How To DIY Wedding Flowers And Stay In Your Budget

Would you like to try to DIY your wedding flowers so you can stay in your budget? Here’s how to research and get the look you want without breaking the bank.

We’ve talked about making your own invitations,

how to make your wedding guest list,

how to create your wedding registry,

and how to DIY gauzy wedding table runners.

How to DIY your own wedding flowers.

Some brides love certain flowers so much they use them for their wedding even if they’re not in season or not the “popular” look at the time.

My friend’s daughter was in love with bamboo (well, in the line that began with her fiancé, I’d guess) and ordered cute curvy vases to showcase the lovely green stems. Her bride’s table arrangement was a large low “fish” bowl, to which she added pebbles, a couple of bamboo stems, and floating orchids. It was gorgeous. And totally her.

Two of my nieces also used orchids. They’re not a flower most florists keep in stock in large amounts. So instead of going through a florist, we went online and ordered them through a “wholesale” florist. This meant that the flowers left Thailand one day and arrived at our front door the next day. How much fresher can you get? (This was pre-Covid. I’m not sure how the shipping would cooperate now.)

A side note about orchids: they’re edible, so you can put them on the wedding cake, too!

The wholesale florist we used was based in Florida, because it doesn’t make any difference how far away they are (as long as they’re in the same country as you. They’re set up for importing, which can be very complicated and expensive for an unsuspecting individual.) If I wanted hydrangeas, I might go through one of the California wholesalers, simply because I’ve met some of them and would feel comfortable asking newbie questions. When flowers are a hobby and not a vocation, you have to do a lot of research, and it’s good to know the right questions!

Research how to DIY your wedding flowers

1. How long does it take for flowers to open and be at their peak? Hydrangeas I bought at SF flower market took two days to look their best. At four days they were starting to fade. Our orchids took a day to open after we got them, but they looked lovely for at least 3 days. On the other hand, some daffodils we ordered for a wedding didn’t open in time. We set them out in the sun, put them in warm water, (even pulled at the petals) and barely had enough open flowers for the tables. If we had asked, we would have discovered daffodils take about 4 days to open. And closed peonies need to be ordered two weeks in advance.
   

If you go through a florist, ask how they will look when they arrive at the florist. (I like ordering through Safeway floral department if I use a florist.) Will they be totally closed, or somewhat open? How long from pickup until full bloom?

Ask for advice on pairing with other flowers.

Most florists are happy to help you even if they aren’t doing your arranging. And many are wise enough to help make your vision come alive, nudging you in the right direction if they think (know) what you want won’t work. But don’t expect wholesalers to give advice. They’re happy to order your flowers and tell you about that process, but they expect you to know what you’re doing with the flowers later. An exception to this rule is fiftyflowers.com. Working with them is like working with your local florist. They are very helpful, and offer pre-matched flower packs for very reasonable prices.

Consider doing your own table arrangements, but have a professional do the brides table centerpiece. You can save a lot of money and still get a great look.

See if a florist near you will do a one-on-one consultation/workshop to help you achieve the look you want to DIY. And even at that, keep your arrangements simple, using in season flowers and common combinations. Most brides have that talented friend who will gladly do this part of the wedding for them.

Collect photos and tutorials in advance that are in line with what you want so your helpers (or florist) can get a feel for your flower visions. Look on wedding photographer blogs, wedding planner blogs, Pinterest and florist blogs. If you personally don’t have time, get your talented friend to help, then pick from her research.

DIY Wedding Flowers are a favorite topic here.

This is your time to shine. Let your personality show through your flower choices while staying in your budget. If you have any ideas or questions, please share in the comments.