Creating Wedding Flowers: A Homemade Guide

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and expensive endeavour, but one way to save money is to make your own wedding flowers. This can be a fun and creative challenge, but it's important to plan ahead.

The first thing to consider is seasonality. Do some research to find out which flowers will be in bloom at the time of your wedding, and be prepared to be flexible – your favourite flowers may not be available. It's also a good idea to decide on a colour scheme and create a Pinterest board with floral inspiration.

When it comes to buying flowers, there are several options. Flower markets are great for specific blooms, but they often start trading early in the morning. Supermarkets are convenient, but the selection can be limited. Online retailers are another option, and some deliver flowers in postbox-sized packages. You can also grow your own flowers or buy them from local farms and florists.

To make your bouquets, you'll need scissors, bouquet pins, jars or buckets, and floral tape or twine. It's best to make your own bouquet first, so you can use it as a template for the bridesmaids' bouquets. Hold the stems of your chosen flowers tightly in your hand, adding more and arranging them as you go to create a balanced look. Once you're happy, wrap floristry tape or twine around the stems to keep them in place, and add ribbon for extra colour.

Making your own wedding flowers can be a rewarding way to save money, but it requires planning and creativity. With the right approach, you can have beautiful flowers on a small budget.

Choosing the right flowers for the right places

Create a list of all the places you want flowers

Think about all the places you would like flowers at your wedding and create a list. This could include bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, flower crowns, flower petals for the flower girl, aisle arrangements, large statement arrangements, reception tables, a sweetheart table, a cake table, and a flower wall.

Understand your vision

It's important to have a basic understanding of the look you are going for and be able to communicate it to your florist or DIY team. You can do this by creating a Pinterest board with pictures of wedding flower ideas that you like, or by saving photos in a digital file that you can show and share.

Choose tough flowers for outdoor weddings

If you're having an outdoor wedding, choose flowers that can withstand the elements. Avoid flowers that don't like direct sunlight or high temperatures, and be sure to provide water sources and regularly spritz the flowers with water.

Understand the cost of flowers

The cost of flowers can vary depending on the type of flower, the season, and market demand. Expensive flowers include roses, peonies, orchids, dahlias, ranunculus, French tulips, and anemones. Less expensive options include carnations, mums, alstroemeria, and statice. Using a combination of flowers, including foliage and filler flowers, can help keep costs down.

Know your sources for buying DIY wedding flowers

You can buy DIY wedding flowers from local flower farms, grocery stores, florists, or online. Local flower farms may offer unique, seasonal options, but their selection may be limited. Grocery stores usually have a small variety and the flowers may be old. Florists can be expensive, but they will have the best quality flowers and can source specific types of flowers for you. Online ordering can be a good option, but there is a risk of the flowers not arriving on time or being damaged during shipping.

Understand the workload of designing DIY flowers

Designing your own wedding flowers can be a lot of work, so it's important to plan and create a timeline. Make sure you have enough time to source the flowers, clean and prepare them, and then arrange them. Consider involving friends and family to help with the workload.

How to make your flowers last

Making your wedding flowers last is a tricky task, but there are some simple steps you can take to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible. Here's a guide on how to make your flowers last:

Choose the Freshest Flowers

Select flowers that are known to last longer, such as lilies and carnations, which can survive for up to two to three weeks. If you're opting for roses, choose ones that are at the beginning of their blooming cycle. This way, you can enjoy watching them slowly bloom each day.

Prep the Flowers Correctly

Use a sharp, non-serrated knife or gardening snips to cut around 3cm off the bottom of the stems at a 45-degree angle. This will give your flowers a larger area to drink from and prevent them from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase. Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline, as they can breed bacteria and cause bacterial rot.

Feed Your Flowers

Add a teaspoon of sugar to the water in the vase to nourish the blooms and help them stay fresh. Alternatively, you can add a quarter cup of lemonade to achieve the same effect. Sugar feeds the flowers but also encourages the growth of bacteria, so you'll need to take steps to prevent this.

Combat Bacterial Growth

Add a couple of drops of bleach to the vase to kill off any bacteria in the water, the flower stems, or your vase. Bleach degrades rapidly, so you'll need to change the water daily. Another option is to add two tablespoons of white vinegar, which will balance the pH level of the water.

Keep Them Cool

Avoid placing your flowers in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Instead, store them in a cool place, such as the fridge, to prolong their life. However, be sure to keep them away from fruit, as fruit releases ethylene gas, which can promote bacterial growth and cause your flowers to deteriorate.

Change the Water Regularly

Even with additives, it's important to change the water in the vase every two to three days. Use room-temperature water and give the vase a good clean with dishwashing liquid to remove any bacteria before refilling. Don't forget to add new sugar and other additives.

Remove Dead Blooms

As soon as a flower dies, remove it from the bouquet. Dead flowers release a gas called ethylene, which is harmful to living flowers and can cause them to deteriorate faster.

Spritz the Petals

Flowers drink through their petals as well as their stems, so keep a mister bottle of water handy and give them a quick spray now and then.

Take Extra Care of Roses

If you're using roses, remove the two or three outermost petals, known as the guard petals. This will allow the blooms to fully open. When storing roses in the fridge, ensure the temperature is set below 4.4 degrees Celsius, and keep them away from fruit.

