Crafting Wedding Flowers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Flowers are an integral part of any wedding, but they can be expensive. One way to save money is to make your own. This can be a fun and creative project, but it's important to plan and be aware of the time and effort involved.

The first step is to decide on a style and colour scheme. It's a good idea to be flexible as your favourite flowers may not be in season. You can use Pinterest to create a mood board and YouTube to learn about arranging flowers.

Next, you need to source your flowers. You can buy from markets, supermarkets, online retailers, or even grow your own. If you're buying, it's a good idea to order in advance, and you may want to supplement with flowers from a supermarket closer to the time.

You'll also need to collect or buy vases and other containers for your flowers. Charity shops and car boot sales are good places to pick up cheap second-hand items.

Finally, you'll need to set aside plenty of time and space to assemble your bouquets and arrangements. It's a good idea to enlist the help of family and friends.

Choosing the right flowers for the right place

• Consider the venue: Think about the style and atmosphere of your wedding venue. For example, if you're marrying in a park, botanical garden, or vineyard, you may want to opt for more natural, wildflower arrangements. In contrast, an indoor venue like a banquet hall may call for bigger, more impactful arrangements. Choose flowers that complement the vibe and surroundings of your wedding location.
• Toughness and delicacy: Select flowers that can withstand the conditions of your wedding setting. For instance, avoid placing delicate blooms in direct sunlight or high temperatures, as they may wilt quickly. Opt for tougher varieties like roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, or baby's breath in such cases.
• Sun and heat considerations: If your wedding is outdoors, consider the sun's position and the temperature. Place flowers in shaded areas or provide water sources and regular spritzing to keep them fresh. Alternatively, choose flowers that can handle higher temperatures, such as carnations.
• Flexibility is key: Be open to substitutions and alternatives. Due to supply chain issues and flower availability, your desired flowers may not always be accessible. By being flexible and considering a range of colours and varieties, you can still achieve a stunning floral display.
• Know your budget: Before choosing flowers for specific locations, establish your overall flower budget. This will help you allocate funds accordingly and make more informed choices about the types and quantities of flowers you can afford.
• Prioritize: Decide which floral elements are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. For example, you may opt for a more elaborate bridal bouquet and simpler centrepieces.
• Seasonal availability: Opt for flowers that are in season during your wedding month, as they will be more readily available and affordable. For instance, if you're planning a fall wedding, choose flowers like chrysanthemums or sunflowers instead of peonies, which may be harder to source and more expensive.
• Venue restrictions: Some venues may have restrictions on the types of flowers or decorations allowed. Check with your venue coordinator to ensure your chosen flowers are permitted and won't cause any issues.
• DIY or professional: Assess your skills and time constraints when deciding between DIY flowers and hiring a professional florist. DIY flowers can save costs but require more time and effort. Consider your priorities and don't underestimate the work involved in creating floral arrangements.

DIY with fake flowers

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DIY with real flowers

DIY-ing your wedding flowers is a great way to save money, but it can be a big job. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own wedding flowers with real flowers.

Planning and Preparation:

First, you need to plan and prepare. Start by creating a list of all the places you want flowers, such as bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, centrepieces, and aisle arrangements. This will help you understand the cost and set your budget.

Next, develop a basic idea of your desired style or theme. You can use Pinterest to create a wedding board and pin flower arrangement ideas. This will give you inspiration and a clear visual reference for when you start making your bouquets.

Then, consider the seasonality of flowers. Research which flowers will be in bloom at the time of your wedding and be prepared that some of your favourite flowers may not be available.

Choosing your Suppliers:

There are several options for buying cut flowers, each with advantages and disadvantages. You can buy from flower markets, but these often start trading very early in the morning, and you may have to travel far to get to one. Supermarkets are a convenient option, but you can't guarantee they will have the flowers you want on a specific day. Online retailers are another option, and some deliver flowers in postbox-sized boxes, so you don't have to be home when they arrive.

Buying and Arranging the Flowers:

When buying flowers, consider the colours you want and make a note of them, as you may be overwhelmed by the choice when shopping.

If you are making table centrepieces and venue arrangements, start collecting jars, vases, and other vessels to display your flowers in advance. Charity shops and car boot sales are great places to find these second-hand.

When you buy your flowers, put them in water with a drop of plant feed to perk them up, especially if they look tired after delivery. Keep the flowers in buckets of water with flower feed in a cool place, like a cellar, to keep them fresh until you are ready to arrange them.

Creating the Bouquets:

Find a suitable workspace, like a kitchen work surface or dining room table, and gather your supplies: a good pair of scissors, bouquet pins (optional), and large jars or buckets to keep the bouquets in.

It's best to make your own bouquet first, so you get the first pick of your favourite flowers. Hold the stems of your chosen flowers tightly in your hand, adding more and arranging them as you go to balance colours and heights, using plenty of greenery. Once you're happy, grip them tightly and have someone wrap floristry tape or twine around the stems to keep them in place. You can then add ribbon for extra colour.

Place your finished bouquet in a jar with flower feed to keep it fresh. Repeat this process for your bridesmaids' bouquets.

Table Centrepieces and Extra Flowers:

After the bouquets are finished, you can create the table centrepieces and any extra flower arrangements for the venue. Use the same principles as for the bouquets, trying to keep everything balanced. Put the finished arrangements in vases or jars with water and plant food.

Tips:

• Watch YouTube videos to get an idea of how to build bouquets and for useful tips and rules of arranging.
• If you are making bouquets for bridesmaids, make yours first and then create smaller versions of it for them.
• Make sure to set aside plenty of time and space for creating your bouquets.
• Recruit helpers, such as family and friends, especially if you are having a DIY wedding.
• Keep the flowers out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like radiators and appliances.
• If you are making boutonnieres, remember that less is more. Find the perfect rose, add a little greenery, and wrap the stems with floral tape and ribbon.

