How Much Deposit Should a Wedding Florist Charge?
The short answer: Most wedding florists take a deposit when the couple signs, to hold the date. The two common approaches are a flat amount (often a few hundred dollars) or a percentage of the total (often 25 to 50 percent). The rest is usually paid in one or two more payments, with the final balance due one to three weeks before the wedding, before you buy the flowers.
A deposit does two jobs: it holds a date you can only sell once, and it shows the couple is committed. The right amount is enough to cover what you lose if a couple cancels late, without scaring off small weddings.
Flat deposit or a percentage?
| Approach | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Flat amount | The same booking amount for every wedding, often a few hundred dollars. | Simple to explain. Fair for small and mid-size weddings. |
| Percentage | A share of the proposal total, often 25 to 50 percent. | Scales with large weddings, where a late cancellation costs you more. |
Some florists combine them: a flat minimum or a percentage, whichever is higher.
Deposit or retainer: say what you mean
The words are used loosely, so your agreement should do the work. In general, a retainer is non-refundable and pays for holding your date. A deposit is often refundable under some conditions, for example if the couple cancels more than a set number of weeks out. Write down which it is, when it's refundable, and that it counts toward the total. Rules vary by state, so check yours if you're unsure.
A typical payment schedule
| When | Payment | Why |
|---|---|---|
| When the couple signs | Deposit | Holds the date. |
| About 60 days before (optional) | Part of the balance, for example half | Spreads the cost for the couple and your cash flow. |
| One to three weeks before | Final balance | Paid before you order and prepare the flowers. |
Tie the final due date to when you place your flower order. You shouldn't be buying a wedding's flowers before it's paid for.
Only hold the date once both are in
A date is held when you have both the signed agreement and the deposit. Until then, it's still open to the next couple who asks. Say this in your proposal so nobody is surprised.
Changes and cancellations
- A change cutoff (often two weeks before) gives you a fixed order to buy against. After it, quantities can go up if flowers allow, but not down.
- Cancellation terms should say what's refunded and when. A common pattern is that the deposit is refundable or transferable well ahead of the date, and payments become non-refundable once flowers are ordered.
- Date changes: many florists let a couple move their deposit to a new date once, if it's open.
Collecting and tracking payments
Couples can pay by check, cash, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal or a card payment link (card processors charge a fee, which some florists build into their prices). Whatever you accept, list the options on the proposal, record each payment as it comes in, and send a friendly reminder about a week before each due date. Clear schedules and gentle reminders do more for on-time payment than strict terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is a wedding florist deposit refundable?
It depends on your agreement. Many florists treat the first payment as a non-refundable retainer that holds the date, while others refund it if the couple cancels well before a cutoff. Whatever you choose, state it plainly in the contract the couple signs.
When is the final payment for wedding flowers due?
Commonly one to three weeks before the wedding, so the balance is paid before you order and prepare the flowers.
Should a florist take a deposit before sending a proposal?
Usually not. Send the proposal first, then take the deposit when the couple signs it, so the date is held only for couples who have agreed to your terms.
What is the difference between a deposit and a retainer?
A retainer is usually non-refundable and pays for holding your date. A deposit is often refundable under some conditions. The words matter less than the terms written in your agreement.