Wedding Bouquet Assembly: A Day Before The Ceremony?

Wedding bouquets can be assembled the day before the wedding. According to experts, it is best to source flowers two days before the wedding, create the bouquet a day before, and add the ribbon on the wedding day. This timeline ensures that the blooms are at their best for the wedding. It is also important to consider the type of flowers used, as some have shorter lifespans than others.

The best flowers for a DIY wedding bouquet

Wedding bouquets can be assembled the day before the wedding. This is a great way to save money and have fun. However, it is important to note that some flowers may not last as long as others and will need to be sourced and prepared in advance.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a great option for a DIY wedding bouquet as they are long-lasting and pair well with blue and white flowers. They can be used in any part of the wedding decor, from bouquets to centrepieces.

Zinnias

Zinnias are another sturdy and long-lasting option that can add a pop of colour to your bouquet. There are many gorgeous examples online to draw inspiration from.

Orchids

Orchids are a sophisticated choice for a wedding bouquet and can be used to create a modern or traditional arrangement. There are many online tutorials to help you create the perfect orchid bouquet.

Freesias

Like sunflowers, freesias can be used in any part of your wedding decor. They are a versatile flower that will add a touch of elegance to your bouquet.

Roses

Roses are a classic choice for a wedding bouquet and can be used to create a variety of looks, from wildflower bouquets to modern round rose bouquets. They come in a range of colours, so you can choose one that fits your wedding colour palette.

Dahlias

Dahlias are a great option for a DIY wildflower bouquet. They are medium-to-large flowers that can be combined with loose, airy fillers and greens to create a beautiful, budget-friendly arrangement.

Baby's Breath

Baby's breath is a popular choice for DIY wedding bouquets as it is affordable and can be easily combined with other flowers to create a custom arrangement. It is also a hardy flower that can withstand warm temperatures.

Carnations

Carnations are a cost-effective option for wedding bouquets and can be used to create a variety of looks. They come in a range of colours, so you can find one that fits your style.

Gerbera Daisies

Gerbera daisies are a cheerful and colourful option for your DIY wedding bouquet. They can be used on their own or combined with other flowers to create a unique arrangement.

Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria is a lovely flower that can be paired with roses or other blooms to create a romantic and elegant bouquet. There are many online tutorials to help you create the perfect arrangement.

Other Options

Other flowers that can be used for DIY wedding bouquets include gladiolus, rice flower, peonies, sweet peas, hydrangeas, buttercups, and red roses. You can also use faux flowers or a combination of fresh and silk flowers to create your bouquet.

How to prepare flowers for a DIY wedding bouquet

Preparing flowers for a DIY wedding bouquet can be a fun and creative process, but it requires some planning and care to ensure the best results. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Choose Your Flowers:

• Consider the style of your wedding dress and your colour palette. Decide if you want complementary or contrasting colours for your bouquet.
• Select flowers that are in season to save costs. For example, daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips bloom in spring, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are best for fall.
• Opt for hardy flowers that will last longer, such as roses, carnations, and delphiniums. If you prefer softer stems like ranunculus and tulips, be aware that they are more delicate and require extra care.
• Determine the quantity of flowers needed based on the size of your bouquet and the number of bouquets you plan to make.

Source Your Flowers:

• Order flowers online or buy them from a local grocery store or flower market.
• If you have access to a garden with blooming flowers, you can also source them from there.
• If using a florist, contact them early, preferably six months in advance, especially if you require flowers sourced from other places.
• Receive the flowers a few days before the wedding to allow time for rejuvenation and arranging.

Prepare the Flowers:

• Remove all leaves from the floral stems and the bottom halves of the greenery stems.
• Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to promote water absorption and keep them in a bucket of water during assembly.
• If using tropical blooms or facing high temperatures, research specific care instructions to keep them vibrant.

Assemble the Bouquet:

• Stand in front of a mirror to visualise the final look as you work.
• Start with a base of sturdy stems, such as peonies and greenery, to create structure and shape.
• Add larger, focal flowers and then incorporate smaller flowers and greenery to create a balanced design.
• Consider adding foraged greenery or flowers for a special touch.
• Wrap an elastic band around the stems and secure with floral tape to hold the bouquet together.
• Decorate the stems with a ribbon of your choice, looping it around for a classic look or letting it cascade for a more relaxed, garden-style aesthetic.

