coast offers some stunning, unexpected venues from Coast to Country. Check them out!
Strategy Tips You Might Not Have Considered
14. Ask for a seasonal colour palette
Let your florist choose the best value blooms in your colours — it gives them flexibility to work within budget.
15. Consider dried or preserved elements
A few preserved blooms can add structure and be reused or kept as a keepsake.
16. Ditch the flower toss
Skip the extra bouquet and preserve your hero blooms for later drying or display.
17. Reduce the bridal party size
Fewer bouquets = less spend.
18. Skip guest table flowers altogether
Go with candles, fruit, or DIY styling and focus your florals elsewhere.
19. Shorten the guest list
Less people, fewer tables, less styling required overall.
20. Choose florals that don’t need constant water
This saves setup stress and transport costs if the venue is remote or outdoor.
21. Be honest with your florist
A great florist will work with your number and recommend ways to stay within it while still creating something magical.
🔗 Need help choosing your wedding colour palette? These 5 tips will help.
Bonus: Grab Your Free Wedding Flower Budget & Checklist
Want help sorting your must-haves from your maybes? Download our free printable Wedding Flower Budget & Checklist, designed for Sunshine Coast and Brisbane weddings.
Need a Florist You Can Trust?
We’ve done the legwork for you. Browse our hand-picked directory of wedding florists on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane who know how to bring beauty and budget together.
VENDORS
Venue PRIVATE PROPERTY, NOOSA HINTERLAND |Photography SHAE ESTELLA PHOTO | Videography MEARS PRODUCTIONS | Flowers WILLOW BUD | Coordination WILD HEART WEDDINGS | Styling SIMPLY STYLE CO. |Catering VANTEEN CATERING | Hair SASS & NIKI | Make Up SALLY TOWNSEND | Stationary LITTLE J DESIGNS | Entertainment THE FAMOS | Cake ZOE CLARK CAKES | Dress KAREN WILLIS HOLMES | Model VIOLA
