Wedding and event florist
Design flowers for weddings and events, from bridal bouquets to ceremony and table arrangements.
- $2k-10k
- Part-time
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
11,834 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.4% in a year
NAICS 453110 “Florists”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A florist focused on booked events. You meet couples and planners, quote the flowers, buy in bulk, design the pieces and set them up at the venue.
Your first three steps
- Build a portfolio by doing styled shoots or discounted work for friends and local photographers
- Set up a simple website with packages and an inquiry form, and write a clear contract with a deposit
- Introduce yourself to local wedding planners, venues and photographers
Who pays
Engaged couples, event planners, venues, and companies hosting parties or galas.
How it makes money
Package or custom quote per event, usually with a deposit upfront. Larger weddings can bring a high job value but fewer jobs per month.
Skills that help
- Advanced floral design
- Quoting and managing client expectations
- Planning and logistics for setup day
- Building relationships with planners and venues
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, since many venues require proof of coverage
- A cooler space or refrigerated storage and a suitable vehicle for transporting flowers
- Business license and sales tax registration (check with your city, county and state)
- Seasonal demand, so cash flow can be uneven through the year
- Late changes or cancellations, so use a contract with clear deposit and refund terms
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: wedding and event florist
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a wedding florist business?
Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your cooler or storage, vehicle needs and equipment. Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many weddings and events you book.
What should I check before starting an event florist business?
Check general liability insurance, since many venues require proof of coverage. Also check cooler or refrigerated storage and a suitable vehicle, your city, county and state business license and sales tax rules, and use a contract with clear deposit and refund terms.
What skills and time do I need to be a wedding florist?
You need advanced floral design, quoting and managing client expectations, planning setup-day logistics, and building relationships with planners and venues. Plan on at least around 15 hours a week, as an estimate, with demand varying by season.
Other ways to run this business
Home-based florist for gifts and small events
Design bouquets and arrangements at home for birthdays, gifts and small events, sold online and by local delivery.
- $800-4k
- Side hustle
- From home
Neighborhood flower shop
Open a small storefront selling fresh flowers, bouquets and gifts to walk-in customers and local orders.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
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Photo: aedrozda on Pixabay