Planning a wedding can be a costly affair, so it's no surprise that many couples are choosing to go the DIY route when it comes to their big day. One way to save money is to make your own wedding table flowers, which can also add a personal touch to your celebration. Whether you're crafting floral masterpieces or keeping it simple, creating your own table flowers is a fun and creative way to showcase your style. In this guide, we'll explore different ways to make your own wedding table flowers, from choosing the right flowers to arranging them like a pro. We'll also offer tips on how to keep costs down and ensure your flowers stay fresh and fabulous throughout your special day.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Planning | Consider seasonality and colours in advance |
Suppliers | Flower markets, supermarkets, online retailers |
Timing | Start collecting jars, vases and vessels at least 2 years in advance |
Budgeting | Set a budget and plan to save money |
Tools | Scissors, bouquet pins, jars, buckets, floristry tape, ribbon |
Tutorials | Watch YouTube videos and read online tutorials |
Inspiration | Pinterest, Instagram, magazines |
What You'll Learn
- Choosing your flowers: consider seasonality, colour, and arrangement
- Sourcing your flowers: buy from flower markets, supermarkets, or online retailers
- Preparing your flowers: keep them fresh and store them in water with flower feed
- Creating your bouquets: pick focal flowers, add complementary blooms, and wrap stems
- Displaying your flowers: use jars, vases, and other vessels to showcase your arrangements
Choosing your flowers: consider seasonality, colour, and arrangement
Choosing the right flowers for your wedding table is a big decision. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect blooms:
Seasonality
The time of year you're getting married will play a significant role in the types of flowers available to you. Opting for flowers that are in season is a great way to ensure you're getting the best quality blooms, as they will be at their absolute best. In-season flowers are also more readily available, which means they are often more affordable too. For example, if you're having a spring wedding, you might choose from flowers such as peonies, lilacs, tulips, and garden roses, which are all in abundance during this time. On the other hand, if you're planning a fall wedding, you might opt for flowers like chrysanthemums or sunflowers, which thrive in the autumn months.
Colour
When choosing your wedding flowers, consider your colour palette. Selecting blooms that complement your wedding colours will create a cohesive and stunning atmosphere. For example, if you're having a whimsical garden wedding, bright sunflowers and wildflowers might be a perfect choice. Or, if you're planning a classic ballroom affair, elegant roses and lilies in soft pastels could be a better fit. You can also use flowers to add a pop of colour to a neutral-toned tablescape, or to enhance a colourful, modern celebration.
Arrangement
The arrangement of your wedding table flowers is also an important consideration. Here are a few tips to help you decide on the best display:
- Simple arrangements often work best, especially if you're opting for DIY centrepieces. Choose one variety of blooms and arrange them in a vase or jar for an elegant, fuss-free look.
- For a rustic or bohemian feel, mix and match different sizes and styles of vases or bud vases.
- Add depth and dimension to your tablescape by incorporating a linen runner. A gauzy piece of fabric in a complementary colour can help to tie your floral arrangements together.
- For a romantic touch, dining at a serpentine table lined with votive candles is a beautiful option. Upcycled jars or flea-market finds can be used to create DIY candle displays.
- If you're looking for something unique, try creating a floral display in a glass cloche. Source some moss, greenery, and blooms, and get creative!
- For a natural, organic look, opt for a garland of greenery or eucalyptus down the centre of your table.
- To make a statement, consider tall wedding centrepieces. Small trees or citrus-bearing plants in terracotta pots can add height and interest to your tablescape.
Remember, your wedding flowers are a reflection of you as a couple, so have fun with it and get creative!
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Sourcing your flowers: buy from flower markets, supermarkets, or online retailers
When it comes to sourcing flowers for your wedding table decorations, there are a few options to consider. You could opt for flower markets, supermarkets, or online retailers. Each option has its own advantages and can help you create beautiful arrangements within your budget.
Flower markets are a great option if you're looking for a wide variety of blooms and greenery to choose from. These markets often offer both imported and domestic flowers, providing you with a diverse selection. Many flower markets also offer bulk floral pricing, which can be ideal if you need a large quantity of flowers for your wedding tables. Some markets even provide design classes to help you create stunning arrangements. The Flower Market on 7th Street in Fort Worth, Texas, for example, offers seasonal floral design classes alongside their wide selection of flowers.
Supermarkets are another convenient option for sourcing wedding table flowers. Grocery stores often have a variety of fresh flowers available, including roses, carnations, and tulips. Buying from a supermarket can be a more affordable option, and you may even find pre-packaged bouquets that fit your style or can be easily rearranged. Additionally, some supermarkets have certified floral designers on staff who can provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.
If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, there are online retailers that specialise in wholesale flowers for DIY weddings. Websites like FiftyFlowers offer a large selection of fresh flowers sourced from partner farms worldwide. They also provide expert advice, DIY flower trends, and tips to keep your flowers fresh. Online retailers often have customer reviews, so you can read about other couples' experiences and see photos of their arrangements. This can be especially helpful if you're unsure about creating your own floral arrangements.
Whether you choose to visit a flower market, wander the aisles of your local supermarket, or browse online retailers, you'll be able to find beautiful flowers for your wedding table decorations. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can create stunning arrangements that fit your budget and style.
