Planning a wedding in Toronto is exciting, but it can also be expensive. From the venue to the dress, costs can quickly add up, and floral arrangements are often one of the more surprising budget busters. But beautiful wedding flowers don’t have to break the bank. With smart choices and a little flexibility, you can have stunning floral décor that reflects your style, without overspending.

At Willem & Jools, we believe that every couple deserves garden-fresh, handcrafted arrangements, no matter their budget. In this blog, we’ll share expert tips on how Toronto couples can save on wedding flowers, which floral elements to prioritize, and where it’s safe to scale back, without sacrificing beauty.

Why Wedding Flowers Cost So Much

Before we get into budget-saving strategies, it’s helpful to understand what you’re paying for with wedding flowers:

• Seasonal availability: Some blooms are only available at certain times of the year and may need to be imported if not in season.
  
  

• Labour and design: Each bouquet, boutonnière, and arrangement is handcrafted with attention to colour, texture, and proportion.
  
  

• Setup and delivery: Toronto venues vary in accessibility, timing, and floral guidelines. Setting up logistics can increase costs.
  
  

• Floral lifespan: Flowers are perishable. Keeping them fresh from farm to wedding day requires expertise and care.
  
  

That said, there are plenty of ways to have beautiful wedding flowers in Toronto without spending a small fortune.

What You Can Save On

1. Non-Essential Floral Décor

Large installations like floral arches, aisle petals, or elaborate centrepieces can be showstoppers—but they’re also budget eaters.

Where to save:

• Repurpose ceremony flowers at the reception.
  
  

• Skip fresh floral aisle markers and opt for candles or greenery instead.
  
  

• Consider minimalist bud vases or potted plants for guest tables.
  
  

Pro tip: Ask your florist which arrangements can be moved between locations. At Willem & Jools, we often design with a dual purpose in mind.

2. Imported or Out-of-Season Flowers

Toronto couples often dream of exotic blooms, but importing peonies in winter or orchids from Asia comes at a premium.

Where to save:

• Stick with in-season, Ontario-grown flowers like dahlias in summer or ranunculus in spring.
  
  

• Ask your florist to substitute high-cost blooms with lookalikes (e.g., lisianthus instead of roses, or carnations instead of peonies).
  
  

Pro tip: Locally-grown flowers are not only more affordable, they’re fresher and more sustainable.

3. Overstuffed Bouquets and Arrangements

It’s a myth that bigger equals better. In reality, thoughtful composition and colour coordination make a bigger impact than size.

Where to save:

• Choose airy, asymmetrical designs that use fewer stems.
  
  

• Incorporate more greenery or textured fillers like amaranthus or waxflower.
  
  

• Go for hand-tied bouquets instead of tightly packed ones that require more blooms.
  
  

Pro tip: Our Dutch-inspired arrangements at Willem & Jools focus on form, balance, and movement, not just quantity.

4. Multiple Boutonnières and Corsages

Corsages and boutonnières can quickly multiply when extended to every parent, grandparent, and sibling.

Where to save:

• Limit personal flowers to the wedding party and key family members.
  
  

• Swap wrist corsages for simple nosegays or skip them entirely.
  
  

Pro tip: If your style is modern or minimalist, you might skip boutonnières altogether and still keep things elegant.

5. Overly Elaborate Centrepieces

Towering floral centrepieces look stunning in photos, but they often cost hundreds each.

Where to save:

• Mix high and low arrangements for a dynamic tablescape.
  
  

• Alternate floral centrepieces with candles, lanterns, or fresh greenery.
  
  

• Focus on the head table and keep guest tables simpler.
  
  

Pro tip: In smaller Toronto venues, tall arrangements can block views and feel overpowering. Simpler often works better in intimate spaces.

Where to Invest

Knowing where to save is important, but it’s just as critical to know where flowers really matter.

 Bridal Bouquet

Your bouquet will be photographed more than anything else. It’s worth making this arrangement personal and picture-perfect.

Ceremony Focal Point

Whether it’s a floral arch, chuppah, or statement urns, the ceremony backdrop is a key photo moment. Choose one strong focal point rather than spreading flowers thin.

Reception Welcome Area

The first impression matters. A small statement piece at your welcome table or seating chart can elevate the space without a huge investment.

Budget-Friendly Flower Options in Toronto

If you’re looking for value, consider the following options that are both beautiful and cost-effective:

• Daisies, chrysanthemums, and carnations – Affordable, long-lasting, and available year-round.
  
  

• Seasonal greenery – Eucalyptus, ferns, salal, and ruscus add texture and volume at a low cost.
  
  

• Ontario-grown blooms – Support local flower farms and reduce shipping costs by choosing locally sourced florals.
  
  

• Dried or preserved flowers – On-trend and reusable, especially for fall or winter weddings.
  

Additional Tips for Stretching Your Floral Budget

• Be open to colour palettes: Flexibility lets florists use what’s freshest and most affordable.
  
  

• Book early: Toronto’s best florists book up quickly. Lock in your date and budget range early for the best selection.
  
  

• Limit setup locations: One venue = fewer delivery charges and less setup time.
  
  

• Reuse everything: Ceremony florals can become sweetheart table décor or bar arrangements.
  
  

• Trust your florist: Give a general style and budget, and let the designer work their magic within those limits.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Toronto couples don’t need to sacrifice floral beauty to stay within budget. With strategic choices and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy fresh, handcrafted wedding flowers that reflect your unique style, without overspending. At Willem & Jools, we specialize in helping couples create stunning garden-style arrangements tailored to both vision and budget.

FAQs: Wedding Flowers on a Budget in Toronto

How much should I budget for wedding flowers in Toronto?
Most couples in Toronto spend between $1,500 and $3,000 on wedding flowers. Budget-friendly options can start around $800 for essential items only.

When is the best time to book a florist?
Ideally, 6–9 months before your wedding. Spring and summer weddings book out fastest.

Are locally-grown flowers cheaper?
Yes, Ontario-grown flowers are typically more affordable and fresher than imported options.

Can I DIY my own wedding flowers?
While possible, DIY florals require time, space, and proper handling. For most couples, it’s less stressful to work with a professional.

Do florists offer wedding flower packages?
 Some florists, including Willem & Jools, offer curated wedding packages for elopements or intimate ceremonies. These are ideal for budget-conscious couples.

Looking for affordable wedding flowers in Toronto?
Get in touch with us at Willem & Jools for seasonal, handcrafted floral designs that honour your style and your budget. Let’s bring your floral vision to life, beautifully and affordably.