Painted Flowers For Weddings: A Creative Guide

Flowers are an integral part of weddings, adding beauty and symbolism to the celebration. When it comes to choosing flowers for your wedding, there are many options to consider, including fresh or painted flowers. While fresh flowers are traditional, painted flowers can offer a unique and creative alternative. Painted flowers can be customised to match your wedding colours and theme, and can even be a fun DIY project. Whether you choose to work with a florist or create your own arrangements, here are some tips to help you decide if painted flowers are right for your big day.

Florists and suppliers

Florists are an integral part of the wedding planning process. They can help you bring your vision to life and provide professional input and ideas. When choosing a florist, it is important to find someone who understands your vision and can offer guidance on flower choices, colours, and styles. It is recommended to start looking for a florist as soon as you have set a date, as florists can get booked up quickly.

When choosing a florist, be sure to look at their previous work and read reviews to get a sense of their style and specialities. No two florists are the same, so it is important to find one that aligns with your vision. It is also beneficial to have some basic knowledge of wedding flowers and their names before meeting with a florist, as this will help you communicate your ideas effectively.

If you are looking to save money on flowers, one option is to choose a venue that has floral decorations already in place. This can reduce the need for additional floral arrangements and save you money. You could also consider doing your own floral arrangements. This option can save you a significant amount of money, but it requires more time and effort.

When ordering painted flowers for a wedding, it is important to plan ahead. Painted flowers may need to be specially ordered, so be sure to give your florist plenty of notice. Discuss your ideas with your florist, including any specific colours or styles you are looking for. They will be able to guide you on the best options and help you create beautiful arrangements that fit your vision.

Some florists may offer premade arrangements, which can be a convenient and cost-effective option. These arrangements are typically ready to go and may include bouquets, centrepieces, boutonnieres, and corsages. If you are looking for something more customised, florists can also create unique designs based on your specific requirements.

When ordering painted flowers, consider the following suppliers:

• Flower Moxie: Offers DIY flower packages and custom floral designs.
• FiftyFlowers: An online wholesale delivery service that ships flowers directly to you.
• Ode à la Rose: Provides sustainably sourced blooms from around the world and offers custom bouquets and arrangements.
• Local flower markets: You can often find wholesale flowers at local flower markets, but some may be trade-only, so be sure to check before planning to source flowers from these markets.
• Sam's Club: Offers great deals on wholesale flowers, including roses and baby's breath, which can be ordered online.

When ordering painted flowers for a wedding, be sure to give your chosen supplier or florist as much notice as possible. Discuss your requirements in detail, including colours, styles, and any specific flowers you would like to include. They will be able to guide you on the best options and help create beautiful arrangements that fit your vision and budget.

Budgeting

There are several factors that influence the cost of wedding flowers, such as the types of flowers, the size and number of arrangements, the season, and the location. To save money, you can choose seasonal flowers, reuse ceremony arrangements for the reception, mix flowers with non-floral elements, or opt for smaller vases.

• Make a budget for your wedding flowers: Determine how much you are comfortable spending on flowers and stick to it. This will help you prioritise your floral choices.
• Find a wedding florist that fits your budget: Research florists in your area and compare their prices. Ask for quotes and be transparent about your budget.
• Choose seasonal flowers: Seasonal flowers are usually more affordable and can help reduce costs.
• Reuse ceremony flowers: Repurpose your ceremony flowers, such as bouquets or altar arrangements, for the reception to save money and reduce waste.
• Mix flowers with non-floral elements: Combine flowers with greenery, candles, or other decorative elements to create beautiful arrangements without breaking the bank.
• Opt for cheaper flower alternatives: Some flowers, such as baby's breath, roses, daisies, and carnations, are more affordable than others.
• Choose the right vase size: Smaller vases require fewer flowers and can help you stay within your budget.
• Book a botanical venue: Selecting a venue surrounded by natural beauty can reduce the need for excessive floral decorations.

By following these tips and staying mindful of your budget, you can create beautiful floral arrangements for your wedding without exceeding your finances.

Timing and delivery

Timing is an important consideration when ordering painted flowers for your wedding. If you are planning to use a florist, it is recommended to contact them as soon as you know your wedding date to confirm their availability. Starting the process six months to a year in advance is ideal, but it can be done in as little as three months. This will give the florist enough time to source the flowers and create your desired arrangements.

For custom bouquets, it is generally recommended to place your order two to four weeks before your wedding. However, if you plan to order seasonal flowers, it is best to do so even earlier. Certain colours and varieties of flowers may be in high demand when in season, so ordering in advance ensures that your florist has enough time to source the best blooms.

If you are creating your own floral arrangements, you will need to consider the delivery time of the flowers. Most flowers will need to be delivered a few days before your wedding to allow them to open up and bloom. For example, carnations should be delivered three days before the event, while roses can be delivered two days prior.

