Doing Your Own Flowers Can be Complicated. Make Sure You Know What You Are Getting Into!

There are many reasons you may want to go with do-it-yourself wedding flowers… the number one reason is that they typically can save you a chunk of cash.  With that in mind, florists are professionals at their trade, and, while that gorgeous cascade bouquet might look simple to you, it was quite complex to create! Before you attempt this on your own, be sure you have some talent in this area, a good amount of time and a lot of patience in order for you to successfully do your own wedding flowers. 

Before you begin, decide which wedding flowers you will make on your own and which you will hire help for. While you can make them all, you may want to consider having some help with some of the larger or more complicated pieces. During your planning phase, be sure you really do have the time to devote to this, weddings take a lot of planning! 

Some of the places you’ll need flowers:
The Ceremony- In many cases, you’ll want to provide wedding flowers for the altar of the church or the area in which you will be married. You may also want to decorate the pews of the church or the area near the entry. Make sure your flower girls has her petals. Be sure that your location will allow you to provide you own flowers, some will want you to purchase theirs.  Remember, the number one rule is that YOU like any wedding decoration supplies you use. Your Bridesmaids- Decide if you want their bouquets to match yours, be smaller versions of yours, or be completely different. Will they have fresh flowers or artificial ones? Your Groomsmen- Don’t leave out the guys! They will need lapel flowers. We suggest you hire a florist for these, they are NOT as easy as they look. The Wedding Reception- Check with your reception location to make sure you can provide your own, then, put up some large displays around the cake table, at the entrances and on the tables. It is helpful to look up some photos of receptions, then, decide which areas you think MUST have flowers
If you do opt for artificial flowers, be sure to check for sales at your local crafts stores. If you go with fresh cut flowers, you will save money if you select varieties that are in season at the time of your wedding.
Michelle O’Connor has been in the wedding industry for over 8 years and has coordinated hundreds of weddings. See her link for more tips on ideas for theme wedding decorations.