How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost? A Calgary Bride’s Guide to Real vs. Faux Flowers

How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost? A Calgary Bride’s Guide to Real vs. Faux Flowers

If you’re planning a wedding in Calgary or the surrounding areas, one of the biggest (and most surprising) line items in your budget is often flowers. From ceremony arches to reception centerpieces, wedding flowers play a huge role in setting the tone of your day - but how much do wedding flowers actually cost?

Let’s break down the true cost of fresh wedding flowers vs. silk real-touch flower rentals, and how you can get the look you love without overspending.

The Cost of Real Wedding Flowers

As a general guideline, most wedding planners recommend dedicating 10–15% of your overall wedding budget to flowers. If you’re dreaming of a truly Pinterest-worthy, flower-forward design, that number often increases to 18–25% of your total budget.

In Calgary, couples typically spend between $3,500 and $10,000 on wedding flowers, depending on scale, style, and personal taste. Ultimately, your floral budget should reflect your vision - whether that’s minimal and elegant or lush and dramatic.

General Wedding Bouquet Costs

Your bridal bouquet is often the most important floral piece of the day.

  • Simple, mono-flower bridal bouquet: starting at $200
  • Average bridal bouquet spend: $350–$450

Additional personal flowers like bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages are added on top of this base cost.

What Different Floral Budgets Typically Include

$1,500 – $3,000

  • Personal flowers (bouquet, bridesmaids, boutonnieres)
  • Some reception table décor such as bud vases
  • OR a very simple ceremony feature like a small floral arbour

This range is ideal for intimate weddings or couples keeping florals minimal.

$6,000 – $10,000

  • Personal flowers
  • A ceremony floral feature (such as an arbour or statement arrangements)
  • Reception installations
  • Table centrepieces

This budget supports a cohesive floral experience across both ceremony and reception.

$10,000 – $25,000+

  • Extensive personal flowers
  • Ceremony statement pieces (urn arrangements or a full archway)
  • Reception décor including hanging installations and full table florals

This range creates a lush, lavish, flower-forward event that guests will remember for years.

The Cost of Faux (Silk Real-Touch) Wedding Flowers

High-quality faux flowers have come a long way - especially real-touch silk florals, which look and feel incredibly lifelike in photos and in person.

Faux Flower Rentals with Flora Arch Rentals

At Flora Arch Rentals, we specialize in luxury faux flower wedding rentals designed to elevate your ceremony and reception without the luxury price tag.

Our pricing:

  • Wedding arches, floral backdrops, aisle arrangements & statement pieces: Starting at $850 up to $1,200

That price includes:

  • Professionally designed, trend-inspired arrangements
  • Lush greenery and premium real-touch silk flowers
  • Setup and styling expertise
  • A reusable, sustainable solution

One rental. One price. No wilting. No waste.

Pros of Faux Flowers

  • Reusable indefinitely (significantly reduced waste)
  • No water, pesticides, or intensive farming required
  • No last-minute substitutions due to flower shortages
  • Photograph beautifully all day and night
  • More predictable and budget-friendly pricing

Sustainability Matters More Than Ever

In today’s world, environmental consciousness is at an all-time high - and weddings are no exception.

Why Faux Flowers Are a Sustainable Choice

  • Reduced waste: Faux flowers don’t end up in landfills after one use
  • Reduced transportation emissions: No rush shipping from international growers
  • Reduced water & pesticide use: Unlike fresh flower farming

Why Fresh Flowers Still Have a Place

  • Biodegradable when composted
  • Support local growers when sourced nearby
  • Offer a sensory experience with scent and texture

The Best of Both Worlds: A Hybrid Floral Approach

At Flora, we believe the best approach is a thoughtful blend of both.

We recommend:

  • Faux flowers for reusable elements like:
    • Wedding arches & backdrops
    • Aisle arrangements
    • Reception centerpieces
  • Fresh flowers for personal details like:
    • Bridal bouquets
    • Boutonnieres

This allows you to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of real blooms while dramatically reducing cost and waste.

Calgary’s Premier Destination for Elegant Wedding Arch Rentals

Flora Arch Rentals proudly serves: Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Banff, Canmore, Alberta & surrounding areas.

We specialize in:

  • Floral wedding arches
  • Elegant aisle statements
  • Luxurious table arrangements
  • Statement backdrops inspired by the latest wedding trends

Our designs feature lush greenery and timeless, organic aesthetics - creating an unforgettable atmosphere for your ceremony and reception.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Budget for Wedding Flowers?

If you love the idea of elevated florals without the stress, waste, or high cost of fresh flowers, faux flower rentals are a smart, modern choice.

Whether you choose fresh, faux, or a hybrid approach, your flowers should reflect your style, values, and vision for your day.

Looking for luxury florals without the luxury price? Let Flora Arch Rentals help you create a beautiful, sustainable wedding you’ll love - and your budget will too! Reach out to us!

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