When it comes to delivery, some florists offer setup services, where they will install the flowers at your venue. This can be a stress-free option, as you won't have to worry about transporting the flowers yourself or setting them up on the day of your wedding. However, if you choose to transport the flowers yourself, it is important to properly secure them to avoid any damage during transit.

Overall, the key to successful timing and delivery of your painted flowers is to plan ahead and start the process early. This will give you and your florist enough time to source the flowers, create the arrangements, and ensure that they are delivered and set up on time for your special day.

DIY vs. professional

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and deciding whether to DIY your wedding flowers or hire a professional florist is a big decision. Here are some things to consider when making your choice:

DIY Wedding Flowers:

DIY-ing your wedding flowers can be a fun and creative way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some advantages and things to keep in mind:

• Saving Money: Creating your own floral arrangements can significantly reduce costs. An inexpensive DIY bridal bouquet, for example, can cost around $50.
• Fun and Personalization: Making your own arrangements can be enjoyable, especially if you incorporate craft time into your bridal shower or bachelorette party. You also have complete artistic control and can fully personalize your bouquets and centerpieces to reflect your unique style.
• Time Commitment: DIY-ing flowers is time-consuming. Constructing a single 8-inch bouquet can take about an hour once you've chosen a design, gathered instructions, and sourced materials.
• Transportation and Storage: You'll need to transport supplies and arrangements, ensuring they're kept at the right temperature. This includes prepping materials to secure them in a vehicle and maintaining a specific temperature range during transportation.
• Budget Management: It's easy to go over budget when sourcing flowers and materials. Certain blooms, like gardenias, peonies, or hydrangeas, can be more expensive, and their cost depends on location, season, demand, and growth difficulty.
• Skill Level: Creating beautiful floral arrangements is not as easy as it looks. Unless you're particularly skilled, it's best to keep DIY arrangements simple, such as small posies in jars, scattered foliage, or potted succulents.

Hiring a Professional Florist:

Hiring a professional florist can take the stress out of wedding planning and ensure your floral arrangements are expertly crafted. Here are some advantages and considerations:

• Expertise and Experience: Florists have extensive training and experience. They understand flowers inside out, from knowing where to source the perfect hue to match your palette to handling flower-related emergencies seamlessly.
• Time Savings: A professional florist will save you time and allow you to focus on other aspects of your wedding planning. They have the skills and resources to create intricate and ornate arrangements without the hassle.
• Flexibility: Florists can work with you to find the best flowers for your budget and theme. They have access to a wide range of flowers and can advise on in-season blooms, ensuring you get the most cost-effective and fresh options.
• Quality and Longevity: Professional florists know how to care for and handle flowers to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant for your big day. They can create long-lasting arrangements and advise on the best flowers to avoid staining your wedding attire.
• Peace of Mind: With a professional florist, you can rest assured that your floral arrangements will be one less thing to worry about on your wedding day. They will handle all the details, from sourcing to assembly, so you can relax and enjoy your celebration.

Both options have their advantages and considerations. If you're creative, willing to put in the time, and looking to save money, DIY-ing your wedding flowers can be a rewarding choice. On the other hand, if you want to ensure flawless and intricate arrangements, hiring a professional florist may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, time constraints, and desired level of customization.

Care and transport

Painted flowers can be a unique and beautiful addition to your wedding. Here are some tips for caring for and transporting your painted flowers to ensure they look their best on your special day:

Care Instructions:

• Choose hardy flowers that will last longer, such as roses or ranunculus. Avoid flowers like hydrangeas, which can wilt quickly without a water source.
• If you're ordering wholesale flowers, know what state they will arrive in. They may be delivered a few days early, still closed, and you'll need to keep them alive while they bloom.
• Store your flowers in a cool, shady place, away from direct sunlight and windows. Cut flowers do not benefit from the sun, and keeping them cool will help them stay perky.
• If you have bouquets, ask your florist if they can provide vases. Keep the bouquets in their vases as much as possible, even during photos, to ensure they stay hydrated.
• For boutonnieres and corsages, store them in a fridge, away from fruits, to keep them fresh until they need to be worn. If refrigeration is not possible, keep them in a cool room.
• Handle your flowers with care, especially when transporting or hugging, as the stems can become brittle and fragile once dried.

Transport Instructions:

• Ensure you have enough space in your vehicle to transport the flowers to the venue. You may need to enlist a friend or loved one with a truck or van.
• Use opaque vases and create your centerpieces in floral foam to prevent water spillage and keep the flowers stable during transport.
• Alternatively, empty the water from the vases and pack the flowers together compactly to optimise space and minimise damage.
• If possible, transport the flowers in a cool box or container to maintain their freshness.
• Have a designated person responsible for the flowers during transport, ensuring they don't get knocked over or damaged.

Frequently asked questions