Guide To Arranging Wedding Flowers: A Step-By-Step Process

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to flowers. The cost of flowers can be a huge expense, with quotes ranging from $1000 to $2500. However, there is a way to save money and still have beautiful floral arrangements on your big day: doing it yourself! DIY-ing your wedding flowers can be a fun project, and with the right tools and guidance, you can create stunning bouquets, centrepieces, and decorations that will impress your guests. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of DIY-ing your wedding flowers, provide step-by-step guides on how to create beautiful arrangements, and offer tips on choosing the right flowers and staying within your budget. We will also address common concerns and disasters when it comes to DIY-ing your wedding flowers, so you can feel confident and prepared for your special day.

Choosing flowers: Opt for seasonal flowers to save costs

Choosing flowers that are in season is a great way to save costs when making your own wedding flower arrangements. Seasonal flowers are much cheaper than those that are out of season, and they will be easier to source locally. For example, peonies in August are challenging to get hold of and very expensive, whereas chrysanthemums and dahlias are best in the fall.

If you're able to be flexible with your flower choices, you can save a lot of money. Opting for seasonal flowers means you can still have beautiful, fresh blooms without blowing your budget. It's also a more sustainable option, as they don't need to be imported or kept in storage.

Another way to save costs is to use more greenery in your arrangements. Filler flowers and foliage are much cheaper than large blooms, and they can be used to create a beautiful, full look without breaking the bank. Greenery also adds wonderful texture and interest to your arrangements.

If you're set on having a particular type of flower that's not in season, consider using artificial flowers. These are usually much cheaper and can be reused or repurposed after the wedding. However, they may not have the same impact as fresh flowers, and they may not be suitable for all styles or themes.

Overall, choosing seasonal flowers is a great way to save money when making your own wedding flower arrangements. By being flexible and creative, you can still have beautiful arrangements without spending a fortune.

Prepping flowers: Remove leaves from stems and cut at a 45-degree angle

Preparing your flowers is an important step in creating a wedding flower arrangement. Here are some detailed tips to help you with this process:

Firstly, make sure you have the right tools. You'll need a sharp pair of floral snips or pruning shears for trimming the stems. It's important to use these instead of regular scissors to get a clean cut that won't damage the stems. You should also have some buckets of water ready to keep your flowers hydrated throughout the process.

Now, let's begin prepping the flowers. Start by removing any leaves from the floral stems that fall below the water line. This will help the flowers absorb water more effectively and prevent the leaves from rotting. You can use gardening gloves to protect your hands from thorns and a sharp knife or shears to carefully cut away the leaves.

Next, you'll want to trim the stems. Cut about an inch or two from the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This angled cut will allow the flowers to absorb more water and help them stay fresh for longer. It's important to use a sharp tool to make a clean cut, avoiding any crushing or tearing of the stem, which can inhibit water uptake.

After trimming, immediately place the stems in the buckets of water. This will help the flowers stay hydrated and begin to open up, especially if they were delivered in a dehydrated state. Keep an eye on the water and change it if it becomes cloudy or gets absorbed too quickly. You can also add flower food to the water to help preserve the flowers and keep them looking fresh.

By following these steps, you'll have beautifully prepped flowers that are ready for arrangement. Remember to handle the flowers gently and keep them in a cool place out of direct sunlight until your wedding day. Now you're one step closer to creating stunning wedding flower arrangements!

Assembly: Start with a base of 4 stems, then add larger flowers, followed by smaller flowers and greenery

To create a wedding flower arrangement, you'll need to start by preparing your flowers. Remove any leaves from the stems that will fall below the water line and cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. You'll also want to cut your greenery into varying sizes. Place the longest branches on the outermost corners and edges of your floral foam block, then gradually add in the rest of your greenery, creating an asymmetrical shape.

Now it's time to assemble your bouquet. Start by creating a base with four stems, then add in your larger flowers. Continue to add in smaller flowers and greenery, balancing the design as you go. Once you're happy with your bouquet, secure it with a rubber band and floral tape.

If you're making a bridal bouquet, you'll want to use 20-25 stems. For bridesmaids' bouquets, 15 stems should be enough. You can wrap the stems with floral tape, then add stems around the base to create the bouquet. When you're happy with the arrangement, secure it with a rubber band and floral tape, then finish it off with a ribbon or burlap wrap.

Finishing touches: Wrap stems with floral tape, then ribbon or burlap

Now that you've sourced your flowers, it's time to assemble your bouquet. Once you've built the shape and framework of your arrangement, it's time for the finishing touches.

Wrap stems with floral tape

Floral tape is essential for holding your bouquet together. Take four stems and wrap them with floral tape to create a base. You can then add stems around the base to create the bouquet.

Then add ribbon or burlap

The final step is to wrap the finished bouquet with ribbon, burlap, or lace. You can secure the ribbon with pins. If you want a clean, classic look, loop a ribbon around the stems. For a more relaxed, garden-style aesthetic, allow the ribbon to cascade down the side of the bouquet.

Transport: Use original boxes with holes cut out to secure flowers

Transporting your DIY wedding flower arrangements is a crucial step in ensuring they arrive at your venue in pristine condition. Here are some tips to help you securely transport your floral creations:

Use the Original Boxes: Keep the original boxes that your flowers were delivered in. These boxes are designed to protect the flowers during transport and can be reused for this purpose.

Cut Holes in the Boxes: Take the boxes you've set aside and cut holes in the top, forming an "X" shape. These holes should be just wide enough to accommodate the flowers and vases. This technique will help secure the arrangements and prevent them from shifting during transport.

Secure the Arrangements: Place your flower arrangements inside the boxes, ensuring the stems are securely inserted through the holes. This will hold them in place and prevent damage.

Label the Boxes: Clearly label each box with the type of arrangement and its intended location at the venue. This will make it easier for you or your designated helper to unload and set up the flowers upon arrival.

Keep Flowers Moisturized: It is essential to keep your flowers hydrated, especially if there is a significant travel time involved. Use water-soaked sponges or floral foam to keep the stems moist during transport.

Designate a Helper: Assign someone to be in charge of flower transport on the day of the wedding. This person should be responsible for ensuring the flowers are securely packed, transported, and unloaded at the venue.

By following these steps, you can confidently transport your DIY wedding flower arrangements, ensuring they arrive fresh and beautiful for your special day.

Frequently asked questions