Lyla Dejesus
Preparing flowers for a wedding can be a complex process, and it's important to plan and organise your flower strategy properly. The first step is to decide on a floral vision and set a budget. Next, consider the date of the wedding and the types of flowers that will be in season. If you're doing your own flower arrangements, it's essential to have the right tools and supplies, such as buckets, fresh water, and floral scissors. Flowers should be delivered a couple of days before the event to allow them to rehydrate and be arranged. It's also important to know your abilities and limitations, as wedding flower budgets can vary significantly, and mistakes can be costly. Finally, you may want to consider preserving your wedding flowers as a keepsake, which can be done through various DIY methods or by hiring a professional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | Flowers should be delivered 2 days before the event to allow them to rehydrate and be arranged the next day. |
| Tools | Floral scissors, thorn removers, buckets, fresh water, a cool storage space. |
| Helpers | Bridal party, family, and friends can help with prep and arrangement. |
| Flower Types | Consider seasonality, vase life, and the ability to hold water when choosing flowers. |
| Budget | Spend 10-15% of the total wedding budget on flowers. |
| Preservation | Flowers can be preserved using methods such as air-drying, freeze-drying, epoxy resin molds, or glycerin. |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing flowers: Consider seasonality, vase life, and colour
- Budgeting: Flowers can cost thousands, so set a realistic budget
- Timing: Plan delivery for 2 days before the event, then rehydrate and arrange
- DIY vs professional: DIY is cheaper but requires skill and tools
- Preservation: From glycerin to freeze-drying, there are ways to preserve your bouquet
Choosing flowers: Consider seasonality, vase life, and colour
Choosing the right flowers for a wedding event is a critical step in the preparation process. Here are some essential factors to consider:
Seasonality
The seasonality of flowers is an important consideration when choosing wedding flowers. Different flowers bloom at different times of the year, and the weather can also impact the timing of blooms. For example, a hot spring can cause flowers to bloom earlier, while a cool spring may delay blooming. If you have a specific flower in mind, check with a floral supplier to see if it will be available for your wedding date.
Vase Life
Not all flowers have the same vase life. Some flowers, like carnations, can last for weeks, while others, like certain varieties of dahlias, may only last for a few days. It's important to consider the vase life of the flowers you choose to ensure they remain fresh and beautiful throughout the event.
Colour
The colour of the flowers is an essential aspect of your wedding's aesthetic. Consider the colour palette you want for your wedding and choose flowers that complement it. If you're unsure, a colourful palette can be a less stressful option, as something is likely to be in bloom. You can also consider planting potted flowers in your wedding colours, adding beauty to the venue and serving multiple purposes.
Additionally, it's worth noting that not all flowers make good cut flowers. Some may not hydrate and hold well in a vase, so be sure to ask your floral supplier for advice on the best options.
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Budgeting: Flowers can cost thousands, so set a realistic budget
Flowers are one of the most memorable parts of weddings, adding a sense of romance and luxury to the ceremony and reception spaces. However, they can cost thousands, so it's essential to set a realistic budget. Here are some tips to help you budget for your wedding flowers:
Know the Average Costs
According to various sources, the average cost of wedding flowers ranges from $2,200 to $3,500, with some couples spending between $500 and $7,000. The average cost can also vary by region, with couples in the Mid-Atlantic spending the most at an average of $3,457, followed by the Northeast/New England at $2,969, the Southwest at $2,821, and the South/Southeast at $2,734. The average cost also tends to increase with the length of the wedding guest list, with weddings over 100 attendees costing an average of $3,282.
Allocate a Percentage of Your Total Wedding Budget
As a guideline, couples typically allocate 8% to 15% of their total wedding budget for flowers. This can be a helpful starting point when creating your overall wedding budget and determining how much you can realistically allocate to flowers.
Consider the Types of Flowers and Arrangements
The cost of flowers can vary widely depending on the types of flowers you choose and the arrangements you desire. For example, large florals and more elaborate arrangements, such as arches or flower clouds, will generally cost more. On the other hand, smaller vases with fewer flowers can be a more budget-friendly option. Also, consider incorporating seasonal and local flowers, as they tend to be more affordable and fresher than specialty varieties that need to be shipped.
Mix and Match Flowers with Other Decorative Elements
To stay within your budget, you can mix high-cost flowers with more affordable blooms, greenery, or filler florals. You can also swap out some flowers for other decorative elements such as votive candles, lanterns, photos, or personal keepsakes. This will help you achieve a romantic and visually intriguing setup while saving money.
Reuse Arrangements
Another way to save money is to reuse floral arrangements from the ceremony at the reception. For example, a welcome arrangement from the ceremony can be repurposed on the bar or head table at the reception. This reduces costs and waste, ensuring your flowers are used to their full potential.
Shop Around and Communicate Your Budget
It's important to communicate your budget and preferences to prospective florists early on. They can then provide cost-effective suggestions and packages that fit within your budget. Don't be afraid to shop around and get quotes from multiple florists to find one who understands your vision and budget.
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Timing: Plan delivery for 2 days before the event, then rehydrate and arrange
Timing is crucial when preparing flowers for a wedding. If you're doing your own wedding flowers, it's important to plan and organise your flower strategy. You need to decide on the types of floral arrangements and bouquets you want to create, what you can achieve with your budget, and the best flowers for your arrangement.
