Hi MadHatter,
$100 for a simple hand tied bouquet is way too much!! Did you tell them it is for a wedding? Perhaps you'd be quoted a lower price if you told them it's just a simple bouquet for a colleague who's leaving your company!
Are you looking for specially imported flowers? If you are looking for the usual range, or if you are okay with any origin, then it really shouldn't cost that much!
To know how much the florist is earning from you, you may want to check out the wholesalers at Katong Flower Shop, JM Florists, Goodwood, Far East Flora, or even the small floral counters at Carrefour!
Guo Da Li is when the guy's parents bring "gifts" to the gal's parents through a "matchmaker". The gal's parents are expected to take only the gifts required to prepare for the wedding (these gifts include gifts of cash, jewelry, food, cakes to annouce the pending marriage and alcohol). The act of return is called "Hui Li".