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Preparing your flowers: keep them fresh and store them in water with flower feed
Preparing your flowers is an important step in making your own wedding table flowers. Here are some detailed instructions to keep your flowers fresh and store them in water with flower feed:
Firstly, it is crucial to clean your vase thoroughly. Bacteria can build up in dirty vases, reducing the lifespan of your flowers. Use a mixture of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to scrub your vase, then rinse it thoroughly. This will help eliminate harmful bacteria and ensure your flowers stay fresh for longer.
Next, cut the stems of your flowers at a 45-degree angle, using garden shears or sharp scissors. Cutting at an angle allows for better water intake and prevents the stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase. Woody stems should be cut with clippers or shears, while other flowers can be cut with sharp scissors or knives. If possible, cut the stems underwater to prevent air bubbles from forming and blocking water uptake.
Remove any excess leaves, especially those below the waterline. Leaves below the waterline will rot and promote bacterial growth, which can shorten the lifespan of your flowers. Pruning your flowers will also improve their appearance and allow them to open up fully.
Fill your clean vase with room temperature or lukewarm water. Avoid using cold water as it can cause air bubbles in the stems, blocking water uptake. The ideal temperature for flower water is between 80°F and 110°F. Add a packet of flower food or a mixture of sugar and an acidic ingredient like apple cider vinegar or aspirin to provide nourishment and help the flowers absorb water.
Finally, keep your flowers away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. Display them in a cool room, as cooler temperatures prolong the life of the flowers. Avoid placing them near ripening fruit, as fruit emits ethylene gas, which can reduce the longevity of your arrangement.
By following these steps, you can keep your wedding table flowers fresh and vibrant, ensuring they look their best on your special day.
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Creating your bouquets: pick focal flowers, add complementary blooms, and wrap stems
Creating your own wedding bouquets is a fun and rewarding way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some tips to help you craft beautiful bouquets:
Picking Focal Flowers
The first step is to choose your focal flowers, which will serve as the centrepiece and main attraction of your bouquet. These flowers should be large, vibrant, and eye-catching. Examples include peonies, protea, dahlias, and hollyhocks. Pick a variety of colours that complement each other and fit your wedding theme. Don't be afraid to go wild and mix different types of flowers together!
Adding Complementary Blooms
Once you've selected your focal flowers, it's time to add some complementary blooms to enhance the overall composition. Choose flowers that add texture, colour, and balance to your bouquet. Greenery, such as eucalyptus, is a great option to fill out the bouquet and provide a natural touch. You can also incorporate filler flowers like freesia, baby's breath, or greenery such as dusty miller. Play around with different combinations until you find an arrangement that you love.
Wrapping the Stems
When you're happy with your flower selection, it's time to assemble the bouquet. Hold the stems tightly in your hand, adding and adjusting flowers as needed to ensure a balanced look. Once you've achieved the perfect arrangement, grip the stems tightly and have someone help you wrap floristry tape or twine around them to secure the bouquet. You can then add a ribbon for extra colour and elegance.
Creating your own wedding bouquets can be a fun and creative process, but it's important to give yourself enough time and space to work. Don't be afraid to ask for help from family and friends, and always plan ahead to ensure you have the flowers and supplies you need. With some advance preparation and creativity, you can design stunning bouquets that will be a memorable part of your wedding day.
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Displaying your flowers: use jars, vases, and other vessels to showcase your arrangements
Displaying your flowers is an important part of the wedding table decoration process. Here are some ideas for vessels to showcase your floral arrangements:
Jars and vases are a great way to display your flowers and can be found at thrift stores, charity shops, or car boot sales. Start collecting them in advance to save money and ensure you have enough for your tables. You can mix and match different sizes and styles of vases for a bohemian or elegant, monochromatic look. For example, pairing multi-sized white vases with white blooms creates a sophisticated and elegant look.
For a rustic touch, incorporate slabs of wood into your centrepieces. You can cut your own wood or find them at craft stores or online. Use these slabs to display your flowers in jars, bottles, or vases.
For a unique and colourful look, paint plain taper candles in your chosen colours and pair them with single-stem flowers in vintage vases. You can also create a colourful pop by using a colourful runner on your tables.
Lanterns are another option for centrepieces and can be easily sourced. Metal-rimmed lanterns with votive candles inside will add a whimsical touch to your tablescape.
For a natural and rustic look, wooden lanterns or terracotta pots with small trees or cacti are perfect. You can also use wine bottles as centrepieces by removing their labels and adding custom illustrations.
For a botanical or minimalist theme, combine different types of greenery such as ferns, eucalyptus, and olive branches in tall acrylic vases.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by considering the seasonality of flowers and what colours you want to include. Use Pinterest to create a board and fill it with floral inspiration to give yourself a clear visual reference point.
You will need a good pair of scissors, bouquet pins, and some large jars or buckets to keep your bouquets in. It's also a good idea to start collecting jars, vases, and other vessels to display your flowers in advance.
Flower markets are great if you are looking for specific blooms, but they may require a long travel distance and often start trading early in the morning. Supermarkets and online retailers are more convenient and affordable options, but the selection may be more limited.
It is recommended to make your wedding flowers 1-2 days before the wedding to ensure they are fresh. Keep the flowers in water with flower feed in a cool, dark place until you are ready to arrange them.