Flower Petal Calculator: Cups and Pounds by Use Type
Calculate wedding flower petals for every use at once: aisle runner, petal toss, flower girl baskets, and table scatter. Covers fresh, freeze-dried, and silk petals with accurate weight-per-cup conversions for each type. Outputs total cups, weight, gallon bags to order, and budget estimate. Free PDF shopping list you can send straight to your florist.
Why Do Most US Weddings Underorder Rose Petals?
Flower petals are one of the most visually impactful and photographically significant elements of a wedding ceremony, and they are also one of the most commonly underordered wedding items in the US. A sparse, patchy petal-lined aisle where clumps of petals are separated by bare patches of runner fabric looks thin in person and looks even worse in photographs, where the overhead or low-angle ceremony shots capture the full length of the aisle and every gap in petal coverage becomes visible. The couple who ordered 5 lbs of fresh rose petals for a 70-foot aisle and ended up with a lightly dotted path rather than the petal carpet they envisioned is a story that repeats itself at venues across the country every wedding season.
The root cause is almost always the same: couples estimate based on a single flat number, usually “half a pound per foot” or “one cup per foot,” without accounting for the width of the aisle, the desired coverage density, and whether the same petals need to serve multiple purposes (aisle runner plus petal toss plus flower girl baskets). The width factor alone is critical: a 4-foot aisle requires twice as many petals as a 2-foot aisle at the same length, and many US wedding venues have aisles that are 4 to 6 feet wide. Applying a per-foot formula without the width variable produces a systematic underestimate for any standard aisle.
The coverage density question is equally important and more subjective. A light, sparse petal placement (2 to 3 petals per square foot) creates a romantic, scattered look that photographs beautifully in certain styles but can look thin at wider aisles or in large venues. A heavy, deep petal carpet (4 to 6 petals per square foot, several petals deep) creates the lush, immersive path that most couples envision when they think of a petal aisle, but requires significantly more petals and budget. This calculator makes the density choice explicit rather than leaving it to guesswork, and outputs the quantity needed for your specific coverage vision across every use in your event.
The Three Petal Types and Why They Calculate Differently
Fresh rose petals, freeze-dried petals, and silk petals look similar in photos but behave completely differently in terms of weight, volume, shelf life, and setup requirements. Understanding these differences is critical for both quantity calculations and logistics planning.
Fresh rose petals are the most visually beautiful and the most perishable. A cup of fresh petals weighs approximately 0.5 oz because the petals retain most of their natural water content. This makes fresh petals the heaviest per cup, meaning you order fewer lbs for the same cup count compared to lighter alternatives. The trade-off is logistics: fresh petals must be ordered from a florist or supplier 1 to 2 days before the wedding, stored in a refrigerator at 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and placed no more than 1 to 2 hours before the ceremony. Petals placed in direct sun or warm conditions will wilt within an hour. For outdoor summer ceremonies in warm US climates, fresh petals need to be placed immediately before the processional, not hours in advance.
Freeze-dried petals are the lightest option at approximately 0.2 oz per cup because the water content has been removed through the freeze-drying process, leaving behind the petal structure with its color and shape intact. A cup of freeze-dried petals looks and feels much airier than a cup of fresh petals, and the same visual coverage requires approximately the same cup count but dramatically fewer pounds and a lower budget per lb in some cases. The major advantage of freeze-dried petals is shelf stability: they can be ordered 2 to 4 weeks before the wedding and stored at room temperature without refrigeration. For DIY weddings where the couple or a family member is managing the petal setup, freeze-dried petals eliminate the coordination challenge of fresh petal delivery and same-day handling.
Silk petals are the heaviest per cup at approximately 0.75 oz per cup because the polyester or fabric material is denser than natural petals. They are the most cost-effective per pound in terms of raw material cost but less cost-effective per cup for the same coverage. The primary advantage of silk petals is reusability: after the ceremony, petals in good condition can be collected, stored, and reused for decor at the reception or returned to a rental supplier. For couples with a tight fresh-flower budget who want the visual effect of a petal-lined aisle, silk petals provide a workable alternative when ordered well in advance of the wedding.