How to arrange flowers for centrepieces and bouquets

To arrange flowers for centrepieces and bouquets, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, decide on a colour scheme and choose your flowers. You can save money by opting for seasonal flowers, and it's a good idea to use odd-numbered blooms, as this is an old European tradition and creates uniformity.

Before you start arranging, cut the stems of your flowers so that they are all even in length. Cut them at an angle, which will help them to draw water up more easily. You can also split woody stems, such as roses, at the bottom to help them last longer.

Now, it's time to arrange your flowers. Gather your centerpiece flowers and hold them in your non-dominant hand. If you're using a vase, create a grid of floral tape over the mouth to help your flowers stay upright. Work your way around your centerpiece, adding flowers one stem at a time. Add greenery and other accents last to fill in any gaps.

If you're not using a vase, bind the stems of your bouquet by wrapping floral wire around them in a spiral pattern. Then, use floral tape to keep the wire in place. Finish off with a ribbon or wrapping paper.

How to transport flowers to the venue

Transporting your DIY wedding flowers to the venue can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and preparation, you can ensure that your flowers arrive safely and in perfect condition. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for transporting your wedding flowers:

Prepare the Flowers:

Before you start packing, make sure your flowers are well-hydrated and fresh. Cut the stems at an angle and place them in water with floral preservatives. This will help them stay fresh during transport. Strip the flowers of any leaves below the water line and remove any thorns. You can also add flower food to the water to help preserve the flowers.

Choose the Right Containers:

Select sturdy boxes that are slightly larger than your floral arrangements. If using vases or containers, ensure they are secured and won't tip over during transport. Consider using plastic planters, trash cans, milk crates, or plastic storage totes. You can line the bottom of the containers with rolled-up newspapers or towels to absorb any spills and provide cushioning.

Pack the Flowers Securely:

Place each floral arrangement in its own box. For bouquets, wrap the stems in damp paper towels and place them in well-labeled boxes. Surround the bouquets with rolled-up towels to prevent movement. For centrepieces, secure the vases or containers to the bottom of the box with tape or adhesive putty. Fill any gaps in the boxes with tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent shifting.

Create a Stable Base:

Make sure the boxes have a flat and stable base to prevent tipping during transport. You can use flattened cardboard boxes or plastic crates as a base and secure the flower boxes on top. This will help stabilise the arrangements and reduce the risk of damage.

Transport in a Controlled Environment:

Transport the flowers in a temperature-controlled vehicle, preferably with the air conditioning on. Keep the flowers out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If possible, transport the flowers in your own vehicle, as you will have more control over the handling and environment.

Transport Flowers Separately:

If possible, transport the flowers separately from other wedding items. This will help ensure that they are not crushed or damaged by other items. Delegate someone to be in charge of flower transport, as the wedding party may have their hands full on the day of the wedding.

Refill Water and Make Final Touchups:

Once you arrive at the venue, refill the water in the vases or containers. It is normal for some water to spill during transport, so topping it up will help keep the flowers hydrated. Use this opportunity to make any final touchups to the arrangements, such as adding ribbons or adjusting any loose flowers.

Plan Ahead:

Give yourself plenty of time to transport the flowers and set them up at the venue. Transporting flowers can be a delicate process, and you don't want to feel rushed. Plan to arrive at the venue well before the ceremony or reception to ensure you have enough time to arrange the flowers and address any last-minute issues.

By following these instructions and tips, you can confidently transport your DIY wedding flowers to the venue, ensuring that they look beautiful and fresh for your special day.

How much help and time you need

Making your own wedding flowers is a fun and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your big day. However, it can be a big job, so here's a guide to help you plan how much help you'll need and how much time to set aside.

Enlist a group of friends or family members to help with the flowers—this will make the process more enjoyable and ensure that tasks are completed efficiently. Aim for a group of around 5-10 people, including yourself, to avoid spending too much time organising and directing. It's also a good idea to assign someone who isn't in the wedding party to be in charge of transporting the flowers to the venue on the day of the wedding.

Making wedding flowers can be a time-consuming process, especially if you're creating multiple arrangements. Here's a breakdown of the tasks and the approximate time they'll take:

• Removing leaves and cutting stems: This initial step will take around an hour for 200 stems.
• Creating bouquets and centrepieces: Experimenting with different arrangements will take the most time. For small to medium-sized bouquets, allow at least 30 minutes per arrangement. For the bride's bouquet, which typically has more flowers, set aside 60-90 minutes.
• Wrapping bouquets: This final step will take a few minutes per bouquet.

In total, plan for about 4-5 hours to make the flower arrangements, depending on the number and complexity of your designs. It's also important to start early in the day to avoid feeling rushed, and to allow for breaks and any unexpected delays.

Additional Time Considerations:

• Flower delivery: Fresh flowers should be delivered 2-3 days before the wedding to allow them to open up and be arranged.
• Flower storage: Keep the flowers in a cool place and change the water regularly to keep them fresh.
• Transporting flowers: Secure the flowers in boxes with holes for ventilation and transport them in a temperature-controlled vehicle.
• Ribbon and burlap: Don't add these until the day of the wedding, as the flowers need to stay in water beforehand.

By planning ahead and allowing enough time for each step, you can ensure that your DIY wedding flowers are a success and that you have a fun and stress-free experience creating them.

Frequently asked questions