Guide To Creating Your Own Wedding Flower Arrangements

Making your own wedding flower arrangements can be a fun and cost-effective alternative to hiring a florist. While it may sound intimidating, creating your own bouquet is a great way to express your personal style and save money. With the right materials and a bit of planning, you can design a stunning arrangement that will be the perfect accessory for your big day.

The first step is to choose the type of blooms and colours that complement your wedding dress and palette. Consider whether you want a classic, tight bouquet or a whimsical, cascading arrangement. Then, source your flowers from local gardens, farms, grocery stores, or online retailers. It's also important to plan the timing of your flower preparation, as you'll want the blooms to be at their best on the day of the wedding.

To create your bouquet, start by removing any leaves and trimming the stems at a 45-degree angle. Use floral tape to create a base with four stems, and then add the larger focal flowers before filling in with smaller blooms and greenery. Finally, wrap your bouquet with ribbon, burlap, or lace for a personalised touch.

Choosing flowers: Opt for seasonal blooms to save money

When choosing flowers for your wedding, opting for seasonal blooms is a great way to save money. The cost of your wedding flowers will depend on several factors, including the type of flowers you choose, the size of your bouquet, and whether your chosen flowers are in season. If you opt for flowers that are in season, you can save a significant amount of money on your wedding flower arrangements.

For example, if you are planning a spring wedding, flowers such as daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips will be in season. On the other hand, if you are having a fall wedding, chrysanthemums and dahlias will be in bloom and are a more cost-effective option.

Another way to save money on your wedding flowers is to buy them from a local grocery store or flower market, rather than ordering them online. You can also add extra greenery to your bouquets and centerpieces, as this is usually cheaper than buying extra flowers, and it creates a beautiful, full look.

When choosing your wedding flowers, it's important to consider the style of your wedding dress and your color palette. You can choose complementary colors for a subtle, elegant look, or go for contrasting colors to add a touch of drama.

With a bit of planning and creativity, you can have beautiful wedding flower arrangements without breaking the bank.

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

When prepping flowers for a wedding bouquet, it is important to remove all the leaves from the stems. This makes the flowers easier to manage when arranging. You should also cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, which allows for optimal hydration. Use a sharp pair of floral snips or pruning shears to make the cuts—regular scissors are not suitable for floral stems. Cut each stem about one to two inches from the bottom, and then place the flowers in a bucket of water while you assemble your bouquet.

It is also important to consider the climate and the flowers' natural habitats when prepping flowers for a wedding bouquet. If temperatures are high or you are using tropical blooms during a dry spell, research the best ways to keep them vibrant. For example, do not put the flowers in the refrigerator, as this can harm them. Instead, keep them in a bucket of water and change the water if it becomes cloudy or gets sucked up too quickly. You can also add flower food to the water to help preserve the flowers.

Bouquet assembly: Start with a base of 4 stems, then add focal flowers

When assembling a bouquet, it's important to first build its shape and framework, keeping dimension in mind. Start by standing in front of a mirror and creating a base with 4 stems. You can use greenery as a base, such as eucalyptus, ivy, or fern fronds, to create an inverted triangular shape. This guarantees both horizontal and vertical presence in your bouquet.

After creating the base, add in the focal flowers, which are usually the largest blooms or those with an unusual colour or texture. Place these flowers at varying heights and angles to achieve a dynamic look. They should be prominent but not overpower the entire arrangement. When adding the focal flowers, aim for a balanced, symmetrical arrangement. If you have different colours or sizes of focal flowers, spread these variations evenly throughout the bouquet to create a cohesive look.

Bouquet wrapping: Use ribbon, burlap or lace to wrap the finished bouquet

Wrapping your wedding bouquet is an important part of the flower arrangement process, adding a finishing touch to your bridal bouquet design. You can use ribbon, burlap, or lace to wrap the stems of your bouquet, keeping them tidy and comfortable to hold. Here are some ideas for each:

Ribbon

Using ribbon is a classic way to wrap your wedding bouquet. You can use a single type of ribbon or mix and match different widths, colours, and fabrics to create a unique look. For example, try combining velvet and silk or satin ribbons for a contrast of textures. An extra-long ribbon can also add a flowy detail to your bridal ensemble, especially if you have a large bouquet and a long, sleek skirt. If you want to add some shine to your bouquet, opt for a satin ribbon.

Burlap

Burlap is a great choice for a rustic or Western-themed wedding. You can find burlap wraps with lace accents, or even add your own lace for a personalised touch. For a secure closure, look for burlap wraps with Velcro.

Lace

Lace is another classic option for wrapping your wedding bouquet, especially if you want to match your dress or veil. You can also add a locket or an old-fashioned key to your lace wrap for a personal and vintage touch.

No matter which material you choose, bouquet wrapping is a great way to incorporate your wedding colours, theme, or sentimental items, like a family heirloom or a photograph of a loved one.

Transporting flowers: Use the original delivery boxes with holes cut in the top

Transporting flowers can be a tricky task, but using the original delivery boxes with holes cut in the top is a great way to keep your arrangements safe. Here are some detailed tips to help you make the most of this method:

Choose the Right Box:

Start by selecting a box that is sturdy and has a lid. The ideal box should be just tall enough so that the stems of your flower arrangements fit snugly inside. This ensures that your flowers don't move around too much during transport. If the box is too big, you can always cut it down to size.

Prepare Your Flowers:

Before placing your flowers in the box, there are a few important steps to take. First, recut the flower stems by trimming one to two inches off the bottom. This helps extend the life of your flowers and keeps them fresh. Be sure to use sharp shears or scissors and cut the stems at a 45-degree angle while they are submerged in water. Also, remember to remove any leaves from the stems that could cause rot or bacteria.

Create Holes for the Arrangements:

Using a box cutter or a sharp knife, carefully cut holes in the lid of the box. These holes should be just large enough for your flower arrangements to fit through. You want the arrangements to fit snugly so they don't fall over during transport. If the holes are a bit too big, you can use some newspaper or scrap cardboard to fill in the gaps.

Secure the Arrangements:

Place each flower arrangement into a hole in the box, making sure they are secure and won't topple over. You can use packing tape to hold them in place. If you're concerned about the tape marking or damaging the vase or container, simply place some paper between the tape and the container.

Transporting Tips:

When transporting your boxed flower arrangements, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, always keep the flowers shaded and cool. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or in a hot, unventilated trunk. The floor of your vehicle is usually the best place for them. Additionally, try to keep the flowers flat and upright to prevent damage.

By following these steps, you can confidently transport your wedding flower arrangements using the original delivery boxes with holes cut in the top. Your flowers will arrive safely and beautifully at your destination!

Frequently asked questions