Flower Petal Quantity Formula: Coverage by Use Type and Density
This calculator uses a coverage formula that varies by use type and is calibrated to three density levels based on industry consultation with US wedding florists and event stylists:
| Use Type | Light Coverage | Medium Coverage | Heavy Coverage | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aisle runner | 0.8 cups | 1.5 cups | 2.5 cups | per sq ft of aisle |
| Petal toss | 0.5 cups | 1.0 cups | 1.5 cups | per guest tossing |
| Flower girl basket | 1.5 cups | 1.5 cups | 1.5 cups | per basket (standard) |
| Table scatter | 0.5 cups | 1.0 cups | 2.0 cups | per table |
Aisle coverage: square footage = aisle length in feet multiplied by aisle width in feet. A 60-foot aisle that is 4 feet wide is 240 square feet. At medium coverage (1.5 cups per sq ft), that is 360 cups of petals just for the aisle. A 10 percent buffer is added to all totals to account for variation in petal size (larger petals cover less area per cup than smaller petals), placement efficiency, and wind displacement at outdoor venues.
How Petal Type Affects What You Order
The same 100-cup total looks very different when you are ordering by weight depending on which petal type you select. For 100 cups of petals: fresh petals weigh 50 oz (3.1 lbs); freeze-dried petals weigh 20 oz (1.25 lbs); silk petals weigh 75 oz (4.7 lbs). The gallon-bag count is the same for all three types at approximately 7 bags, because gallon bags are measured by volume, not weight. When comparing supplier pricing, always compare on a per-cup or per-gallon-bag basis rather than per-pound, because the per-pound price of freeze-dried petals is typically higher than fresh petals, but you need far fewer pounds for the same cup count.
How the Flower Petal Calculator Works: Aisle, Toss, Baskets, and Tables
This calculator accepts inputs for up to four simultaneous petal uses and combines them into a single shopping list total. You do not need to use all four; enter zero or leave blank any uses that do not apply to your event, and the calculator uses only the values you have entered.
Petal type: Select based on how you plan to source and manage the petals. Fresh if you are working with a florist who will deliver 1 to 2 days before the event and you have refrigeration. Freeze-dried if you are managing the petals yourself and want to order ahead. Silk if you want a fully reusable, weather-tolerant option for an outdoor ceremony.
Coverage density: Select based on the visual effect you want. Light creates a scattered, romantic look with individual petals visible and space between them. Medium creates a consistent, even carpet of petals where the aisle surface is mostly covered. Heavy creates a deep, lush petal layer 2 to 3 petals deep that photographs as a rich continuous surface. For most US wedding ceremonies, medium is the most popular choice and the baseline for most florist quotes. If your inspiration photos show a thick petal carpet, select heavy.
Aisle length and width: Measure or confirm with your venue coordinator. Most US church aisles range from 40 to 80 feet in length. Most ballroom aisles are set at 4 to 6 feet in width. An outdoor garden or lawn ceremony may have a defined aisle path of any length. The width input is critical: do not use a per-foot formula without including it. A 60-foot by 4-foot aisle is 240 square feet. A 60-foot by 6-foot aisle is 360 square feet, requiring 50 percent more petals for the same coverage density.
Petal toss guests: Enter the number of guests who will be participating in a petal toss (also called a confetti send-off or petal send-off). Typical scenarios: guests toss petals as the couple walks back up the aisle after the ceremony, or guests line the exit and toss as the couple passes. Only the guests physically participating in the toss need petals; if you plan to pre-portion petals into small cones or bags that are handed to guests as they are seated, every seated guest who receives a cone needs petals in the count.
Flower girl baskets: Enter the number of flower girl baskets to be filled. The calculator uses 1.5 cups per basket as the standard fill, which provides enough for a flower girl to scatter petals along a 50 to 80-foot aisle at a moderate pace without running out before reaching the altar. For a very long aisle or a flower girl who scatters generously, add an extra 0.5 cups per basket by ordering slightly above the calculated amount.
Tables for scatter: For receptions where petals are used as a low centerpiece element or table scatter alongside candles and other elements, enter the number of tables. The density setting controls how generously the tables are covered. At medium density, 1 cup of petals per table creates a gentle scatter that frames the table centerpiece without overwhelming the look.
