Arranging Your Own Wedding Flowers: A Good Idea?

DIY wedding flowers can be a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. However, it's important to consider the time, skills and stress involved in creating your own floral arrangements. If you're confident in your floristry abilities and have a clear vision for your wedding flowers, DIY can be a rewarding option. On the other hand, if you're unsure about the process or feel overwhelmed, it may be best to leave it to the professionals.

Creating your own wedding flowers requires planning and preparation. You'll need to source flowers and materials, arrange a cool and shady storage space, and practise creating bouquets and centrepieces. It's also crucial to be flexible, as your desired flowers may not be in season or available. While DIY wedding flowers can save costs, it's still an expense to consider, especially if you want to include pricier blooms like roses, peonies or orchids.

If you decide to take on the task, there are plenty of resources available to help, including online tutorials, floristry classes, and advice from professional florists. Ultimately, the decision to DIY your wedding flowers depends on your vision, budget, and willingness to take on the challenge.

DIY wedding flowers can save you money, but it's a big job

Doing your own wedding flowers can be a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your big day. However, it's important to remember that it's a lot of work and can be stressful, especially if you're not experienced in floristry. Here are some things to consider and tips to help you decide if DIY wedding flowers are right for you.

The benefits of DIY wedding flowers

Doing your own wedding flowers can be a fun and creative way to save money. The cost of a professionally-crafted bouquet includes the labor involved, so if you're able to do the work yourself, you can significantly reduce your floral budget.

The challenges of DIY wedding flowers

Creating your own wedding flowers is a big job and can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if you're not experienced. Here are some of the challenges you may encounter:

• Sourcing the right flowers: It can be difficult to find the specific flowers you want, especially if you're looking for certain colors or varieties.
• Timing and preparation: You'll need to source and prepare your flowers a few days in advance, and they'll need to be stored in a cool, shady place.
• Skill and experience: Arranging flowers is more difficult than it looks, and it's easy to bruise or damage the flowers if you're not careful.
• Stress and time constraints: DIY wedding flowers can add a lot of stress and take time away from enjoying your wedding day.

Tips for DIY wedding flowers

If you decide to take on the challenge of DIY wedding flowers, here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Keep it simple: Opt for simple, loose arrangements and focus on similar colors or flowers.
• Be flexible: Don't get your heart set on certain blooms. Instead, work with what's in season and be prepared to make substitutions.
• Plan in advance: Do your research, practice your arrangements, and create a timeline for sourcing and preparing your flowers.
• Get help: Enlist friends or family members to assist you and make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies.
• Manage your expectations: Remember that your DIY bouquet may not look exactly like a professional one, and that's okay!

Final thoughts

DIY wedding flowers can be a great way to save money, but it's important to go into it with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the work involved. If you're crafty, confident, and willing to put in the time and effort, DIY wedding flowers can be a beautiful and rewarding experience. However, if you're unsure or feel overwhelmed, it may be best to leave it to the professionals.

You can buy wholesale flowers from local markets, Sam's Club, or online

If you're thinking of doing your own wedding flowers, you can buy wholesale flowers from local markets, Sam's Club, or online.

Local flower markets are a great option if you want to buy wholesale flowers in person. In some cities, you may need to be a florist or have a business account to shop at the wholesale flower market. However, some markets are open to the public and don't require any special credentials. It's a good idea to do some research on your local flower market to find out their requirements and the best times to shop.

Sam's Club is another option for purchasing wholesale flowers. They offer a wide variety of flowers, including popular choices such as roses, tulips, hydrangeas, sunflowers, and lilies. You can buy flowers by the stem or in bulk, and they often have great deals on wholesale flower prices.

If you prefer to shop online, there are many websites that offer wholesale flower delivery. FiftyFlowers, for example, is an online wholesale flower delivery service that ships flowers directly to your door. They offer a range of flower packs, including the Burgundy Blush DIY Wedding Flower Pack, which comes with a variety of flowers and eucalyptus greenery. When ordering online, be sure to plan ahead, as flowers may need to be delivered a few days in advance to allow for hydration and blooming.

When buying wholesale flowers, it's important to consider the type of flowers you want, the quantity you need, and your budget. Some flowers, such as roses, peonies, and orchids, tend to be more expensive, while others like carnations, mums, and alstroemeria are more budget-friendly. The seasonality of flowers can also affect cost and availability, with in-season flowers typically being more affordable and accessible.

Additionally, when planning your DIY wedding flowers, don't forget to factor in the cost of additional supplies like buckets, flower food, ribbon, and vases. It's also a good idea to enlist the help of friends or family to make the process more enjoyable and efficient.

With some planning and creativity, you can create beautiful wedding flowers within your budget by purchasing wholesale flowers from local markets, Sam's Club, or online sources.

Keep it simple and be realistic about your time, skills, and the availability of helpers

It's important to be realistic about your time, skills, and the availability of helpers when deciding to do your own wedding flowers. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Keep it simple

Floristry is not as easy as it looks. Unless you are particularly skilled, it's best to keep your arrangements simple and loose. Opt for small posies in jars, scattered foliage, or potted succulents. Stick to similar colours or flowers throughout your venue if you are unsure. If you have a specific vision in mind for a wow factor floral display, it may be best to leave it to the professionals.

