1. The Purpose of the Bouquet

The purpose of the bouquet plays a major role in the number of flowers used. Different occasions may require different sizes and compositions. For instance, a bridal bouquet typically has a more intricate design, while a simple hand-tied bouquet for a birthday may have fewer flowers but still look equally stunning.

• Wedding Bouquets: Wedding bouquets often have between 15 to 30 stems depending on the style, theme, and size of the bouquet. A larger, cascading bouquet may contain even more flowers.
• Birthday Bouquets: These may contain anywhere from 10 to 15 stems, especially for more intimate occasions. However, larger birthday arrangements or a grand gesture might include 20 or more flowers.

Read more about choosing the right bouquet for a wedding.

2. The Type of Flowers

Not all flowers are created equal. The type of flowers used in your bouquet can impact the total count. Some flowers, like roses or orchids, are large and make a statement on their own, requiring fewer stems. On the other hand, smaller flowers, such as baby’s breath or chrysanthemums, are often used in bulk to fill space and create volume.

• Large Flowers: Flowers such as hydrangeas, lilies, and roses may require fewer stems because of their size and bold visual presence.
• Small Flowers: Baby’s breath, lavender, or daisies are often used in abundance, making the bouquet appear fuller even with fewer large blooms.

Learn more about the different types of flowers we offer at our Sydney florist

3. The Style of the Bouquet

Florists design bouquets in a variety of styles, which can influence how many flowers are included. Some styles demand a greater quantity of flowers, while others focus on creating a more minimalistic effect.

• Hand-Tied Bouquets: These are often popular for both casual and elegant settings and can contain anywhere from 10 to 20 stems depending on the flowers used and the design.
• Compact Bouquets: These small but tightly packed arrangements focus on quality over quantity. A compact bouquet may contain fewer flowers but gives an impression of abundance.
• Cascading Bouquets: Commonly used for weddings, cascading bouquets are larger and can have as many as 30 to 40 stems. They typically feature long stems and are designed to create a waterfall-like effect.

Explore the different bouquet styles we create at our shop.

4. Flower Arrangement and Filling

In addition to the main flowers, there are other components that contribute to the size and fullness of the bouquet. Greenery, filler flowers, and accents all add volume and texture. A bouquet might feature a few main flowers with ample filler to enhance its overall appearance.

• Greenery and Filler Flowers: Sprigs of eucalyptus, ferns, or ivy add dimension to a bouquet and often make up a significant portion of the total flower count. Filler flowers like baby’s breath or wax flowers provide texture and visual interest, even though they aren't the focal point.

5. Budget and Customisation

The budget allocated for your bouquet also affects the number of flowers included. While you can certainly order larger bouquets with more flowers, budget-friendly arrangements may focus on a smaller selection of premium flowers, with the use of greenery or filler flowers to fill out the bouquet.

• Budget Arrangements: For a smaller budget, the florist may use fewer stems of high-quality flowers, carefully arranged to look fuller without overstuffing.
• Luxurious Bouquets: On the other hand, a lavish bouquet could include dozens of stems, possibly including rare flowers or exotic blooms, with a variety of textures and layers.

6. The Size of the Bouquet

Bouquets come in various sizes, and the flower count is often related to how large or small you want the bouquet to be. The size can be a key factor when you want a statement bouquet, such as for a wedding or special celebration.

• Small Bouquets: A small bouquet, often used for gifts or casual events, may have around 8 to 12 stems, focusing on a clean, minimalist design.
• Large Bouquets: For an impactful arrangement, larger bouquets may contain 20 or more stems, showcasing a mixture of flowers that fill out the bouquet for a more dramatic look.

See our variety of bouquet sizes for every occasion.

Finding the Perfect Number of Flowers for Your Bouquet

While there’s no fixed rule for how many flowers are in a bouquet, the number typically depends on several factors, including the occasion, flower type, bouquet style, and the florist's expertise. When choosing a bouquet, remember that the final look is more important than the precise count. A well-designed arrangement, with the right balance of flowers, greenery, and filler, can make a stunning impression—whether it contains 10 flowers or 50.

We’d love to hear from you! What’s your favourite flower to include in a bouquet, and how many flowers do you think make the perfect arrangement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!