The Perfect Time For Wedding Flowers: Planning And Preparation

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and flower arrangements are a key part of the big day. Flowers do more than just decorate; they set the tone, express your style, and create a celebratory atmosphere. The process of choosing flowers can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you can ensure your floral vision is achieved. From selecting flowers that align with your theme and budget to deciding on the type of arrangements, here's a guide to help you navigate the world of wedding flower arrangements.

When to choose your blooms

It's never too early to start shopping around for your wedding flowers, but it's good to keep in mind that your style and colour choices may change over time. You might want to wait until you have a venue, a theme, and your colour palette picked out before making any final decisions. It's recommended that you choose your flowers at least 6 to 9 months before your wedding, but ideally, you should make your choice somewhere between 1 year and 1 month before the big day.

If you're ordering your flowers, it's best to do so 2 to 4 weeks in advance. This is because certain flowers may be out of season by the time of your wedding if you order too far ahead, and the pricing of flowers fluctuates. Ordering closer to the date will give you a clearer idea of what flowers are available and at what price.

If you're creating your own arrangements, it's a good idea to do a practice run with your helpers before the day. You should also give yourself ample time to experiment with different designs and create your arrangements, especially if you're making large centrepieces.

When to order your blooms

Ordering your wedding flowers in advance is key to ensuring a stress-free and joyful planning experience. It is recommended to start considering your floral options at least 6 to 9 months before your wedding. This will allow you to choose in-season flowers, which can be more cost-effective and enhance the natural beauty of your wedding.

If you are creating your own arrangements, it is best to place your flower order 2-4 weeks before your wedding. This is because flowers are natural products with limited availability, and their pricing and availability fluctuate depending on the season. Ordering 2-4 weeks in advance ensures you have the most up-to-date information on the availability and pricing of your desired blooms.

Additionally, if your wedding is around a holiday weekend, you may want to order an extra day in advance to account for potential shipping delays. It is also important to consider the lead time for any special requests or custom orders, as these can influence the cost and feasibility of your desired flowers.

For DIY wedding flowers, it is recommended to have a clear plan and timeline for creating your arrangements. This includes knowing how much time you will need to create each arrangement, enlisting help from friends or family, and allowing for ample time to experiment with different designs.

Overall, by starting the process early and working with a dedicated team, you can ensure that your wedding blooms are everything you've dreamed of.

When to have your blooms delivered

When it comes to wedding flower arrangements, timing is everything. The general recommendation is to have your blooms delivered two days before your wedding. This gives you a window to prep, rehydrate, and design the flowers before the big day. It's important to note that if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend, it's advisable to allow for an extra day in case of shipping delays.

The day before the wedding is the ideal time to arrange your flowers. You can keep them fresh overnight by storing them in water-filled vases, floral foam soaked with water, or wrapped bouquets with stems immersed in a few inches of water. It's crucial to ensure they are kept in a cool, dry place after being arranged and that they always have enough water.

If you're working with flowers that have long vase lives or take time to open, such as sunflowers or peonies, giving yourself an extra day to prepare is perfectly fine. Just make sure to properly care for your blooms by storing them in cool water, away from direct sunlight, and in a cool, dry location.

For DIY wedding flowers, it's recommended to place your flower order at least two to three weeks in advance. This buffer allows you to adjust if certain flowers are in or out of season. Selecting a delivery date of two days before your event gives you ample time to rehydrate and prepare the flowers.

When to arrange your flowers

3-6 Months Before the Wedding

If you're planning to arrange your own flowers, confirm your budget and decide on a theme. This will help you narrow down your plan before you go shopping. You can also consult a professional to find out what will be in season, how much you should order, and any cost-effective alternatives.

3 Weeks Before the Wedding

Now is the time to place your order. Ordering at least 2-3 weeks in advance will give you notice of any changes in availability. Remember to select a delivery date of 2 days before your event so you have time to rehydrate and prepare the flowers.

2 Days Before the Wedding

Your flowers will need to be rehydrated and prepped, so make sure you have plenty of buckets and access to fresh water, as well as a cool space to store them.

1 Day Before the Wedding

Your flowers should be bloomed and ready to be arranged! Gather your friends and family and start creating your bouquets and centrepieces. Keep the arrangements in shallow water overnight.

The Day of the Wedding

Transport the finished arrangements to your venue and hand out the bouquets and boutonnieres to your bridal party.

How to store your flowers

Storing your flowers properly is crucial to keeping them fresh and vibrant for your wedding day. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your blooms stay beautiful:

Choose Flowers with Longer Vase Life

When selecting your flowers, opt for those with a longer vase life. Flowers with woody stems, such as hydrangeas, tend to last longer. Softer-stemmed flowers, like daffodils or tulips, are more delicate and have a shorter vase life, typically lasting only 3 to 5 days.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Keep your flowers in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight. A temperature-controlled room or a cool, shaded area is ideal. Avoid placing them in hot, sunny spots, as this will cause the flowers to wilt faster.

Store in Water

It is essential to keep your flowers hydrated. Store the stems in buckets or vases filled with fresh, clean water. Cut the stems at a sharp 45-degree angle before placing them in the water, and ensure they have enough water to stay hydrated.

Proper Timing

The timing of arranging and storing your flowers is crucial. Aim to receive your flowers 3-5 days before the wedding. This gives you enough time to process and prepare them. Start arranging your flowers a day or two before the wedding, and keep the arrangements in shallow water overnight to maintain freshness.

Transport and Setup

On your wedding day, transport the finished arrangements to the venue. Ensure a smooth transition by having a designated area for flower storage and a plan for setting them up. Keep the flowers in water until the last moment, and ensure they are displayed in a cool, dry place after being arranged.

Care for Delicate Pieces

For delicate pieces like boutonnieres and corsages, use flowers that hold their shape well when out of water, such as miniature or spray roses. These pieces can be made a day in advance but should be handled with care to avoid damage.

Frequently asked questions