Creating A Farm-Fresh Flower Bouquet For Your Wedding

Creating a DIY wedding bouquet with farm flowers is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. While it may sound intimidating, making your own bouquet is a rewarding and achievable task. This guide will cover everything you need to know, from sourcing flowers to assembly, so you can create a stunning arrangement that complements your wedding dress and colour palette. By choosing flowers that are in season and considering the style you want to achieve, you can make a beautiful bouquet that stays within your budget.

Choosing flowers: Opt for seasonal blooms to match your colour palette and dress style

Choosing flowers for your wedding bouquet is an important decision. Opting for seasonal blooms that match your colour palette and dress style is a great way to create a cohesive and beautiful look for your big day.

When selecting flowers, it's essential to consider the style of your wedding dress and your colour palette. Do you want complementary colours that bring subtle balance to your décor, or do you prefer to integrate contrasting colours for added drama? Think about the overall aesthetic you want to create and choose flowers that align with your vision.

Another factor to consider is the availability of flowers. Opting for seasonal blooms is a cost-effective approach, as flowers in season are more readily available and typically less expensive. For example, if your wedding is in spring, choose flowers like daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips, which are in full bloom during that time. On the other hand, if your wedding is in autumn, go for flowers such as chrysanthemums and dahlias.

Additionally, be mindful of the different types of flowers available. Focal flowers, which are usually larger, can serve as statement pieces in your bouquet. Meanwhile, delicate, floaty blooms add a soft and whimsical touch. You can also incorporate greenery and twinkly elements to create texture and visual interest.

When creating your colour palette and theme, think in terms of a mix of blooms rather than specific varieties or precise flowers. This approach ensures flexibility and allows you to adapt to any last-minute changes or unexpected flower substitutions. By being open to a range of colours and flowers, you can achieve your desired look while also staying within your budget.

In conclusion, choosing the right flowers for your wedding bouquet involves considering the style of your dress, your colour palette, and the season of your wedding. Opt for seasonal blooms that complement your overall vision and create a stunning and cohesive look for your special day.

Budgeting: Understand the cost of buying cut flowers and the workload of designing

Budgeting for flowers can be a tricky part of wedding planning. Flowers are often a big-ticket item and can quickly add up, but there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing beauty. The average cost of wedding flowers is $2,200, with couples typically spending between $500 and $3,500. However, the cost will depend on the size of your wedding party, the quantity and type of flowers you choose, and the complexity of your arrangements. If you're making your own bouquet, it will likely cost significantly less than the average bridal bouquet, which usually costs around $250.

When budgeting for flowers, it's important to consider the seasonality and regional availability of your chosen blooms. Opting for flowers that are in season and locally sourced can help reduce costs. For example, if you're in Virginia, you may be able to get a good deal on locally grown dahlias. In addition, choosing flowers that are in season ensures they will be at their freshest. If you're set on a particular flower that's out of season, be prepared to pay a premium, as your florist will need to source it from a specialty grower, potentially in another state or country, which will incur additional labour and transportation fees.

The number of different flower varieties you choose will also impact the cost. Sourcing flowers in bulk will be more cost-effective, so limiting the number of varieties will save you money. This can be a good reason to opt for single-bloom bridesmaid bouquets or to use a single type of flower throughout the whole celebration.

Don't forget to factor in labour fees and set-up costs when budgeting for your flowers. Complex arrangements, such as hanging centrepieces or flower arches, will require more time and skill to create, increasing the cost of labour. If your arrangements need to be set up on-site rather than at the florist's studio, you may also be charged additional staff fees.

To save money, you could opt for alternative blooms that have a similar look to more expensive flowers. For example, carnations and ranunculus offer a similar aesthetic to garden roses and peonies at a lower price point. You could also incorporate non-floral elements into your arrangements, such as candles or unique lighting, to create a beautiful display without breaking the bank.

Timing: Know when to source, prep and assemble your bouquet

Timing is everything when it comes to creating a DIY wedding bouquet with fresh, farm flowers. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan the timing of your bouquet-making process:

Sourcing Flowers

The first step is to decide on the type of blooms you want in your bouquet, taking into account the style of your wedding dress and your colour palette. If you're opting for flowers that are in season, you can save money and ensure the freshest blooms. Daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips are in season in spring, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are best in autumn.

Once you know what flowers you want, it's time to source them. If you have access to a friend's garden, that can be a great place to start. Otherwise, local farms, grocery stores, and flower markets are good options. You can also order flowers in bulk online.