Be mindful of your time

Doing your own wedding flowers can be time-consuming, especially if you are creating multiple arrangements. Consider the time it will take to source the flowers and materials, practice your arrangements, and put everything together. If you are short on time, you may want to enlist the help of friends or family, or consider doing only some of the flowers yourself and leaving the more complex pieces to a professional florist.

Choose simple designs

When doing your own wedding flowers, it's best to stick to simple designs. Avoid technical, lush, and complex centrepieces that you've seen on Pinterest. Instead, opt for designs with one or two types of flowers, and make sure you know how to construct them. Practice creating bouquets and centrepieces with flowers from the grocery store before the big day.

Plan ahead

Planning is key when doing your own wedding flowers. Visit flower markets or wholesalers to get an idea of prices and availability. Consider whether you will need to order flowers in advance, as many blooms come closed and will need a few days to open. Practice creating bouquets and centrepieces in the months leading up to your wedding. On the day, have a clear and spacious workspace, and don't forget to prep your flowers by trimming the stems and removing any leaves or thorns.

Be realistic about your skills

If you are not confident in your floristry skills, it may be best to leave the more complex pieces to a professional. Doing your own wedding flowers can be stressful, especially if you are also trying to handle other wedding preparations. Be realistic about your abilities and don't take on more than you can handle. If you are set on doing your own flowers, consider taking a class or consultation with a professional florist to learn some tips and techniques.

Understand the cost of flowers and be flexible with your flower choices

Flowers are one of the most memorable parts of weddings, but they can be expensive. The average cost of wedding flowers is $2,200, with the average floral budget accounting for 8-10% of a wedding's total cost. However, flower prices can fluctuate widely based on their availability, and it's easy to add floral expenses without realizing it.

• Be aware that different blooms come with different price tags. For example, delicate flowers like orchids and peonies will cost you three to four times as much as daisies and carnations.
• Opt for flowers that are in season, as this can significantly impact cost and ensure freshness. If you have a particular flower in mind that is not in season, you will have to pay extra.
• Understand that elaborate designs and intricate arrangements may lead to additional costs. Discuss your budget with your florist, and they will work with you to achieve a design style within your budget.
• The scale of your venue influences the quantity of flowers you'll need, impacting the overall expense. If your ceremony and reception are held in two different locations, you'll likely want flowers decorating both spaces.
• Be flexible with your flower choices. If you're set on a particular flower that is expensive or not in season, ask your florist to suggest alternatives.
• Consider using more greenery than expensive flowers to save money. Greenery is not only trendy but can also be more cost-effective.
• Choose cost-effective flowers that align with your vision and wallet. Roses, carnations, and baby's breath can be beautiful and affordable.
• If you're crafty, consider creating your own DIY wedding flower arrangements. This can be a fun project and a great way to save money. However, be aware that it's a big job and can be stressful, especially if you're doing it close to your wedding day.
• If you're set on a particular flower that is expensive, consider using fewer stems and filling out your bouquets and centerpieces with more greenery.
• Be mindful of the size of your wedding and your style when choosing flowers. A larger wedding with more guests and a bigger bridal party will require more flowers, increasing the cost.
• If you're flexible and willing to get up early on your wedding day, DIY flowers might be a good option for you. However, florists are trained professionals who can create beautiful, intricate arrangements, so consider whether you're willing to sacrifice that level of expertise and creativity.

Timing is key when it comes to preparing and storing your flowers

Delivery

Get your flowers delivered two days before your event. This gives the flowers time to rehydrate after being out of water during transit. If your wedding is on a Saturday, get your flowers delivered on Thursday, and they will be ready to arrange on Friday.

Tools and Supplies

Have all the necessary tools and supplies ready when your flowers arrive. You will need sharp knives or scissors to cut the stems, thick gloves for protection, and buckets filled with fresh water. You will also need a cool place to store the flowers, such as a basement or room with air conditioning.

Rehydration

When your flowers first arrive, they may appear droopy and dehydrated. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle and place them in the buckets of water to rehydrate for at least six hours before arranging. This will give them the strength to undergo the arranging process.

Preparation

Before arranging, cut the stems every two days and remove any leaves that fall below the waterline. This will prevent bacterial build-up, which can shorten the vase life of the flowers. Keep the flowers in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and heating vents.

Water

Change the water daily, using lukewarm water to help the flowers bloom. Once the flowers have been arranged, keep the water on the cooler side to slow down the blooming process. Do not put the flowers in a regular fridge, as they can get sick if exposed to food bacteria.

Practice

If possible, practice arranging flowers a couple of weeks before the wedding. This will help you get familiar with the process and determine how much time and help you will need. Time yourself and take note of the number of stems used for each arrangement.

Arrangement

Arrange your flowers one to two days before the wedding. Start with the ceremony flowers, then move on to the reception flowers, buttonholes, and finally, the bridal party bouquets. Store the finished arrangements in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh.

Transport

On the day before the wedding, transport your arrangements to the venue, ensuring they are secure during the journey. If the weather is hot, give the flowers a fresh drink of water to keep them fresh and prevent the water from turning yellow.

Frequently asked questions