Is Costco Really the Cheaper Option?
One of the most common questions I hear from engaged couples in the Pacific Northwest is:
“Should I DIY my wedding flowers, order flowers from Costco, or hire a professional florist?”
It’s a fair question. Weddings are expensive, and at first glance, Costco wedding flower packages can seem dramatically more affordable than hiring a custom wedding florist.
But here’s the thing: Most couples aren’t actually comparing the same product.
When you compare Costco wedding flowers to a professional florist, it’s a little like comparing a grocery store steak to a steakhouse dinner. Yes, both involve steak. But they’re two completely different experiences. The same is true for wedding flowers. You could buy and serve their rotisserie chicken at your wedding too…but I bet you are hiring a caterer.
What Costco Wedding Flowers Actually Include
Costco and other bulk flower retailers offer wedding flower packages that can be a great option for certain couples.
Typically, these packages include: bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, and basic floral pieces. For some smaller weddings, this may be exactly what you need.
But it’s important to understand what usually isn’t included: ceremony flowers, floral arches, arbor installations, aisle flowers, centerpieces, delivery and setup, floral design customization, breakdown and cleanup.
The responsibility for all of those details falls on you. Or more realistically…Your friends and family.
The Hidden Cost of DIY Wedding Flowers
One of the biggest misconceptions about DIY wedding flowers is that you’re only paying for flowers.
In reality, you’re also investing your time, energy, and attention during one of the busiest weeks of your life.
For a typical wedding, our timeline often looks like this:
Wednesday – Flower delivery, processing, trimming, and hydration.
Thursday –Design work begins.
Friday – Arrangement creation, bouquets, centerpieces, and installations.
Saturday –Delivery, setup, installation, and wedding day execution.
And that’s with years of experience.
Most DIY couples underestimate how much work goes into a single flower before it ever reaches a vase.
What Most Brides Don’t Realize
Before I became a florist, I don’t think I fully appreciated how much work goes into wedding flowers.
People see the finished bouquet.
They don’t see hundreds of stems being processed, buckets of flowers hydrating, floral recipes being created, flowers opening at different rates, and setup timelines.
Wedding flowers are incredibly time-sensitive and highly perishable.
Everything has to happen within a very specific window for the flowers to look their absolute best on wedding day.
Even I Didn’t DIY My Own Wedding Flowers
One of the most surprising things I tell couples is this:
Even as a florist, I chose not to do my own wedding flowers. Not because I couldn’t. Because I didn’t want to. I wanted to spend the days leading up to my wedding with my family and friends who had traveled from out of state. I wanted to enjoy the excitement. I wanted to be present.
Wedding week already includes hair appointments, rehearsal dinners, family arriving in town, and vendor communication. Adding floral production on top of all that can become overwhelming very quickly.
Not All Flowers Are Created Equal
Another thing many couples don’t realize is that flower quality varies dramatically.
Even within the same flower variety, there are different grades.
Professional florists often source premium varieties, specialty blooms, and freshly imported products.
That doesn’t mean grocery store flowers are bad. There’s a time and place for everything. I’ve been known to buy the rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy weekday dinner.
There can be noticeable differences in bloom size, stem quality, freshness, and overall appearance. Quality sourcing is one of the biggest factors influencing the final look of your wedding flowers.
Custom Design vs. Pre-Made Packages
When you order flowers from a bulk retailer, you’re choosing from a handful of pre-designed options.
When you work with a florist, everything is customized.
We discuss your venue, color palette, wedding style, inspiration photos, and floral priorities.
If a bride says: “I love this bouquet, but I’d like it softer, fluffier, and a little less textured…”
We can adapt the design and eliminate the thistle. That’s simply not possible with pre-built floral packages.
Professional Floristry Is a Skilled Trade
Pinterest and Instagram have made floral design look deceptively easy.
When I decided to become a florist, I apprenticed under experienced designers, sought out mentors, and eventually returned to school specifically to study floral design and mechanics.
There is far more technical knowledge behind wedding flowers than most people realize.
Just because someone can arrange flowers at home doesn’t mean they’re prepared to design and execute a wedding. Everyone cooks on some level…not everyone is a Michelin-star chef.
The same principle applies to floristry.
What You’re Really Paying For
One of the things couples appreciate most after hiring a florist is something they barely notice. The flowers simply appear. We deliver bouquets, pin boutonnieres, place centerpieces, install ceremony flowers, and handle the details so you don’t have to. Our goal is for everything to feel effortless.
So…Is Costco Actually Cheaper?
If you’re comparing only the flowers themselves?
Sometimes, yes.
But if you’re comparing time, labor, design expertise, customization, setup, and peace of mind then you’re really comparing two very different products.
The better question isn’t: “Can I do my own flowers?”
It’s:“How do I want to spend the days leading up to my wedding?”
Because at the end of the day, hiring a florist isn’t simply paying for flowers.
You’re paying for expertise, execution, customization, logistics, and the freedom to actually enjoy your wedding week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Costco wedding flowers good quality?
Costco flowers can be a good option for certain weddings, but they typically offer less customization and may use different flower grades than professional florists.
Can I DIY my wedding flowers?
Absolutely. Many couples do. Just be realistic about the time, labor, and stress involved.
Is hiring a florist worth it?
For many couples, the peace of mind, customization, and professional execution make it one of the most valuable wedding investments.
What’s the biggest challenge with DIY wedding flowers?
Most couples underestimate the amount of work required during the week leading up to the wedding.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
Whether you’re exploring DIY flowers, considering Costco packages, or looking for a fully customized floral experience, we’re happy to help you understand your options.
At Flowers by Lily Garland, we believe every couple deserves flowers that reflect their story, their priorities, and their vision.
If you’re planning a wedding in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, or anywhere throughout the Inland Northwest, we’d love to help bring your ideas to life.