When ordering flowers, plan for them to be delivered two days before your event. This gives the flowers time to rehydrate and be arranged before the wedding. If you have a Saturday event, for example, it's best to have the flowers delivered on Thursday. This gives them time to rehydrate overnight and be arranged on Friday.
Before the flowers arrive, ensure you have all the required tools and supplies. You'll need floral scissors or another tool to cut stems and remove thorns, as well as plenty of buckets filled with fresh water and access to a cool storage space. You may also want to prepare a plan for delegating or sharing the workload. Invite your bridal party, family, and friends to help with the flower prep.
When the flowers arrive, they will likely appear a little droopy. Unbox them immediately and start prepping. Cut the stems at a sharp 45-degree angle and remove any low-hanging leaves. Then, place the flowers in buckets of fresh water to rehydrate for at least six hours. Ideally, let them sit overnight to give them the strength to undergo the arranging process.
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DIY vs professional: DIY is cheaper but requires skill and tools
If you're weighing up the pros and cons of DIY-ing your wedding flowers versus hiring a professional florist, there are a few things to consider. DIY-ing your wedding flowers is undoubtedly a cheaper option, but it requires a lot of skill and preparation time, as well as the right tools.
Doing your own wedding flowers can be a fun and creative process, and it allows you to personalise every petal. You can also grow your own flowers, which is a great way to save money and add a unique touch to your wedding. However, it's important to remember that not all flowers make good cut flowers, and some may not hydrate and hold in a vase. The weather may also impact the timing of your blooms, and you'll need to be prepared for pests.
To DIY your wedding flowers, you'll need to source the right tools and supplies, including buckets for rehydrating your flowers, and you'll need to set aside enough time for arranging them. It's a good idea to delegate tasks to your bridal party, family, and friends, as the process can be overwhelming and time-consuming. You'll also need to consider the vase life of your chosen flowers and plan accordingly.
On the other hand, hiring a professional florist ensures unforgettable flowers and takes the stress out of your wedding planning. Florists have the experience and networks to source premium blooms that will stay fresh and lush for hours, and they can handle everything from sourcing to setup. This leaves you free to focus on your wedding and avoid flower logistics. Florists can also advise on cost-efficient options and provide solutions to any issues that may arise.
Ultimately, the decision to DIY or hire a professional florist depends on your budget, the complexity of your desired floral arrangements, and how much time and energy you're willing to invest in the process.
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Preservation: From glycerin to freeze-drying, there are ways to preserve your bouquet
Preservation is a great way to immortalise your wedding bouquet and keep it as a memento. There are several methods to preserve your wedding flowers, ranging from simple DIYs to professional services.
One of the simplest ways to preserve your bouquet is to dry the entire arrangement. To do this, remove any ribbons or pins holding the bouquet together, as well as any excess leaves, greenery, broken petals, or anything that has started to rot or turn brown. Then, cut about half an inch off the stems and place the flowers in fresh, room-temperature water. Secure the stems with twine, yarn, or string, or use a rubber band for easier handling. Finally, hang the bouquet upside down in a dry, dark, and undisturbed place, such as a closet or pantry. This method will keep the whole arrangement intact, but the flowers will shrink slightly, and the colours will fade.
Another DIY method is to press individual blossoms into a book. This technique is simple but may not preserve the entire bouquet. If you want to keep the entire bouquet intact, you can opt for freeze-drying, which involves freezing the flowers and then using a vacuum to remove the moisture. This method can be done at home but requires special equipment.
If you prefer a professional service, there are vendors who specialise in preserving wedding bouquets. These services offer various products, such as pressing the bouquet into a keepsake photo, ornament, or locket. Basic preservation services, such as pressing or simple drying, typically cost between $150 and $250. More ornamental framed or resinised displays may range from $300 to $500 or more. Customised items, such as large shadow boxes or resin blocks, can cost upwards of $700.
Glycerin is another preservation method that can be done by professionals or at home with a DIY kit. This process involves replacing the water in the flowers with glycerin, a colourless liquid that preserves the petals and leaves. The flowers will feel a bit softer and silkier after preservation.
No matter which preservation method you choose, it is essential to act quickly and start the process as soon as possible after the wedding. Fresh blooms are best for preserving, so keep the bouquet in a cool, dry place until you can begin the preservation process.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to get the flowers delivered 2 days before the event so that they have time to rehydrate and be prepped for the event. If you are growing your own flowers, you should be aware of the seasonality of flowers and the impact of weather on the timing of blooms.
You will need tools to cut stems and remove thorns, as well as buckets filled with fresh water and a cool place to store the flowers.
It is important to have a clear plan and budget for the flowers. Consult with the couple to understand their colour palette, flower preferences, and budget. You should also be aware of the different types of arrangements needed, such as bouquets, boutonnieres, centrepieces, and ceremony flowers.
There are several methods to preserve wedding flowers, including air-drying, using glycerin, freeze-drying, and submerging them in epoxy resin molds. It is important to start the preservation process when the petals are still fresh and vibrant.
