Creating My Own Wedding Flowers: A Good Idea?

DIY wedding flowers are a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. However, it's important to keep in mind that creating your own floral arrangements can be time-consuming and challenging. To make the process smoother, it is recommended to keep the designs simple and flexible, especially if you are not an experienced florist.

The first step is to decide on a theme or colour palette for your arrangements and determine the types and quantities of flowers needed. Sourcing flowers that are in season is usually more cost-effective, and buying from local growers or wholesale markets can help stretch your budget. It is also crucial to plan ahead, allowing enough time for flower delivery, preparation, and assembly.

Enlisting help from friends or family can make the process more enjoyable and less stressful. Additionally, practising flower arrangement techniques in advance and having the necessary tools and materials ready will ensure a smoother experience.

Overall, DIY wedding flowers can be a fun and rewarding project, allowing you to express your creativity and stay within your budget.

DIY flower costs and budgeting

The cost of wedding flowers can vary greatly depending on factors such as the types of flowers chosen, the size of the arrangements, the season, and the location. On average, couples tend to allocate 8-15% of their total wedding budget to flowers, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Average Costs

According to various sources, the average cost of wedding flowers in the United States ranges from $2,200 to $2,800, with most couples spending between $500 and $3,500. However, these costs can be significantly reduced by opting for DIY wedding flowers, which can cost as little as $450 for flowers and materials.

DIY Flower Costs

When creating DIY wedding flowers, the cost will depend on the types and quantity of flowers chosen, as well as any additional materials required. For example, a bridal bouquet typically requires 20-25 stems, while bridesmaid bouquets require 15 stems each. Additional costs may include vases, ribbons, floral tape, and flower food.

Budgeting Tips

To stay within your budget when creating DIY wedding flowers, consider the following tips:

• Choose affordable flowers that are in season and locally sourced to reduce transportation costs.
• Mix expensive flowers with more affordable options, such as baby's breath, stock flowers, or carnations.
• Opt for smaller vases or bud vases, which require fewer flowers.
• Repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception, such as using bridesmaid bouquets as centerpieces or decorating the head table.
• Be flexible with your flower choices, as certain flowers may be unavailable or expensive during your wedding season.
• Compare prices from different sources, such as local flower farms, grocery stores, and online flower delivery services.
• Involve family and friends in the flower arrangement process to save time and create a fun activity.

Where to source flowers

If you're looking to create your own wedding bouquet, you'll need to source your flowers. Here are some options for where to find them:

• Local Flower Farms: Small local flower farms can be an excellent source for fresh and seasonal blooms. Many sell directly to customers at farmer's markets or from their farms. While they may have limited varieties and be confined to the growing season, they can offer a solid selection of locally grown flowers.
• Grocery Stores: Grocery stores often have floral departments that offer affordable options for DIY wedding flowers. You can typically find classic choices like white roses, baby's breath, and carnations at lower prices. However, the bunch sizes and varieties may vary, and the flowers may not always be the freshest.
• Wholesale Flower Markets: If you live near a wholesale flower market, this can be a great option for finding a wide variety of flowers at wholesale prices. These markets typically cater to florists and the trade, but some also offer sales to the public.
• Online Flower Delivery Services: There are online companies like FiftyFlowers and Bloominous that specialise in delivering wholesale flowers for DIY weddings. They offer convenience and a diverse range of fresh flowers sourced from farms worldwide. However, there may be some risks involved with flower quality and delivery.
• Grow Your Own: If you have a green thumb and enjoy gardening, consider growing your own cut flowers for your wedding. This option takes time and planning but can result in unique and cost-effective arrangements. You can also plant potted flowers that can be moved to create beautiful backdrops for your ceremony and reception.

When sourcing flowers for your DIY wedding bouquet, it's important to consider the season, availability, and your budget. Be flexible with your choices, as certain flowers may not be available at the time of your wedding. Compare prices and order in advance to ensure you have a plentiful supply of beautiful blooms for your special day.

