Creating Wedding Flowers: Diy Guide For Brides

Wedding flowers can be expensive, with the average price tag being $2,000 for bouquets, centrepieces, boutonnieres and corsages. Creating your own floral arrangements is a great way to save money and can be easier than you think. However, it's important to be aware of the common challenges that come with it, such as underestimating the time required.

To make your own flowers for wedding decorations, start by settling on a theme or colour palette. This will help you narrow down your plan before you go shopping. It's also important to have a basic understanding of the look you are going for and be able to communicate it. You can use vision boards, your wedding website or invitations as sources of inspiration.

Next, create a list of all the places you want flowers, such as bouquets, centrepieces, and boutonnieres. This will help you understand the cost and set your budget.

When it comes to sourcing flowers, you have several options. You can buy wholesale flowers from local flower markets, grocery stores, or online retailers. You can also grow your own flowers or use flowers from a friend's garden. If you're looking for the most cost-effective option, choose flowers that are in season.

Once you have your flowers, you'll need to prepare them by cutting the stems, stripping the leaves below the water line, and placing them in water to hydrate. Then, you can start assembling your bouquets and centrepieces, wrapping the stems with ribbon, burlap, or lace.

Making your own wedding flowers can be a fun and creative way to save money, but it's important to plan and be flexible. By following these steps and staying organised, you can create beautiful floral arrangements for your special day.

Choosing flowers: Opt for in-season, local blooms to save money

Choosing flowers for your wedding decorations can be a daunting task, especially if you're on a tight budget. Here are some tips to help you opt for in-season, local blooms that will save you money without sacrificing beauty and elegance.

Go for In-Season Flowers

The first tip is to choose flowers that are in season during your wedding date. Buying flowers that are in season will significantly reduce costs, as they are more readily available and don't require additional shipping fees. For example, if you're getting married in the spring, go for flowers like daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips. Chrysanthemums and dahlias are perfect for fall weddings. In-season flowers will also ensure that your arrangements look fresh and vibrant.

Source Flowers Locally

Another way to save money is to source flowers locally. Local florists or flower markets often offer wholesale prices, and you can find beautiful blooms at a fraction of the cost. Consider places like local farms, grocery stores, or even Costco and Sam's Club. By sourcing flowers locally, you cut down on shipping costs and support local businesses.

Be Flexible with Flower Choices

It's essential to be flexible and open to alternative flower choices. If your favourite flower is not in season, ask your local florist for similar varieties that are more affordable. For example, if you love peonies but they're out of season, lisianthus, cockscomb, or ranunculus can be excellent substitutes. By being flexible, you can find less pricey options that still fit your vision.

Compare Prices

Don't settle for the first florist you find. Take the time to compare prices from different sources. Check out local flower markets, online wholesale delivery services, and even local grocery stores or flower markets. By comparing prices, you can find the best deals and stay within your budget.

Avoid Holiday Markups

If possible, avoid planning your wedding around major holidays like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. Wholesale flower prices tend to skyrocket during these times due to high demand. By choosing an off-peak date, you'll have more flowers to choose from and avoid the extra cost.

Mix and Match

To create beautiful arrangements without breaking the bank, consider mixing and matching different types of flowers and greenery. Greenery, such as eucalyptus, baby's breath, and dusty miller, can add texture and dimension to your arrangements while being markedly cheaper than fresh flowers. You can also use candles in your centrepieces to create a romantic ambiance while saving money.

By following these tips, you can choose in-season, local blooms that will save you money without sacrificing the beauty and elegance of your wedding decorations. With a bit of flexibility and research, you can create stunning floral arrangements that fit within your budget.