Three Real US Wedding Flower Petal Examples: Garden to Grand Ballroom
Olivia and Ethan: Garden Wedding in Savannah, Georgia
Olivia and Ethan are having a 75-person outdoor garden ceremony in Savannah. Aisle: 50 feet long and 4 feet wide. Petal toss: 75 guests (all guests will toss as the couple exits). No flower girls. No table scatter. Petal type: fresh. Density: medium. Aisle: 50 ft x 4 ft = 200 sq ft x 1.5 cups = 300 cups. Toss: 75 guests x 1.0 cup = 75 cups. Total: 375 cups base + 10% = 413 cups. Weight: 413 cups x 0.5 oz = 206.5 oz = 12.9 lbs of fresh petals. Gallon bags: 413 / 15 = 28 bags. Budget at $18 to $28 per lb: $232 to $361. Their Savannah florist quoted $280 for 13 lbs of fresh pink and white rose petals, which matched the calculator output almost exactly. They pre-portioned the toss petals into 75 small paper cones the night before the wedding and handed them to guests as they were seated.
Priya and David: Ballroom Wedding in Chicago, Illinois
Priya and David are having a 200-person ballroom wedding in Chicago. Aisle: 70 feet long and 5 feet wide. No petal toss (they are using a sparkler send-off instead). Two flower girl baskets. Table scatter: 20 reception tables. Petal type: freeze-dried (they are managing setup themselves). Density: heavy for the aisle and tables. Aisle: 70 ft x 5 ft = 350 sq ft x 2.5 cups = 875 cups. Baskets: 2 x 1.5 = 3 cups. Tables: 20 x 2.0 cups = 40 cups. Total: 918 cups base + 10% = 1,010 cups. Weight: 1,010 x 0.2 oz = 202 oz = 12.6 lbs of freeze-dried petals. Gallon bags: 1,010 / 15 = 68 bags. Budget at $24 to $42 per lb: $303 to $529. They ordered 70 gallon bags of freeze-dried ivory and blush petals from a bulk floral supplier 3 weeks before the wedding. The freeze-dried petals arrived at room temperature, were stored in their apartment, and were set up by the venue coordinator 4 hours before the ceremony with no refrigeration concerns.
Abby and Tyler: Small Venue Wedding in Nashville, Tennessee
Abby and Tyler are hosting a 50-person intimate wedding at a Nashville event space. Aisle: 30 feet long and 3 feet wide. Petal toss: 50 guests. One flower girl basket. Table scatter: 6 dinner tables. Petal type: fresh. Density: light (they prefer a delicate scattered look). Aisle: 30 ft x 3 ft = 90 sq ft x 0.8 cups = 72 cups. Toss: 50 x 0.5 cups = 25 cups. Basket: 1 x 1.5 = 2 cups (standard, not density-adjusted). Tables: 6 x 0.5 cups = 3 cups. Total: 102 cups base + 10% = 112 cups. Weight: 112 x 0.5 oz = 56 oz = 3.5 lbs. Gallon bags: 112 / 15 = 8 bags. Budget at $18 to $28 per lb: $63 to $98. Their florist included 4 lbs of fresh petals as part of their full florals package at a discounted rate, which covered the full quantity with a small surplus that Abby used to fill a small guest book table display.
What Should US Couples Know Before Ordering Wedding Flower Petals?
Venue Rules for Petal Use at US Wedding Venues
Before ordering petals for your wedding, confirm with your venue coordinator which types of petals are permitted. US wedding venues vary significantly in their petal policies, and the restrictions are more common than most couples expect. Common venue restrictions include: no fresh petals on carpeted aisles (petals can stain light-colored carpet and create a slip hazard when walked on), no any petals on hardwood floors (slip hazard), fresh petals only on outdoor grass or stone surfaces (some venues prohibit freeze-dried petals outdoors due to wind displacement, and some prohibit silk petals for environmental reasons), and petal use limited to designated areas only (some venues charge an additional cleaning fee for petal scatter in reception areas). Confirm these rules at your venue tour, not the week before the wedding, so you can plan your petal use accordingly. Some venues that prohibit fresh petals on interior floors allow freeze-dried petals (which are lighter and stick slightly to surface texture) or silk petals (which are heavier and less prone to scatter outside designated areas).
Setup Timing and Who Places the Petals
Aisle petals are typically placed by a wedding planner, venue coordinator, or designated family member or friend 30 to 90 minutes before the ceremony begins. For indoor venues where the ceremony and reception happen in the same space, the petal placement may need to happen even closer to ceremony time to allow for the room flip from cocktail hour to ceremony setup. Fresh petals in direct sun will show visible wilting within 1 to 2 hours, so outdoor summer ceremonies may need to limit advance placement to 30 minutes or less. Freeze-dried petals can be placed hours in advance with no degradation. Silk petals can be placed during full venue setup, even the day before for multi-day events.
