Gearing up to DIY your wedding flowers? Here, we’ll guide you step-by-step, making this experience as joyful and stress-free as possible. So, grab your shears and let’s get started!
Step 1: Mood-Boarding and Planning (12-9 Months Before)
Inspiration
The best place to start is with a burst of inspiration. Flip through bridal magazines, scroll through Pinterest, or take a nature walk to spark ideas. Picture your perfect wedding atmosphere and think about how fresh flowers can enhance it.
Are you envisioning a romantic, whimsical, or modern vibe? Let your imagination run wild at this stage!
Palette
Colors set the mood. Choose a color palette that reflects the emotion of your day. Soft pastels for a gentle, romantic feel, or vibrant hues for a lively celebration?
Remember, your color choice will guide your flower selection, so choose colors that resonate with you (and to avoid changing your mind halfway through the planning process!).
Floral Education
Now’s the time to learn about different flowers, and explore your options. Which blooms are in season on your wedding day? What fragrances do you want to mingle in the air? Learn about flower care and longevity – after all, you want your flowers to be as fresh and radiant as you are!
Books, blogs, and even local florists can be fantastic resources.
simplysarahco.com
Check out this wedding vision board template.
Use as inspo or download to use immediately!
Step 2: Budgeting and Choosing Your Flowers (9-6 Months Before)
Crafting Your Budget
Let’s talk money (because we have to, not because we want to.)
Take a look at your overall wedding budget, and determine how much you’re willing to spend on flowers. Remember, DIY can be cost-effective, but you still need to factor in supplies like vases, ribbons, and, of course, the flowers themselves.
Choosing Your Blooms
Now, the exciting part – picking your wedding florals!
First, determine whether you’re going to be working with live wholesale flowers or silk flowers. Next, align your choices with your wedding color scheme and color palette—keep in mind, the cost of flowers varies between types of flowers. Want a rustic feel? Consider wildflower varieties such as crysanthemums or daisies.
Looking for elegance? Garden roses and ranunculus might be your go-to. Do you want to incorporate different varieties for your reception tables and ceremony flowers? Take that into account when mapping out your flower budget. Keep in mind the seasonality of flowers to ensure availability.
The Master List
Write down every floral element you need – bridal bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, flower girl petals, wedding centerpieces, boutonnieres, sweetheart table, and more. It’s like creating a blueprint for your floral decor. This list will keep you organized and ensure you don’t miss anything.
Step 3: Practice and Experimentation (6-4 Months Before)
Trial Runs
It’s time to get your hands dirty. Buy some flowers to practice your arrangements. This is not just about skill; it’s about practice, and figuring what you love and what you don’t love. Experiment with different combinations, styles, and strategies. Remember, each arrangement is a reflection of your personal taste and creativity.
Workshops and Learning
Consider taking a floral arrangement class. This can be a fun activity with your wedding party and a great way to gain valuable skills. Plus, it’s always a good idea to learn from the pros.
Finalizing Designs
After experimenting, decide on the final designs for each floral element. Lock in the look of your bouquets, centerpieces, and other decorations. This will make the final preparation much smoother.
Step 4: Gathering Supplies and Ordering Flowers (4-2 Months Before)
Order Your Flowers
It’s time to place your flower orders. Research wholesalers or local growers for the best deals. Remember, timing is key – you want your flowers to be at their peak beauty on your wedding day.
Pro Tip: Be sure to order some extra flowers, just in case!
Collect Supplies
Besides flowers, you’ll need various supplies. Think scissors, floral tape, wire, ribbons, and vases. Make a checklist and start gathering these items. This is also the perfect time to think about any additional decor elements that will accompany your flowers.
Step 5: The Final Stretch (2 Months to 1 Week Before)
Detailing Your Timeline
As the day approaches, create a detailed timeline. Plan when you’ll assemble each piece. Will you make the bouquets two days before? When will the centerpieces be put together? A clear timeline will keep you organized and stress-free.
Rallying Your Team
You don’t have to do this alone! Get friends, family, and your bridal party involved. Assign tasks based on interest and ability. Making your wedding flowers can be a bonding experience and a cherished memory for everyone involved.
Step 6: The Floral Assembly (1-4 Days Before)
The big day is almost here! Start assembling your DIY bouquets and flower arrangements according to your timeline. Make sure to have a cool, dark place to store your finished pieces to keep them fresh.
Stay Calm and Hydrate! Both you and your flowers need to stay hydrated and relaxed. Take breaks, enjoy the process, and remember the love that brought you to this moment.
Preparing Your Workspace
Before you begin, set up a spacious, clean workspace. A large table covered with a waterproof cloth works well. Ensure good lighting and comfortable temperature – flowers are delicate and can be affected by extreme conditions. Organize your tools and materials, so everything is within easy reach.
Hydrating Your Flowers
Start by hydrating your flowers. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle under water to avoid air bubbles, which can block the flow of water to the flower. Use clean buckets filled with fresh, cool water. Let the flowers drink for a few hours or overnight to perk up.
Arranging Basics
Begin with your bouquets. Choose a focal flower as the centerpiece and build around it with complementary blooms and foliage. Hold the bouquet in one hand and add flowers with the other, rotating the bouquet as you go to ensure evenness. Secure the bouquet with floral tape once you’re satisfied with the arrangement.
For centerpieces, consider the height and shape of the containers. Start with greenery to create a base, then add larger blooms, and finish with delicate flowers for accents. Balance is key – your centerpiece should be visually pleasing from all angles.
Boutonnieres and Corsages
Boutonnieres and corsages are smaller, but they require precision. Choose a sturdy main flower and add a small sprig of greenery or a secondary flower for contrast. Wrap the stems with floral tape, then cover with ribbon for a polished look. Remember to attach a pin or clip.
Final Touches
After assembling your arrangements, give any loose stems a quick tug to ensure they’re secure. Trim any excess foliage, adjust for symmetry, and ensure all stems are securely fastened. Spritz with water to keep them fresh, and store them in a cool, dark place until the wedding day.
Transporting and Setting Up
Plan how you’ll transport the flowers to your venue, and be sure to keep your flowers in water leading up to your wedding day. Use boxes with a bit of water for the bouquets and secure the centerpieces so they won’t tip over. Arrive early to set up, giving yourself plenty of time to place each arrangement and make any last-minute adjustments.
Remember, the beauty of DIY flowers is in their unique, personal touch. They may not look like professional arrangements, but they carry the charm and love of your own hands, making them all the more special for your big day.
Your DIY wedding flowers aren’t just decor; they’re a testament to your dedication, creativity, and the beauty of your love story. As you look around on your wedding day, surrounded by the flowers you’ve lovingly crafted, take a moment to bask in the accomplishment and gaze adoringly at your beautiful centerpieces and bouquets Here’s to a day as beautiful and unique as your bouquets!
We’d love to see your DIY floral creations! Share your stories and photos with us and inspire other couples on their DIY flower journey.
Looking for more DIY wedding flower tips? Check out Your Practical Guide to DIY Wedding Flowers.