Diy Floral Wedding Centerpieces: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding can be a costly affair, so it's no surprise that many couples are now opting for DIY decorations to save money and add a personal touch to their special day. One of the biggest expenses is often the flowers, with quotes from florists ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. But with a bit of creativity and some helpful tips, you can easily make your own floral wedding centerpieces that will wow your guests.

Choosing and buying flowers

If you are buying wholesale, you will need to buy the flower food separately from a local florist. You can also buy vases, lanterns, and other decorations from local hardware stores or florists.

When choosing flowers, it is important to consider your colour scheme and the size of your centrepieces. If you want to save money, you can use more greenery and fewer flowers. Eucalyptus is a popular choice, as it is usually easy to find and affordable. You can also use baby's breath and roses, which are available at Sam's Club.

If you are buying from a florist, you will need to decide how many centrepieces you want and what types of flowers you want to include. The florist will be able to help you choose the right flowers and quantities.

It is important to plan ahead when choosing and buying flowers for your wedding centrepieces. You will need to consider the time of year, as some flowers may not be available or may be more expensive during certain seasons. You will also need to allow enough time for the flowers to be delivered and prepared before your wedding.

Preparing flowers for arranging

Firstly, you'll need to decide whether to use real, faux, or preserved flowers for your centrepieces. Real flowers will require more preparation, as they will need to be cut, stored, and kept fresh before you can begin arranging them. If you opt for real flowers, you'll need to strip them of any leaves below the waterline and cut an inch or two off the bottom of the stems at an angle to allow for optimal hydration. You should also invest in some flower food to help them last longer.

If you're using faux flowers, simply unpack them and ensure they are free of dust before beginning to arrange them.

Once your flowers are prepared, you can begin to arrange them in your chosen vessel. A compote bowl or wide vase works well for centrepieces. To help keep the flowers in place, you can use chicken wire netting or floral foam at the bottom of the vessel. If you use netting, cut a section and fold it into a ball, slightly smaller than the opening of your bowl or vase. Secure the netting with floral tape. If you use floral foam, simply soak the foam in water and place it in the bottom of your vessel.

Now you're ready to start arranging your flowers! Start with your greenery, cutting the stems to different lengths and placing them at different angles to create a natural, balanced look. You can use a single type of greenery or mix a few different varieties for added texture and interest.

Next, add your coloured stems, such as burgundy eucalyptus, to complement the greenery and add height to the centre of the arrangement.

Then, add your largest flowers, such as peonies or roses, near the centre of the bowl, facing different directions and at slightly different heights. Again, odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye, so aim for three, five, or seven flowers, depending on the size of your arrangement.

Continue adding your remaining flowers and accents in descending order of size. Play around with the placement, turning the bowl as you go, until you're happy with how it looks.

Finally, fill in any gaps with extra greenery, and you're done!

Selecting vases and containers

• Vases and containers can be found at local craft stores, thrift stores, or even your own home. If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider shopping at thrift stores or garage sales. You can also mix and match different types of vases and containers for a more eclectic look.
• When choosing a vase or container, consider the size and shape that will best fit your floral arrangement. For example, a compote bowl or a wide vase can be used for a mixed floral centerpiece, while smaller vases or jars can be used for single stems or bud vases.
• If you want to add height and drama to your centrepieces, consider using tall vases or containers such as terracotta pots or acrylic vases.
• For a more rustic or organic look, incorporate slabs of wood, wooden lanterns, or even wine bottles into your centrepieces. You can also use burlap as a table runner to add texture.
• To create a cohesive look, consider using the same type of vase or container for all your centrepieces. This will create a sense of unity and elegance throughout the wedding venue.
• Don't be afraid to mix and match different materials such as glass, metal, or ceramic. Combining various elements can create a unique and artistic composition.
• If you're using fresh flowers, make sure your vases or containers are water-tight and can hold enough water to keep the flowers hydrated.
• For a more sustainable option, consider using reusable or environmentally friendly materials such as chicken wire netting instead of floral foam. This can also help you save money in the long run.
• Play around with different vase and container options to find the perfect combination that complements your floral arrangement and wedding theme. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to design your centrepieces!

Arranging flowers

Choose your flowers

Select flowers that are in season to save money. You can also mix and match real, faux, and preserved flowers to create a unique and long-lasting arrangement. If you're using fresh flowers, remember to remove the leaves below the waterline and cut the stems at an angle to help them absorb water.

Use a compote bowl or wide vase

A compote bowl or wide vase will give your arrangement a full and elegant look. To keep the flowers in place, create a ball of chicken wire netting at the bottom of the bowl or vase. This is more environmentally friendly than floral foam and can be reused.

Start with your greenery

Begin by arranging your longest and fullest greenery around the bottom of the bowl or vase. You want it to look balanced but not perfectly spaced. Add a second type of greenery for height and interest.

Add coloured stems

Incorporate coloured stems, such as burgundy eucalyptus, to complement your greenery and add a pop of colour.

Place your largest flowers in the centre

Arrange your largest flowers near the centre of the bowl, facing different directions and at slightly different heights. Use odd numbers for a more pleasing look.

Fill in with smaller flowers and accents

Continue adding smaller flowers and accent pieces, such as berries or dried statice, working from largest to smallest. Fill in any gaps with extra greenery.

Fluff and adjust

Take a step back and adjust the arrangement as needed to ensure it looks natural and balanced from all sides.

Tips for success

• Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your arrangement. There's no right or wrong way to do it.
• Plan ahead and give yourself enough time to assemble the centrepieces. It can take a few hours to create multiple arrangements.
• If using fresh flowers, store them in a cool, dark place and keep the flowers hydrated until the wedding day.

Transporting arrangements

Transporting your DIY floral centrepieces can be a stressful experience, but with the right preparation, it can be done without any issues. Here are some tips to help you transport your floral wedding centrepieces safely and securely:

Use the Right Containers

Use boxes with dividers or create your own dividers by cutting holes in cardboard boxes. The holes should be just big enough for the vases to fit through, providing stability and preventing toppling. You can also use plastic storage totes, milk crates, or wine boxes for transport. Ensure the containers are tall enough to cover most of the vase and consider adding packing material like cardboard, bubble wrap, or rolled-up newspaper to cushion and absorb any leaks.

Secure the Arrangements

Use clear masking tape to secure the vases to the tops of the boxes and to keep any packing materials and dividers in place. If you're using cardboard boxes with holes, you can also tape over the holes in a grid pattern to provide additional security.

Water Management

To avoid spills, only fill the vases with enough water to touch the bottoms of the stems. You can then fill the vases the rest of the way once you arrive at your venue.

Transporting Tips

Try to transport all your centrepieces together in one vehicle with a trusted driver. This will give you peace of mind and make it easier to locate your arrangements when setting up. If your centrepieces are tall, consider transporting them in the bed of a truck, especially if you need to transport them already arranged. Avoid transporting bulky items alongside your centrepieces, as they may shift and damage your arrangements.

On-Site Assembly

If possible, transport the elements of your centrepieces separately and assemble them on-site. This is a good option if you are not using fresh flowers. Practise assembling your centrepieces ahead of time so you can do it quickly when you arrive.

Plan for the Journey

When transporting your centrepieces, drive slowly and carefully to avoid any spills or damage. If possible, have someone else drive so you can focus on ensuring the arrangements remain secure.

Post-Wedding Transport

Finally, don't forget to plan for transporting your centrepieces after the wedding. Decide if you want to donate them, give them to guests, or dispose of them, and ensure you have the necessary containers and help to do so.

Frequently asked questions