The most efficient method for placing aisle petals is the pre-portioned scatter method: divide the total cup count by the number of feet in the aisle to determine cups per foot, portion this into small cups or bags, and work down the aisle systematically placing each portion at the corresponding foot mark. This prevents the common problem of front-loading, where the person placing petals uses too many at the near end of the aisle and runs short before reaching the altar. A chalk or tape mark every 10 feet on the aisle runner guides consistent spacing. For a 60-foot aisle at medium density requiring 360 cups, that is 6 cups per foot, or about half a gallon bag per 10-foot section.
Petal Toss Logistics for US Wedding Send-Offs
The petal toss is one of the most photographed moments of a US wedding ceremony, and the logistics of getting petals into 75 to 200 guest hands at the right moment require planning. Standard approaches: pre-rolled paper cones handed to guests as they are seated before the ceremony (most elegant presentation), small linen or mesh bags placed on seats before guests arrive (similar to ceremony programs, guests can hold them throughout), small biodegradable paper bags at the ceremony exit with a sign directing guests to take one as they leave for the send-off. For outdoor venues, confirm with your venue and municipality whether petal toss is permitted. Fresh and freeze-dried petals are biodegradable and generally permitted. Silk petals may be prohibited at outdoor or environmentally sensitive venues because they are not biodegradable. Some jurisdictions and venues prohibit all confetti-type materials; confirm before ordering and planning.
Flower Petal Questions US Couples Ask Most
For a standard 60-foot aisle that is 4 feet wide (240 sq ft): light coverage needs about 192 cups, medium coverage about 360 cups, and heavy coverage about 600 cups. In gallon bags (approximately 15 cups each): light = 13 bags, medium = 24 bags, heavy = 40 bags. For fresh petals at medium coverage: 360 cups x 0.5 oz = 180 oz = 11.25 lbs. For freeze-dried petals at medium coverage: 360 cups x 0.2 oz = 72 oz = 4.5 lbs. The gallon bag count is the same for all petal types (volume-based), but the weight and cost differ significantly. Most US wedding florists quote petal coverage by weight, so always convert cups to lbs using the correct petal type formula when communicating with your supplier.
A standard flower girl basket holds approximately 1.5 to 2 cups of petals when filled to a visually full level. The calculator uses 1.5 cups as the base fill, which provides enough for a flower girl to scatter petals at a leisurely pace along an aisle of up to 80 feet. For very long aisles (90 feet or more) or for flower girls who scatter generously, fill baskets to 2 cups. A basket that is only one-third full at the start of the aisle looks sparse in photos; always fill to at least 75 percent of visual capacity. For small children who may be nervous or slow-moving, a basket filled to 2 cups gives them a comfortable margin without running out before they reach the front.
For a standard petal toss send-off: 0.5 to 1.0 cups per guest. At 0.5 cups per guest (light toss), guests receive a small handful that creates a brief but photogenic shower of petals. At 1.0 cup per guest (medium toss), each guest receives a generous handful that creates a more sustained petal cloud as the couple walks through. For 100 guests at medium density: 100 cups of petals for the toss alone. This is separate from any aisle runner petals. Pre-portion the toss petals into individual paper cones or small bags before the wedding, with a cone or bag per attending guest. Order a small overage (5 to 10 percent) for guests who drop a cone, children who scatter their petals early, or last-minute additions to the guest list.
Fresh rose petals are the most visually stunning for indoor or sheltered outdoor venues where setup can happen close to ceremony time. They have natural color richness, a delicate fragrance, and the softest, most natural look in photographs. Freeze-dried petals are the most practical for DIY weddings, events where setup must happen hours in advance, outdoor venues, or destinations where fresh petal delivery is difficult. They look nearly identical to fresh petals in photographs and are available in dozens of colors. Silk petals are the right choice for budget-sensitive events, ceremonies where venue rules prohibit fresh or freeze-dried, or couples who want to keep the petals as a keepsake. The most popular choice for US weddings is fresh rose petals for ceremonies in well-controlled indoor venues and freeze-dried for outdoor or destination weddings.
US wedding petal pricing (2025): Fresh rose petals from a florist: $15 to $30 per lb depending on variety, color, and market. Fresh petals from a bulk floral supplier (Costco, Sam’s Club, bulk rose suppliers): $8 to $15 per lb for roses you process yourself, removing petals from stems. Freeze-dried petals from an online supplier: $22 to $45 per lb. Silk petals in bulk: $6 to $16 per lb. For a medium-coverage 60-foot aisle using fresh petals (11.25 lbs at medium): $169 to $338 just for the aisle. For freeze-dried at the same cup count (4.5 lbs): $99 to $203. Budget tip: purchasing budget-tier roses in bulk from Costco Business Delivery or a wholesale flower supplier and stripping the petals yourself can reduce fresh petal costs by 40 to 60 percent compared to buying processed petals from a florist, at the cost of several hours of preparation time.