Store the Bouquet:

• Place the finished bouquet in a vase with clean water and store it in a refrigerator set to 40°F, ensuring it is away from ripening fruit.
• Alternatively, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and transport them in a vase or delivery box if needed.

Step-by-step guide to assembling a wedding bouquet

24-48 hours before the wedding:

• Source your flowers: If you have access to someone's garden, look at what's blooming there. If not, try local farms, grocery stores, or order flowers in bulk online.
• Order your flowers: If you're contacting a florist, it's best to do so six months in advance. However, you can also order flowers online two days before the wedding.

The day before the wedding:

• Prepare your flowers: Remove all the leaves from the stems and cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. Place them in a bucket of water as you prepare the bouquet.
• Assemble the bouquet: Start by building the shape and framework of your arrangement. Stand in front of a mirror as you work, so you know what the bouquet will look like from the front. Begin with a base and add larger flowers, then continue to add smaller flowers and greenery, balancing the design as you go.
• Secure the bouquet: Once you're happy with your bouquet, cut the stems and secure the bouquet with a rubber band. Add floral tape to hide the rubber band, then wrap a ribbon around the stems for a classic look or let it cascade down the bouquet for a more relaxed style.

On the wedding day:

Add any final touches: You can add a ribbon to the bouquet on the day of the wedding.

Tips:

• It can take 45 minutes to an hour to make a bridal bouquet, and 30 minutes per smaller bouquet.
• Keep in mind that it's okay to make mistakes and start over. Flowers are resilient!
• If you're using tropical blooms during a dry spell, research how to keep them vibrant.

Storing a DIY wedding bouquet overnight

If you're planning to make your own wedding bouquet, you'll want to ensure it stays fresh and vibrant for the big day. Here are some tips to help you store your DIY wedding bouquet overnight:

Timing:

It's best to make your wedding bouquet the day before the wedding. This gives the flowers time to rehydrate and ensures they will be at their best on your wedding day. If your wedding is on a Saturday, source your flowers on Thursday, create the bouquet on Friday, and add any final touches, like ribbons, on Saturday.

Preparation:

Before your flowers arrive, have all the necessary tools and supplies ready. You'll need sharp floral snips or scissors for trimming, buckets filled with clean water, and a cool place to store the flowers, such as a basement, garage, or room with air conditioning.

Flower Care:

When your flowers arrive, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle and remove any leaves that will fall below the waterline. This helps the flowers absorb water more effectively. Place the flowers in buckets of clean water and allow them to rehydrate for at least 6 hours before arranging them. Keep the flowers in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or drafts.

Storage:

After you've arranged your bouquet, store it in a vase with clean water and set your refrigerator to 40°F (or a cooler temperature if possible). Do not store the bouquet in the same area as food or other perishable items, as flowers can be affected by food bacteria. Alternatively, you can wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and store them in a cool, dark place.

Additional Tips:

To extend the freshness of your bouquet, you can use flower preservatives or a spray bottle with warm water and a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar. You can also add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the water to fight bacteria and feed your flowers. Just be sure to change the water daily and refresh the preservatives or spray as needed.

Finishing touches for a DIY wedding bouquet

Timing

The best time to make a DIY wedding bouquet is the day before the wedding. This ensures that the flowers are fresh for the ceremony.

Stems and greenery

Before constructing your bouquet, prepare the flower stems and greenery. Remove all the leaves from the flower stems and the bottom halves of the greenery stems. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle and place them in a bucket of water while you assemble the bouquet.

Bouquet assembly

Start by building the shape and framework of your bouquet, thinking about dimension as you go. Stand in front of a mirror to see what the bouquet will look like from the front. Begin with a base of greenery, then add larger, focal flowers, and finish with smaller flowers and greenery. Secure the bouquet with a rubber band, floral tape, and ribbon.

Creative flair

Don't be afraid to get creative with your bouquet. You can add your birth flower or a charm to lend a unique, personal element to your arrangement. You can also add a sentimental colour to your bouquet to make it even more meaningful.

Frequently asked questions