Timing: Making flowers takes time, so plan ahead

Making your own flowers for wedding decorations is a fun and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your big day. However, it's important to keep in mind that creating these floral arrangements takes time and advance planning. Here are some tips to help you manage the timing of your DIY wedding flowers:

Start Early and Be Prepared:

Give yourself ample time by starting the flower-making process at least a couple of days before the wedding. It's better to have some buffer time than to feel rushed and stressed. Make sure you have all the necessary materials, such as floral snips, ribbons, floral tape, and buckets for storing flowers, before you begin.

Understand the Process:

Flower-making can be a fun activity, but it also requires some knowledge and practice. Familiarize yourself with the steps involved in creating bouquets and centerpieces. Understand the basics of flower care, such as stripping leaves below the waterline, cutting stems at an angle, and keeping flowers hydrated.

Delegate Tasks:

Enlist the help of your bridal party, family, or friends to make the process more enjoyable and efficient. Delegate specific tasks, such as stripping leaves, cutting stems, or arranging flowers, to different individuals or groups. This will make the flower-making process more manageable and ensure everyone knows their role.

Experiment and Practice:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different flower combinations and arrangements. Practice creating bouquets and centerpieces ahead of time so you can refine your technique and determine the amount of time needed. This will help you create beautiful arrangements and avoid last-minute stress.

Storage and Transportation:

Proper storage and transportation of your DIY flowers are crucial. Use buckets or vases filled with water to store the flowers and keep them fresh. Plan how you will transport the flowers to the wedding venue, ensuring they are secured and don't get damaged during transit.

Manage Your Time:

On the day of the wedding, manage your time effectively. Start early with hair and makeup to avoid rushing. Delegate the task of transporting flowers to someone who is not in the wedding party. This will ensure that the bridal party can focus on getting ready without any additional stress.

Remember, creating your own wedding flowers can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and time management. By following these tips, you'll be able to create beautiful arrangements and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed. Happy crafting!

Budgeting: DIY flowers are cheaper, but still cost money

While making your own flowers for wedding decorations is a great way to save money, it's important to remember that DIY flowers are not entirely free. The cost of materials, flowers, and your time should all be considered when planning your wedding flower budget. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Cost of Materials

Creating your own wedding flowers will require some basic materials and tools. These may include floral snips or scissors, floral tape, ribbon, buckets for storage, and vases or containers for the arrangements. While these items may not be as expensive as hiring a florist, they can still add up, especially if you need to purchase a large quantity. It's a good idea to create a list of all the materials you will need and their estimated costs before you start.

Cost of Flowers

The type of flowers you choose will also impact your budget. In-season flowers are usually more affordable than those that are out of season. For example, peonies are typically in season from May to July, so they may be more expensive if you're planning a wedding for February. Consider choosing flowers that are in season during your wedding month to save money. You can also mix and match different types of flowers to create a beautiful arrangement without breaking the bank. Filler flowers, such as baby's breath, and greenery can help to stretch your budget further.

Time Investment

Making your own wedding flowers takes time, especially if you are creating multiple arrangements, bouquets, and centrepieces. It's important to give yourself enough time to source the flowers, prepare them, and create the arrangements. Enlist the help of your bridal party, family, or friends to make the process more enjoyable and efficient. However, keep in mind that their time is also valuable, and they may have other commitments closer to the wedding date.

Alternative Options

If the cost of DIY flowers is still outside your budget, there are other options to consider. Growing your own flowers can be a cost-effective and meaningful way to have beautiful blooms for your wedding. This option requires advance planning, usually at least a year, and a green thumb. You can also forage for flowers from local gardens or farms with the owner's permission. Additionally, you can mix DIY arrangements with store-bought flowers to reduce costs.

In conclusion, while DIY wedding flowers are a more affordable option compared to hiring a florist, they still come with some costs. By considering the price of materials, flowers, and your time, you can create a realistic budget for your wedding flower arrangements. Remember to stay flexible and creative, and don't be afraid to ask for help!

