Many couples wonder if 'Do It Yourself' buckets of blooms are a good option for their wedding. DIY flowers are fun, can personalize your wedding experience, and save you money over designed arrangements. They also require a cool storage space, some basic tools, and time to arrange. Here are some tips to help you decided if this option will work for you. (Note: we recommend this approach for centerpieces and other table/aisle decor. Bridal bouquets and personal flowers take a higher level of expertise.)
Materials: you will need a couple sets of flower snips (readily available on Amazon or elsewhere) clean vases or jars, bleach, water and a trash receptacle.
Timing: Most couples find that the day before the wedding works best for arranging. There is just too much to attend to on the day of, even if the ceremony is later in the day. You also want to be able to enjoy the experience and have fun with it, not be stressed out.
Arranging: You don't need any special design skills, because you really can't do this wrong! Whatever combinations of flowers and greenery appeal to you will be beautiful. Strive for a mix of textures in your arrangements (focal flowers, airy elements, foliage) and experiment with a variety of heights with your stems. We often start by adding the greenery/foliage to the vase and then filling in with flowers. Your arrangements don't have to match: it's enough to have some common elements in each one. Make sure you cut each stem before placing it in the vase or jar, to help the flowers hydrate. Adding a few drops of bleach to each vessel will help keep the water clean and clear.
Storage: both your buckets of blooms and any arrangements you make with them will hold best in a cool place out of direct sunlight. A basement, garage or air conditioned room will all work. Do not refrigerate your flowers, and some varieties will respond poorly. The day of the wedding, have someone check your arrangements, add water (flowers drink a lot!) and rearrange any blooms that have drifted or settled. If the water looks cloudy, empty it out and refill with fresh water.
We are happy to answer any questions you have about DIY flowers!
