Creating Wedding Centerpieces With Fresh Flowers

Planning a wedding can be an expensive and stressful endeavour, with many couples looking to cut costs where they can. One way to do this is to make your own wedding centrepieces using fresh flowers. This can be a fun project for the happy couple and their wedding party, and it can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. In this article, we will take you through the process of creating your own fresh flower wedding centrepieces, step by step, and offer some useful tips to ensure your flowers look beautiful on the big day.

Choosing the right flowers

Consider Your Colour Scheme

Think about the colours you want to incorporate into your wedding. Do you want your centrepieces to match your bridesmaids' dresses, or perhaps complement the reception venue's decor? For a romantic and elegant look, opt for blush-coloured roses paired with dark red flowers. If you're having a rustic-themed wedding, sunflowers and baby's breath paired with greenery might be a better choice.

Choose Flowers That Are In Season

Selecting flowers that are in season can help you save money and ensure that your centrepieces look fresh and vibrant. Do some research on which flowers are in bloom during the time of your wedding, and try to incorporate them into your arrangements. This will also add a unique, seasonal touch to your decor.

Mix and Match Different Types of Flowers

Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of flowers to create visual interest. Combining roses, carnations, and eucalyptus, for example, can add texture and depth to your centrepieces. You can also use greenery to fill out your arrangements and make them look fuller without breaking the bank.

Plan for Variety

Variety is essential when creating multiple centrepieces. You don't want all your tables to look exactly the same. Plan to have a mix of different flower arrangements, or use a variety of vases, lanterns, and candles to create unique displays on each table. This will make your reception venue look more interesting and visually appealing.

Consider the Size of Your Centrepieces

When choosing your flowers, consider the size of your centrepieces. If you're going for a more minimalist or understated look, smaller centrepieces might be preferable. On the other hand, if you want something more extravagant, opt for larger blooms and taller vases.

Don't Forget the Fillers

Filler flowers and greenery are essential for creating full and lush centrepieces. Baby's breath, eucalyptus, and other types of foliage can add volume to your arrangements without blowing your budget. They also help to enhance the beauty of your main flowers, making them stand out even more.

By following these tips and trusting your instincts, you can create stunning fresh flower wedding centrepieces that will impress your guests and make your special day even more memorable.

Buying wholesale flowers

When buying wholesale flowers, it is important to consider the occasion and the atmosphere you want to create. For example, bright colours often evoke a fun and upbeat feel, while pastels give off a more elegant and understated vibe. The materials used in the centrepiece are also key—glass elements can appear delicate and refined, while wood adds a rustic charm. Shapes, sizes, and heights can also add depth and interest to your centrepiece display.

• Fifty Flowers: They offer wholesale flower prices, free shipping, and a 100% event date guarantee. You can shop for flowers by colour, ensuring they match your wedding colour scheme perfectly.
• Bloom Culture Flowers: This company is ideal if you want to DIY your arrangements but need some guidance. They will help you create a full action plan with step-by-step instructions, so you can arrange beautiful wedding flowers with confidence.
• The Bouqs: This company offers eco-friendly flowers grown on sustainable farms. They provide pre-made flower arrangements like bouquets and centrepieces delivered straight to your door.
• BloomsbytheBox.com: This website has amazing DIY tutorials, a wide variety of blooms, and tons of resources for all your floral arrangement needs, including floral supplies like snips, floral wire, and floral foam.
• Costco: Costco offers quality flowers at bulk prices, and you can order online or in-store.
• Flower Moxie: This company works directly with DIY brides to bring their Pinterest boards to life. They offer resources, inspiration, mood boards, and packages to help you find the right flowers for your special day.
• Bloominous: This company has a unique service offering, providing expertly curated designer collections that include all the blooms and fillers you need for your arrangements. Their packages include step-by-step tutorials to guide you through the flower arrangement process.
• Sam's Club: Your favourite neighbourhood bulk store also offers fresh flowers perfect for weddings, and you can order online or in-store.

Preparing flowers for display

Firstly, you will need to buy your flowers. You can buy wholesale flowers from local flower markets, Sam's Club, or online wholesale delivery services such as FiftyFlowers. Buying wholesale is a great way to save money, as florists often add a premium. When buying wholesale, you can expect to pay around a dollar per stem.

Once you have chosen your flowers, you will need to prepare them for arranging. This involves cutting an inch or two off the bottom of the stems at an angle to allow for optimal hydration, and stripping the flowers of any leaves and thorns below the water line. You should also wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns.

Next, you will need to create your bouquets. For bridesmaids, you will need around 15 stems, and for the bride, 20-25 stems. To create a bouquet, take four stems and wrap them with floral tape to create a base. You can then add stems around the base to create a full bouquet. For the bridal bouquet, simply follow the same process but with more stems.