Fresh rose petals stay in good condition for 1 to 3 days when stored correctly: in an airtight container or zip-lock bag in a refrigerator set to 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity in the storage container is important, as petals will dry and curl if stored in dry air. A slightly damp paper towel placed loosely in the bag (not touching petals directly) maintains humidity without creating mold. Petals should not be placed until within 1 to 2 hours of the ceremony at indoor venues in air-conditioned spaces, and within 30 to 45 minutes at outdoor summer venues in warm or sunny conditions. Petals placed on a hot outdoor surface in direct sun will show noticeable wilting within one hour. For outdoor summer weddings in warm US climates (Texas, Florida, Arizona, Georgia in July and August), freeze-dried petals are a more reliable choice than fresh petals for aisle runner use.
A standard gallon bag of rose petals holds approximately 14 to 16 cups of petals by volume, with 15 cups as the planning estimate used in this calculator. The actual count varies based on petal size (larger petals pack less efficiently than smaller ones) and how tightly the petals are packed in the bag. Some suppliers sell petals in liter containers rather than gallon bags; 1 liter is approximately 4 cups, and 4 liters (approximately 1 gallon) is the equivalent unit. When ordering from a bulk supplier, confirm whether the quantity listed is by volume (cups or liters) or by weight (oz or lbs), and convert accordingly using the weight-per-cup values for your specific petal type: fresh 0.5 oz per cup, freeze-dried 0.2 oz per cup, silk 0.75 oz per cup.
Many US venues prohibit fresh petals on carpeted aisles because fresh petals contain moisture that can stain light-colored carpet and because wet petals become slippery underfoot, creating a fall hazard as guests and the wedding party walk over them. If your venue has a carpeted aisle and permits petals, consider placing them on a removable aisle runner laid over the carpet rather than directly on the carpet surface. Freeze-dried petals are generally safer than fresh petals on carpet because they are dry and do not transfer moisture to the carpet. Silk petals are the safest option for carpeted aisles because they are completely dry, do not stain, and are heavier, so they are less likely to scatter off the defined aisle path. Always confirm petal policies with your venue coordinator and get any permissions in writing to avoid a cleaning fee dispute after the event.
For table scatter as a centerpiece accent: 0.5 cups per table for a light, delicate scatter. 1.0 cups per table for a full scatter that covers most of the visible table surface around the centerpiece. 2.0 cups per table for a lush, abundant scatter that frames the centerpiece in a deep layer of petals. For 20 reception tables at medium coverage: 20 x 1.0 = 20 cups, which is approximately 1.5 gallon bags. Table scatter is one of the most cost-effective uses of petals because the quantities per table are relatively small; 20 tables at medium scatter requires less than $30 in fresh petals at typical bulk pricing. Combine the table scatter input with your aisle and toss calculations in this calculator to get a single consolidated shopping list for all uses.
In photographs, freeze-dried petals are nearly indistinguishable from fresh petals to the untrained eye, particularly in medium and heavy coverage where the volume of petals creates the visual impact rather than the quality of individual petals. In person, freeze-dried petals are slightly stiffer than fresh petals and lack the fragrance of fresh roses, which some couples notice and some do not. The biggest visual difference is color: freeze-dried petals may have slightly deeper or more saturated color than their fresh equivalents depending on the variety and supplier, which many couples find preferable for photography. For a first look or indoor ceremony where guests will be close to the aisle and may handle petals in baskets, fresh petals provide a more tactile luxury experience. For outdoor ceremonies, destination events, or large-scale coverage where logistics and budget are primary concerns, freeze-dried petals deliver an equivalent visual result at lower logistical complexity.
The main sources for bulk wedding flower petals in the US: local wholesale florists (the most common source for fresh petals; many offer event petal packages alongside full florals contracts); Costco Business Delivery (sells fresh roses by the 100-stem box that you process yourself); FiftyFlowers.com, BloomsyBox, and similar online fresh flower bulk retailers (ship direct, typically $8 to $20 per lb processed petals); freeze-dried petal specialists like RosePetalCompany.com, BulkPetals.com, or Amazon bulk sellers (wide color selection, ship 3 to 5 days nationally, $22 to $45 per lb); craft stores like Michael’s or JOANN for silk petals (typically $6 to $14 per bag, less economical for large quantities). For large events requiring 20 or more lbs of petals, contact a local wholesale floral market directly (many US cities have wholesale floral districts open to the public or with event purchaser accounts) for the best per-lb pricing on fresh petals.
