The floral industry is HUGE. It's a global economy worth over £100B (yes B is for billion, I did say it was huge!) a year. Most of my clients don't realise this and who's to tell them? Most peoples contact with flowers are picking some up with the weekly shop and while filling up the car. As a wedding planner I believe a better understanding of the floral industry would give couples an appreciation as to where their money is going and to answer the most commonly asked question; "why are wedding flowers so expensive?".
For people who are genuinely interested I will try and explain (I am no expert though, I leave that to my florist friends!). Most people won't be surprised to learn the main hub of the floral industry is Holland. Flowers from growers are flown in from all over the world (i.e. orchids from Asia, roses from Kenya and chrysanthemums from Colombia), which are then sold to wholesalers who in turn then transport them to the distributors (i.e. florists and nurseries) all over Europe and other continents.
It's a massive industry and when a couple walk into a florist wanting a "quick quote" for their wedding flowers they're not normally appreciating the fact that a) some flowers are seasonal, b) the global market dictates price and c) flowers 'on order' are more costly.
Seasonal Flowers
Not all flowers are available all year round even if they're grown around the world (although new growers in the Southern hemisphere are helping to combat this problem). Many flowers (and foliage) are seasonal and in some cases the flowers aren't just hard to find they damn right don't exist for most of the year. Some flowers are available 'early' however its a idea to know these young flowers won't be very big and may even struggle to open their heads. On the opposite end of the spectrum, flowers coming to 'the end' of their season will possibly wilt and die before the big day however much care, water and food the florist will give them. An example of seasonal disappointment is a story of a bride getting married last October who had her heart set on beautiful pale pink peonies. Nowhere in the world were these flowers available at that time of year. Trying to explain this to someone who had themed their whole wedding around them was as upsetting for the bride as it was for the florist I know. Most of the time if flowers are not available it's deemed their fault. Sadly this happens a lot.
Global Market
Most couples will have a fair idea they will be paying a premium if they get married near mothers day or valentines day. However many couples would fail to see why Easter or Christmas might have the same effect on sky high flower prices. This is because flowers are a global commodity and when whole countries are celebrating a catholic holiday (think both Italy and Spain) then it effects the world market including flowers imported into the UK. Another example is with Eastern Europeans; they love flowers. This is no exaggeration and even the poorest would not think twice about spending their last wages on flowers for their home or to give to loved ones. When there is a national holiday or celebration in these countries the prices of flowers escalates everywhere else too. When flower demand increases, availability decreases and then global prices rise.
Wedding Flowers
So armed with all of this information and you're getting married when global prices are low and you've picked in season flowers, how come they still seem expensive? The answer is in one word: "guarantee". You are getting married on a specific date at a specific time. You are wanting specific flowers of a specific quantity (normally 1000's even for a small wedding) which have to look their absolute best on the day. This means the wholesaler has to pick the first flowers off the shipment from the grower. There is no room for error, the attitude isn't "oh well we'll just wait to see what's left"! To guarantee the florist and you that you get what you want on one of the most important days of your life is they have to pick the first flowers off the shipment. Period.
Overheads and Expertise
If after all of the above the price still seems quite high then please also remember florists are providing you with a service. They are not running a charity (although many I'm sure would disagree!) but a business. They are providing you with talent, skill and knowledge which for many has meant many years of training. Most good florists will help you if you only have a certain budget to play with. The best way to help them is tell them your budget in the first place. Good florists will stick to it and help you make the most of what you can afford by suggesting ways to get the most out of your money. It's not going to reflect well on their business if they don't make your budget seem like value for money!
I really hope this has helped some people understand this industry a little better and give more appreciation as to whats involved. If you would like further information please check out the wikipedia synopsis which goes into far more detail than the above!