Timing and preparation

Start Planning Early

Before you decide to DIY your wedding flowers, it's important to do your research and plan ahead. This includes understanding the basics of flower arranging, the different types of flowers available, and the time commitment required. It's also a good idea to create a vision board or mood board to help you decide on a colour palette, flower types, and overall style. This will give you a clear idea of what you want and make the process less overwhelming.

Source Your Flowers

When it comes to sourcing flowers, there are a few options to consider. You can buy flowers from local flower farms, grocery stores, or online retailers. If you're looking for a specific type of flower, it's best to order them in advance to ensure availability. It's also important to be flexible, as certain flowers may not be in season or available on your wedding date.

Understand the Time Commitment

Creating your own wedding flowers can be time-consuming, especially if you're doing it alone. It's important to allocate enough time for flower preparation and arrangement. This includes tasks such as trimming stems, removing leaves, and assembling bouquets and centrepieces. Give yourself plenty of time to practice and don't leave it until the last minute.

Enlist Help

DIY-ing your wedding flowers is not a one-person job. Enlist the help of friends or family members who can assist with the flower preparation and arrangement. It's also a good idea to have a clear and spacious workspace, with all the necessary tools and materials readily available. This will make the process more efficient and enjoyable.

Consider the Timing

The timing of your flower arrangements is crucial. Fresh flower bouquets and centrepieces should ideally be made within 24 hours of the wedding to ensure they stay fresh and perky. However, some flowers can last up to 48 hours after being cut, so it's important to research the types of flowers you plan to use.

Storage and Transportation

Proper storage and transportation of your flowers and arrangements are essential. Store fresh flowers in a cool place and transport them in a temperature-controlled vehicle. You'll also need to prepare materials to secure the arrangements during transportation, such as empty vases wedged into a cushioned box.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don't be afraid to practice your flower arrangements before the big day. This will help you refine your technique and identify any potential issues. It's also a good idea to create a timeline for flower preparation and assembly, ensuring that you have enough time to complete everything without feeling rushed.

Repurpose Your Flowers

To save time and money, consider repurposing your ceremony flowers for the reception. For example, you can use aisle arrangements as centrepieces on reception tables or use the altar flowers to create a vignette at the sweetheart table. This not only saves costs but also reduces waste.

Be Mindful of Your Budget

DIY-ing your wedding flowers can be more affordable than hiring a florist, but it's important to set a budget and stick to it. Certain flowers may be more expensive, especially if they are out of season or in high demand. Look for cost-effective alternatives and use your most expensive flowers sparingly.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about DIY-ing your wedding flowers, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Consider consulting a professional florist for advice or enlisting their services for specific arrangements, such as the bridal bouquet or complex centrepieces.

Remember, DIY-ing your wedding flowers can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning, timing, and preparation. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful flower arrangements that reflect your personal style and enhance your special day.

Tools and materials

The tools and materials you will need for your DIY wedding flowers will depend on the types of arrangements you plan to create, the number of flowers, and the complexity of your designs. Here is a comprehensive list of tools and materials to consider for your DIY wedding flowers:

