DIY Wedding Flowers - Things to Consider
If you're considering doing your own wedding flowers, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
1. Plan ahead
Start thinking about your wedding flowers early so you have plenty of time to research and practice. Consider the season, colour scheme, and overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
To make your budget stretch as far as possible, try to opt for flowers that are in season. Many online flower sellers allow you to filter search results by availability, price and colour, which can be very helpful when planning what you’ll need.
2. Keep it simple
Choose flowers that are easy to work with and readily available. Stick to a few varieties and colours to create a cohesive look, and opt for a variety of foliage to bulk out your arrangements and keep costs down. When it comes to greenery, Eucalyptus is a gorgeous wedding staple but it is of a better quality and less expensive in the cooler seasons. Don’t worry though, as there are lots of other fresh alternatives for the summer months, and you can also get dried eucalyptus which still retains its colour.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
There are lots of online video tutorials from professional florists advising you on how to create your own DIY wedding florals. Don’t be under any illusions though, they may make it look simple, but the reality is that florists are highly skilled people and it takes a lot of practice to create arrangements of a professional calibre.
There are also lots of courses, both online and in-person for people considering the DIY option, and many of them provide you with the tools they recommend for you to use on the day and take away afterwards. Try making a few practice arrangements ahead of time to get a feel for the process and make adjustments as needed.
4. Get the right tools & Supplies
Invest in quality floral shears, floral tape, and wire cutters to make the job easier.
If you’re keen to avoid floral foam, then there are lots of tutorials online working with tape and chicken wire to create more eco-friendly arrangements. If that feels like another level of complication, there are now biodegradable foam alternatives but these tend to be more expensive.
When it comes to deciding on the vases and vessels you’ll need for your arrangements, think about how many areas you need to decorate, the best sizes and whether you can move arrangements around. Jam jars and empty cans are easy and cheap to collect if you start ahead of time. You can use them plain or consider using spray paints or gilt waxes to create a cohesive design. There are lots of great options at places like IKEA and if you don’t mind buying second-hand, many couples often sell their vases on sites like Facebook Marketplace after their big day. Of course, you can also hire vases and vessels, and this can save you time and money, that you can use to focus on other areas of your design.
5. Keep your flowers fresh
When your flowers arrive you’ll need to condition them, ready to then be arranged ahead of the big day. Conditioning flowers is the process of preparing cut flowers for use in floral arrangements. It involves hydrating and nourishing the flowers to help them last longer and look their best. Here are the steps to properly condition flowers:
Begin by filling a clean container with cool water and adding floral preservatives. The preservative contains nutrients and bacteria-fighting agents that help prolong the life of the flowers.
Remove any foliage that will be below the water line, as it can cause bacteria growth that can shorten the lifespan of the flowers.
Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle with sharp floral shears. This creates a larger surface area for the flower to absorb water and nutrients.
Immediately place the stems in the prepared water, making sure they are fully submerged. Leave them to soak for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible.
After conditioning, remove the flowers from the water and re-cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This will ensure that they continue to absorb water and nutrients.
Arrange the flowers in your chosen vessel with fresh water and floral preservative. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from drafts.
If making them the day before, try to change the water and re-cut the stems to maintain the flowers' freshness and longevity.
By properly conditioning your flowers, you can help ensure that they look beautiful and last as long as possible in your floral arrangements.
6. Ask for help
Don't be afraid to enlist the help of friends and family to assist with the arranging and set up on the day of the wedding. Some florists offer wedding floristry courses for hen-dos, covering everything from flower crowns and vase arrangements to bouquets and button-holes.
7. Have a backup plan
In case something goes wrong or you run out of time, have a backup plan in place such as purchasing pre-made bouquets or arrangements.
Overall, with planning, practice and some help from your friends, DIY wedding flowers can be a lovely option for your special day, but if you’re worried about the stress it might bring, do consider hiring a professional to help with some or all of your flowers.