Planning and preparation

Create a List of Floral Needs:

Start by making a comprehensive list of all the places you want flowers at your wedding. This includes the bridal bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, flower crowns, flower girl petals, aisle arrangements, centrepieces, reception table flowers, cake table flowers, and any other floral installations or decorations. This list will help you understand the scope of work, set a realistic budget, and plan your workflow in the week leading up to the wedding.

Define Your Floral Vision:

Before sourcing flowers, it's essential to have a basic understanding of the look and style you want to achieve. Create a wedding board on Pinterest or save photos to a digital file. Collect images that inspire you and represent your desired colour palette, flower types, and arrangement styles. This will serve as a reference point when selecting and arranging your flowers. Remember, your wedding flowers should be unique and reflect the season, so use these ideas as inspiration rather than trying to replicate them exactly.

Understand the Cost of DIY Flowers:

The cost of flowers can vary significantly, and it's important to set a realistic budget. Consider the number of bridesmaids, groomsmen, and guests, as this will impact the number of flowers needed. Additionally, the size of your vessels or containers will affect the quantity of flowers required. Research the cost of flowers you want, taking into account the seasonality and availability of certain blooms. Be prepared to be flexible, as specific flowers may not be available on your wedding date.

Choose Your Flower Sources:

There are several options for sourcing DIY wedding flowers, each with advantages and disadvantages:

• Local Flower Farms: Small flower farms can be a great source for fresh, seasonal blooms, but they may have limited varieties and quantities.
• Grocery Stores: Grocery stores offer affordable options like roses, baby's breath, and carnations, but the selection may vary, and the quality can be inconsistent.
• Florists: Florists provide high-quality, grade-A flowers and personalised services, but they are the most expensive option.
• Online Flower Delivery: Online sources like FiftyFlowers, Flower Moxie, and Kukka Flower offer convenience and a wide selection, but there may be risks of delivery issues or flower quality.
• Grow Your Own: If you're an experienced gardener, consider growing your own cut flowers. This ensures unique and cost-effective blooms but requires careful planning and timing.

Choose the Right Flowers for Your Needs:

When selecting flowers, consider the toughness and delicacy of different varieties. Some flowers, like roses, carnations, and baby's breath, are known for their longevity and ability to withstand shipping and storage conditions. If you're having an outdoor wedding, pay attention to the sun's position and choose flowers that can handle direct sunlight and heat. For example, avoid flowers like zinnias and tropical blooms, which prefer cooler conditions.

Understand the Workload and Create a Timeline:

Flower arrangements can be time-consuming, so it's crucial to estimate the time needed for each floral element. Assign a realistic amount of time for creating bouquets, centrepieces, and other arrangements. Involve family and friends to help with the workload, and consider attending a basic flower arrangement class to gain experience and confidence. Create a week-of plan that includes flower delivery, preparation, and arrangement, ensuring you have a cool and clean space to store and work on the flowers.

Money-Saving Tips:

To stay within your budget, consider repurposing ceremony flowers for the reception. For example, use aisle flowers as table centrepieces, or move ceremony arrangements to decorate the sweetheart table or cake table. You can also use bridesmaids' bouquets as decorations at the reception or as a tossing bouquet. These strategies will help you save money and reduce waste.

Storage and Transportation:

Ensure you have plenty of clean buckets and vases for storing and displaying your flowers. Keep the flowers in a cool place, out of direct sunlight, and change the water regularly to keep it clean and fresh. Add floral preservatives to the water to extend the life of the flowers. Assign someone to transport and set up the flowers at the venue, ensuring a hassle-free wedding day.

By following these planning and preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful DIY wedding flowers that fit your vision and budget.

Sourcing flowers and materials

Choosing the Right Flowers

Start by considering the seasonality of flowers. Different flowers are in bloom at different times of the year, so it's important to research which flowers will be available for your wedding season. Be prepared for the possibility that some of your favourite flowers may not be in season. You can use online resources, such as Google, to find out what flowers are typically available during your wedding month. Make a list of the names of the flowers you like and be flexible, as you may need to make substitutions depending on availability.

Suppliers and Costs

There are various places to buy cut flowers, including flower markets, local florists, and online retailers. Flower markets offer a wide variety of blooms but may require an early morning trip. For a more convenient option, consider buying from supermarkets or online florists. Online retailers like FiftyFlowers, Bloom & Wild, and Sam's Club offer the convenience of delivery and often provide helpful tutorials and customer support. However, buying from supermarkets can be risky as their stock may vary.

Budgeting

Creating your own wedding flowers can be a significant cost saver. By choosing DIY flowers, you can reduce expenses without sacrificing style. When budgeting for your flowers, consider the number of bouquets, centrepieces, and other floral arrangements you need. Don't forget to include the cost of vases, ribbons, floral tape, and any other materials. For example, one source mentions a budget of £200 for all flowers, including the bride's bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, table centrepieces, and extra arrangements, which ended up costing around £230.

Timing and Storage

When sourcing flowers, pay attention to the delivery or pickup timing. You'll need a few days to arrange the flowers and let them open up. Keep the flowers fresh by storing them in a cool place, out of direct sunlight, and away from heat sources. You can also put them in buckets of water with flower food to help them stay hydrated and vibrant.

Helpers

Creating your own wedding flowers can be a fun project, but it's important to have helpers. Enlist the support of family and friends to make the process more enjoyable and efficient. You can assign specific tasks, such as flower picking, wrapping, or arranging, to ensure everything gets done on time.

Frequently asked questions