Fresh petals from a florist: order as part of your full florals contract, confirming quantity 2 weeks before the event. Delivery 1 to 2 days before the wedding. Fresh petals from a bulk retailer or wholesale source: order 1 to 2 weeks before to confirm availability of your color; petals typically ship 3 to 5 business days before delivery date. Freeze-dried petals: order 2 to 4 weeks before for peace of mind; they are shelf-stable for months so there is no rush, but popular colors in large quantities can have lead times of 1 to 2 weeks at peak wedding season (May through October). Silk petals: order 2 to 6 weeks before; wide availability means less urgency, but early ordering ensures color matching if you are coordinating with other decor elements. For peak wedding season (May through June, September through October), add 1 to 2 weeks to all these timelines because supplier inventory turns over quickly.
For fresh rose petals, the most widely available colors at US wholesale and bulk suppliers: red (classic, available year-round in large quantities), white (universally available), blush / light pink, hot pink, champagne / ivory, yellow, orange, and lavender / purple (seasonal availability and may require special order). For freeze-dried petals, availability is much wider because the freeze-drying process preserves color from any rose variety: all standard colors plus burgundy, coral, peach, dusty rose, sage green (rare), and blue-tinted (dyed). Silk petals are available in virtually any color from craft supply stores but may have limited batch consistency for very specific wedding color matching. For tight color palette matching, order a small sample of 1 cup or one gallon bag before committing to a full order, as petal colors vary by supplier, season, and growing region in ways that affect how they photograph in your specific venue’s lighting.
Yes, with some adjustments based on the specific outdoor venue and conditions. On grass or natural surfaces: fresh, freeze-dried, and silk petals all work well. On a paved or stone path: all petal types work but fresh petals may become slippery if walked on after rain or heavy dew. On a wood or composite deck surface: avoid fresh petals (moisture transfer, possible staining); use freeze-dried or silk instead. Wind is the main management challenge for outdoor petal aisles. Freeze-dried petals are lightest and most vulnerable to displacement by wind. Fresh petals are heavier and hold position better in light breeze. Silk petals are heaviest and most wind-resistant. For windy outdoor venues, place petals as close to the ceremony start as possible and consider using a thin bead of floral adhesive spray or a light misting of water along the aisle path to anchor the outermost petals. Check with your venue about any restrictions on adhesives before using this method.
For flower girl baskets filled with fresh petals: fill the baskets no more than 1 to 2 hours before the ceremony. Store petals in a sealed bag in a refrigerator until basket-filling time. Once in the basket, keep it in a cool shaded area away from direct sun, air conditioning vents that blow dry air, or warm outdoor conditions. A light misting of water on the petals after basket-filling helps maintain freshness for 1 to 2 hours. For ceremonies where the flower girl will be holding or carrying the basket during extended photo sessions before the processional, consider filling the basket with freeze-dried petals, which look identical to fresh petals in photos but do not wilt at any temperature or humidity. This is the most common recommendation from US wedding photographers who work with flower girls regularly, because it eliminates timing pressure on the petal preparation and allows basket photos to happen at any point during the pre-ceremony photography session.
The weight of petals needed depends primarily on aisle dimensions and the number of additional uses (toss, baskets, tables), not directly on guest count except for the petal toss calculation. As a rough planning reference for fresh petals at medium coverage: small wedding (aisle 30 ft x 3 ft, toss 50 guests, 1 basket) = approximately 4 to 5 lbs. Mid-size wedding (aisle 60 ft x 4 ft, toss 100 guests, 2 baskets, 12 tables) = approximately 12 to 15 lbs. Large wedding (aisle 80 ft x 5 ft, toss 200 guests, 2 baskets, 20 tables) = approximately 22 to 28 lbs. For freeze-dried petals, divide these weights by approximately 2.5 to get the equivalent lbs for the same cup coverage. For silk petals, multiply by approximately 1.5 compared to fresh. Always use this calculator with your specific dimensions rather than relying on general size estimates, because aisle width alone can change the petal requirement by 50 percent or more.