It’s no secret (especially in 2023) that weddings are expensive. Like ridiculously expensive.
As an October 2023 bride, I feel you.
If you’re like me and you’re looking for ways to to save money on your big day without sacrificing quality, stick around!
Let’s dive in.
Do a test run
This weekend I went to my local Fresh Market and picked up a few bunches of flowers to practice creating my own bridal bouquet (and to see if I could actually make it look somewhat acceptable).
While these aren’t the flowers I’d like to use for my wedding, they worked just fine for practice!
The finished product:
I know, I need a bit more practice. The roses in particular probably need to be spread out a bit more. But I’m learning!
P.S. I used a “spiral” technique. This is the video I used for guidance! Thanks, Flower Moxie!
DIYing your wedding flowers can not only help cut costs, but can also be fun (I promise), and rewarding (hey, I did that!).
P.S. Planning a DIY wedding? Use this discount code for 20% off my Ultimate Wedding Planner for the DIY Bride – Notion Template.
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Determine your budget
The first step in DIYing your wedding flowers is to determin your budget and floral vision. Consider the number of bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and other floral arrangements you’ll need. You’ll also want to research the cost of flowers in your area to determine how much you can realistically spend.
Choose your flowers
Research the types of flowers that will be in season. For example, if you’re having a fall wedding, stick with blooms like garden roses, dahlias, amaranths, and chrysanthemums. You can also opt for non-traditional options such as dried flowers, succulents, or greenery to create a unique style.
Choose your color scheme and style
Choose a color scheme and style that will complement your wedding theme and attire. Look for inspiration from bridal magazines, Pinterest boards, or consult with a professional florist for ideas.
Most will try to stick to their color scheme and style throughout all your flower arrangements, from the bouquets to the centerpieces, but feel free to switch things up if you want to. It’s your day!
Purchase your flowers
Purchase your flowers from a local farmer’s market, florist, or online wholesaler. Make sure to order your flowers in advance and have them delivered a few days before your wedding day to ensure your blooms arrive at the right time for optimal freshness and bloom!
Gather the necessary tools and supplies
To create your DIY wedding flowers, you’ll need some basic tools and supplies like floral tape, wire cutters, floral foam, and vases. You may also need ribbon, pins, and glue to add some extra touches to your arrangements. Make sure to have all your tools and supplies organized and easily accessible.
Get to work!
Start by creating the larger flower arrangements such as the bridal bouquet and the ceremony altar decorations. Then, move on to the smaller arrangements such as the boutonnieres and corsages. Finally, create the centerpieces for your reception tables. Make sure to take your time and carefully arrange your flowers, adjusting the height and position of each stem as necessary.
Store your flowers properly
Once you’ve created your arrangements, be sure to store them properly so they stay fresh and beautiful for your big day. Keep them in a cool, dry place and mist them with water to keep them hydrated. Make sure to transport your flowers in a cool environment, and store them in a vase with water when not in use.
DIY wedding flowers are a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your wedding celebration. With some planning and creativity, you can create beautiful flower arrangements that will make your special day even more memorable!