Tools: You'll need more than just flowers and vases

Making your own flowers for wedding decorations is a great way to save money, but it requires more than just flowers and vases. Here are the tools you'll need to create beautiful arrangements that will look fabulous in your wedding photos and throughout your event:

Buckets

One of the most important things you'll need is a place to put your flowers. Make sure you have plenty of clean buckets to hydrate your flowers in. Don't crowd them, as they need room to breathe and open up.

Floral Scissors

Using regular scissors to cut stems can crush them, affecting the amount of water that's pulled up into the bloom. Floral scissors have ridged edges that allow you to cut through stems without crushing them.

Bunch Cutters

If you need to cut multiple stems at once, bunch cutters are the perfect tool. They have thicker, sharper blades that can easily cut through flowers and greens with woodier stems.

Paring Knife

If you prefer knives to scissors, a paring knife can be used to cut stems and remove small thorns. It will give you an even sharper, cleaner cut.

Thorn Stripper

You don't want to hurt your hands while holding your bouquet, so use a thorn stripper to safely remove all the thorns in one seamless pull. Just pinch it around the stem and drag down.

Floral Wire

Floral wire is essential for wrapping stems together and creating a structure for your arrangements. You can also use it to create a stem for smaller items like succulents or to reinforce floppy flowers.

Floral Tape

Regular tape won't hold up against wet flowers. Floral tape adheres to itself and is perfect for wrapping bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages.

Floral Foam

Floral foam is a must for any centrepieces you don't want to pour water into directly. Soak the floral foam in water to keep your flowers hydrated throughout your event and to help create structure and keep blooms in place.

Water Tubes

If you're adding individual flowers to a garland or other decorations, small water tubes can help keep the stems hydrated, especially for outdoor events.

Floral Adhesive

For more delicate arrangements, such as gluing smaller blooms to a corsage or securing decorative ribbons, use a floral adhesive.

Finishing Spray

A finishing spray is the perfect final touch to lock in moisture and give your flowers a nice sheen.

Having the right tools will make creating your own wedding flowers a productive and fun experience. With proper planning and understanding of how to use these tools, you'll be able to make beautiful arrangements that fit your budget and style.

Storage: Keep flowers cool and well-hydrated

Keeping flowers cool and well-hydrated is essential for preserving their freshness. Here are some tips for storing your DIY wedding flowers:

• Keep flowers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid placing them near vents, drafts, windowsills, radiators, or kitchens.
• Use a clean vase to prevent bacterial growth. Wash the vase with hot soapy water and a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) before rinsing thoroughly.
• Cut the flower stems at an angle to increase the surface area for water absorption and prevent stem sealing.
• Remove any leaves, thorns, or flowers below the waterline, as these can rot and ruin the water quality.
• Change the water regularly and add flower food or a preservative to extend the life of the flowers. You can make your own preservative by mixing lemon juice (2 tablespoons), sugar (1 tablespoon), bleach (½ teaspoon), and 1 litre of cool water.
• If using a refrigerator, ensure it is set to a temperature between 32-40°F, and keep flowers away from fruits and vegetables, as these release ethylene gas which shortens the life of cut flowers.
• For bulb flowers such as hyacinths, irises, daffodils, and tulips, use cold water instead of warm.
• If you are using floral foam, opt for wet floral foam, as this will help keep your flowers fresh.
• For roses, submerge the entire stem in warm water for 20-60 minutes if they develop drooping heads due to air bubbles.
• For peonies, cut the stems and store them upright in water, or place them in a plastic bag with a dry paper towel to absorb moisture.
• For lilacs, re-cut the stems and slice them vertically by about 1-2 inches. Twist one side of the sliced stem backward, then place the cut stems back into a bucket of water.
• If you have woody stems, such as lilacs, cut above the stem or submerge the entire stem in water for 20 minutes to an hour before cutting.
• If you are using flowers with milky stems, such as poppies, milkweed, or other similar flowers, hold the stems in a flame for about 15 seconds after cutting to seal the latex and prevent it from leaking into the water.

Frequently asked questions