According to florist Louise Avery, buying your flowers a couple of days before the wedding is usually sufficient. However, for flowers that are cut in a tight bud, such as freesias or lilies, she recommends buying them up to a week early to give them time to open fully. The temperature will also affect how fast they open, so keep that in mind when planning your sourcing timing.

Prepping the Flowers

Before you start constructing your bouquet, you'll need to prep the flower stems and greenery. Remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the stems, and snip the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. Keep the stems in a bucket of water as you work to keep them fresh. This process is best done the day before the wedding to ensure the blooms are at their best for the big day.

Assembling the Bouquet

On the day before the wedding, you can assemble the bouquet. Start by building the shape and framework of the arrangement, thinking about dimension as you go. It's a good idea to stand in front of a mirror while you work so you can see exactly what the bouquet will look like from the front.

Begin with a base of foliage and then add in larger, focal flowers. Continue to add in smaller flowers and greenery, balancing the design as you build. Once you're happy with the bouquet, snip the stems, secure them with a rubber band, and then add floral tape and ribbon to finish it off.

Adding the Finishing Touches

On the morning of your wedding, add any final touches to the bouquet, such as a ribbon or lace around the stems. Give the stems a light spritz with water and place a sheet of damp tissue paper over the bouquet to keep it fresh until you're ready to walk down the aisle.

Tools: Floral snips, ribbon, floral tape, and a bucket of water are essential

Tools are an essential part of creating a wedding bouquet. Here is a list of the tools you will need and how to use them:

Floral Snips

Floral snips, or a stem cutter/very sharp knife, are necessary for trimming flower stems. Before arranging your flowers, use your hands or a stem stripper to remove excess foliage and thorns, and pull off any damaged or unattractive outer petals. Then, cut the stems at an angle, holding them underwater in a sink or bucket filled with water. This will allow the flowers to drink for a few seconds before you place them in a bucket filled halfway with cool water until you are ready to use them. Keep the stems long while you work with them, and only trim them to a shorter length when you've finished constructing the bouquet.

Ribbon

Ribbon is used to wrap the stems of the bouquet and add a decorative touch. Cut a length of ribbon about three times the length of the stems. Tuck the end of the ribbon inside the top bind and start wrapping it in a spiral down the length of the stem. When you reach the bottom, wrap it back up the stem in a spiral. Finally, tuck the cut end of the ribbon underneath and secure it with a couple of pins pushed through the ribbon and into the stems. You can also choose to tie a bow with a separate length of ribbon just beneath the flower heads.

Floral Tape

Floral tape, or green waxed floral tape, is used to secure the stems of the bouquet. Bind the stems at the spot where they naturally join, about 3 to 4 inches below the flower heads. Repeat the binding towards the end of the stems, leaving about 2 inches of excess stem to trim later. You can also use floral tape to hide the rubber band or binding material by stretching it tight around the stems.

Bucket of Water

A bucket of water is essential for keeping your flowers fresh and hydrated while you work. Before starting to arrange your flowers, fill a bucket with cool water and place the stems in the water, cutting the stems at an angle to allow them to drink. Keep the flowers in the water until you are ready to use them, and try to keep the bare stems in water as long as possible while constructing the bouquet.

Assembly: Start with a base, add focal flowers, then smaller blooms and greenery

When assembling your bouquet, it's important to start with a base and build from there. Begin by choosing a variety of larger "focal" flowers that will serve as the foundation of your bouquet. These flowers should be eye-catching and well-proportioned to the size of your bouquet. You can select blooms that complement your wedding colour palette or go for a contrasting shade to add a dramatic touch.

Once you have your focal flowers, it's time to add smaller blooms and greenery to create depth and texture. If you're aiming for a classic, tight bouquet, consider using fewer varieties of flowers and minimal greenery. On the other hand, if you prefer a whimsical, garden-inspired look, opt for a mix of five to seven floral varieties and plenty of greenery.

As you assemble your bouquet, stand in front of a mirror so you can see exactly what it will look like from the front. Play around with the placement of the flowers, ensuring that the overall shape and framework are balanced. Don't be afraid to get creative and break the traditional odd-number rule of flower arrangement if it feels right—sometimes, all it takes is that one special stem to make your bouquet stand out.

Finally, remember that creating a bouquet is meant to be enjoyable, so don't stress over it too much. If you need to take a break and start again, that's perfectly fine! Flowers are resilient, and you can always rearrange them until you achieve your desired result.

Frequently asked questions