What's the average cost of flowers at a wedding?

It’s hard to predict the average cost of wedding flowers since there are so many dependent factors. For example: Will you be using seasonal flowers, or out-of-season, hard-to-find, exotic ones? Will your bridesmaids be carrying a single stem, or lush bouquets? Figure that eight percent of the total wedding cost will go to flowers -- from the bridal bouquets and boutonnieres at the ceremony to the cocktail hour and reception decor, plus all the delivery costs, gratuities, and taxes.

If you are using a florist, at the start of your first meeting, ask straight out: What great things can you do with $__________? (Don't discuss ideas that take $5,000 worth of flowers and then let your florist know that your bottom line is $2,000.) And remember: There's a lot of stuff to consider, so don't be surprised if you end up spending more. We suggest you pad in an extra 10 percent to err on the side of caution.

Click here to learn ways to save money on wedding flowers.