• Sharp flower shears or scissors: You will need a sharp pair of floral snips or scissors to trim flower stems and greenery.
• Plastic buckets: Plastic buckets are ideal for storing your flowers in water before arranging them.
• Ribbon, twine, and straight pins: These materials are perfect for wrapping the stems of bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages.
• Chicken wire: Chicken wire is useful for creating larger centrepieces and flower arches. It helps to create the shape and structure of the arrangement.
• Secateurs: If you plan to forage or use branches from your yard, you may need secateurs for cutting and trimming.
• Vases and containers: You can use a variety of vases and containers for your centrepieces and bouquets. Consider using clear glass vases, painted vases, or even vintage books and lanterns as part of your tablescape decor.
• Floral tape: Waterproof floral tape is useful for securing bouquets and boutonnieres.
• Florist's binding tape: This tape is used to bind flowers and greenery together, especially for larger arrangements.
• Cold glue floral adhesive: Floral adhesive can be helpful for attaching certain elements, like charms or other decorations, to your bouquet.
• Pearl pins: Pearl-end straight pins can be used to secure boutonnieres and corsages to clothing.
• Foliage and greenery: Foliage and greenery are important for adding texture and dimension to your arrangements. They can also help to fill out bouquets and centrepieces, making them look fuller and more lush.
• Flower frogs: Flower frogs are small, weighted objects that hold flower stems in place within an arrangement.
• Glue: Super glue or a lighter glue like Elmer's can be used for attaching various elements within your arrangements.
• Green floral foam: Floral foam is used to secure flower stems in place, especially for complex centrepieces.
• Wire caging: Wire caging can be used along with floral foam to create a sturdy base for your arrangements.
• Votive candles: If you plan to incorporate candles into your centrepieces, votive candles can add a romantic touch.
• Gloves: Gloves can protect your hands while handling flowers and greenery, especially if you need to remove thorns or sharp leaves.
• Pruning shears: Pruning shears are useful for cutting thicker stems and for general flower preparation.
• Water and flower food: Keep your flowers hydrated and fresh by using clean water and adding flower food to the buckets or vases.
• Clean buckets: Ensure you have plenty of clean buckets or containers to hold water for your flowers.
• Floral preservatives: Adding floral preservatives to your vases or buckets can help extend the life of your flowers.
• Burlap: Burlap can be used to wrap bouquets, giving them a rustic, natural look.
• Gifts for helpers: Don't forget to get some small gifts or tokens of appreciation for your helpers!

Having the right tools and materials will make your DIY wedding flower experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Be sure to plan ahead, gather all the necessary supplies, and allow yourself enough time to create your floral arrangements.

Creative ideas and inspiration

If you're looking to do your own flowers for your wedding, you're in luck! There are plenty of ways to get creative and make your floral arrangements unique and special. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Keep it simple: If you're not an experienced florist, it's best to stick to simple, loose arrangements. Think small posies in jars, scattered foliage, or potted succulents. This way, you can create beautiful displays without needing advanced floristry skills.
• Be flexible with your flower choices: Unless you have a very specific type of flower in mind, it's a good idea to be flexible. Flowers are affected by seasonality, availability, and market demand, so it's best to have a range of options that fit your colour palette and theme. This will make it easier to source flowers within your budget.
• Create a vision board: Before you start sourcing flowers, create a vision board that captures the style, colours, and types of flowers you want to use. This will help you communicate your vision to others and stay focused on your floral theme.
• Source flowers from local farms or grocery stores: Local flower farms and grocery stores can be excellent sources for fresh, seasonal flowers at a lower cost than florists. If you have access to a garden, you can also use what's blooming there.
• Use in-season flowers: Flowers that are in season will be more cost-effective and easier to source. For example, daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips bloom in the spring, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are best in the fall.
• Mix and match textures: Combine different textures and types of flowers to create interesting and unique arrangements. You can use a combination of fresh flowers, dried flowers, and greenery to add dimension and visual interest to your displays.
• Repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception: A great way to save money and time is to repurpose your ceremony flowers at the reception. For example, you can use aisle arrangements as centrepieces on reception tables, or use the altar flowers to create a vignette at the sweetheart table.
• Use chicken wire and foliage for flower arches and large centrepieces: When creating flower arches or large centrepieces, start by shaping chicken wire and foliage into the desired form. Then, add clusters of flowers in focal areas to create a gorgeous, full display.
• Use local wholesale flowers: Sourcing flowers from local wholesale markets, such as Costco or Sam's Club, can help you save money. You can also look for flowers that are similar to your favourites but may be less expensive or more readily available.
• Incorporate greenery: Greenery and foliage are often overlooked but can add texture and dimension to your arrangements. They are also usually cheaper than fresh flowers, so using greenery can help you stretch your flower budget.
• Get creative with wrapping bouquet stems: Don't forget to add your personal touch to the wrapping of your bouquets! You can use ribbon, burlap, lace, or even a sentimental colour to make your bouquets unique and special.

Frequently asked questions