Finally, you will need to wrap the finished bouquets with ribbon, burlap, or lace. You should not do this until the day of the wedding, as the flowers need to stay in water until then.

Arranging flowers

Step 1: Choose a Colour Scheme and Shape

Decide on a colour scheme that complements your wedding theme and venue. For instance, blush-coloured roses and dark red flowers with lots of greenery would be perfect for a winter wedding in a romantic, historic venue.

Step 2: Prepare the Flowers

When the flowers arrive, they will be dehydrated, so put them in buckets with about four inches of water. Remove any leaves below the waterline and cut an inch or two off the stems at an angle to allow optimal hydration. Don't forget to wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns!

Step 3: Create the Base

To create a bouquet, start by taking four stems and wrapping them with floral tape to create a base. You can then experiment by adding stems around the base until you are happy with the overall look.

Step 4: Make the Bridal Bouquet

The bridal bouquet is larger and more complex, so you may need 20-25 stems. It's the same process as above, but you may want to add more flowers and varieties to make it extra special.

Step 5: Make the Bridesmaids' Bouquets

You can make these bouquets slightly smaller, with around 15 stems each. Again, use floral tape to secure the stems, and then wrap the finished bouquet with ribbon, burlap, or lace.

Step 6: Final Touches

Add some final touches, such as a champagne satin ribbon, pins, or gold sparkly wrap. Keep the flowers in water until the day of the wedding, and then wrap the stems with ribbons right before the event.

Top Tips:

• Buy extra greenery to fill out your bouquets and centrepieces and save money.
• Don't be afraid to experiment and deviate from your original plan to get the best look.
• Take pictures of the bouquets from the front to check if the stems are too long.
• Don't forget to add ribbons to the bridesmaids' bouquets on the day!

Transporting the centrepieces

Transporting your DIY flower centrepieces from your home base to the wedding venue is a critical part of the process. You've spent time and energy crafting the perfect arrangements, so you'll want to make sure they arrive safely and securely. Here are some tips for transporting your fresh flower wedding centrepieces:

• Use the right vehicle: Choose a vehicle that is large enough to accommodate all your centrepieces and protect them from damage. A van or SUV with a spacious interior would be ideal. Line the floor with a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect the vehicle and place your arrangements in sturdy boxes or containers to prevent them from tipping over during transport.
• Prepare the centrepieces for transport: Cut holes in the tops of the boxes that the flowers were delivered in, just wide enough to hold the flowers and vases. Place each arrangement in its own box and secure it with packing tape. If your centrepieces are particularly tall or delicate, you may want to consider a larger box that can accommodate the entire arrangement without bending or squishing the flowers.
• Keep them hydrated: Fresh flowers need water to stay perky and beautiful. Before transporting your centrepieces, ensure that they have been well-hydrated and that the vases or containers are filled with water. This will help to prevent wilting during transport.
• Maintain a comfortable temperature: Flowers are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so it's important to keep the vehicle's interior at a comfortable room temperature. Avoid placing the arrangements in direct sunlight or leaving them in a hot car, as this can cause the flowers to wilt or deteriorate.
• Secure the arrangements: Place the boxed centrepieces in the vehicle carefully, making sure they are secure and won't slide around during transport. Use blankets, towels, or bubble wrap to fill in any gaps and prevent movement. If necessary, you can also use bungee cords or ratchet straps to secure the boxes in place.
• Transport them upright: Fresh flower arrangements should always be transported in an upright position. Laying them down or tilting them on their sides can cause the flowers to bend or the arrangement to become unbalanced. Keep them upright and secure during transport for the best results.
• Assign a flower transport manager: Delegate the task of flower transportation to someone who is not in the wedding party. They will be responsible for ensuring the centrepieces are loaded correctly, transported safely, and delivered to the venue on time. This will take a lot of pressure off the wedding party and allow everyone else to focus on their roles.
• Plan the timing: Transporting the centrepieces on the morning of the wedding can be risky, as there are often last-minute delays or unexpected tasks that can cause delays. If possible, plan to transport the centrepieces to the venue the day before the wedding. This will give you a buffer in case of any unforeseen issues and ensure that your arrangements are safely in place well before the event.
• Handle with care: When unloading the centrepieces at the venue, exercise extreme caution. Carry them upright and handle them gently to avoid damaging the flowers or disarranging the centrepieces. Place them on a sturdy table or surface until it's time to set them up at the reception tables.
• Final touches: Once the centrepieces are at the venue, give them a quick refresh by misting the flowers with water and ensuring that the vases are filled. This will help to revive any flowers that may have wilted slightly during transport and ensure that they look their best for the event.

Frequently asked questions