DIY Wedding Flowers: 9 Key Considerations & Solutions
Photo by Ivory Peacock
Planning to DIY your wedding flowers? Before you dive into this creative and personal endeavor, there are several crucial factors to consider. While designing your own wedding flowers can be a rewarding experience that adds a unique touch to your special day, it's important to understand the challenges and requirements involved. This comprehensive guide will help you evaluate whether DIY wedding flowers are right for you and provide practical solutions to common obstacles you might encounter along the way.
1. Are You Allergy-Free?
Do you have allergies or skin sensitivities? If so, you may want to skip the DIY flowers! The last thing you want is an allergic reaction on your wedding day.
Consider using high-quality silk or artificial flowers. Modern faux flowers can be incredibly realistic and eliminate allergy concerns.
2. Do You Have Enough Time?
Depending on how many pieces you are designing and how much experience you have, designing flowers can take quite a bit longer than expected. Professional florists often dedicate 2-3 days for a medium sized wedding and at least 1 day for a small wedding. Can you dedicate 6-8 hours or more the day before the wedding for designing your flowers?
How to fix it —
Get more helpers to reduce the load
Book a flower arranging class for the wedding party to make the personal flowers but hire a professional florist to do the bulk of the work.
Reduce the amount of floral design you are planning
Make a comprehensive plan for the days leading up to your wedding so you know just when you’ll be available.
3. How Experienced Are You?
What's your comfort level with flower arranging, particularly when creating multiple pieces simultaneously? Do you know how long it takes to design each piece needed? If a single centerpiece takes an hour to design, 10 centerpieces (not an uncommon amount for a small wedding) will take 10 hours. Don’t add to the stress of your wedding day by waiting to try your had at floral design!
How to fix it —
Take a wedding-specific floral design workshop (many florists offer these) or hire a professional florist for a private consultation and hands-on tutorial using your chosen flowers.
Practice. Practice. Practice! The more familiar you are with designing, the faster it will be.
4. Have You Defined Your Vision?
Do you have a clear design in mind and have you practiced it beforehand? Are you prepared for some variation from your original vision? Flowers can be vastly different in size and color from month to month, so the flowers you practice with probably won’t match your wedding day flower exactly. Make sure you have a backup design!
Consider working with a professional florist for the design phase only. They can create detailed recipes, instructions, and even video tutorials specific to your vision, which you can then execute yourself.
5. Do You Understand Flower Timing?
Have you researched proper flower opening times? Are you aware that different flowers need different periods to reach their peak bloom state? There’s nothing more frustrating that wanting a big fluffy rose only to have a tight bud that just won’t open!
How to fix it —
Partner with a local florist who can provide flowers at exactly the right stage of opening. They can often advise on optimal cutting and handling times.
Schedule your flowers to arrive several days before the event…if you have the correct storage (see below)
6. What Equipment Do You Need?
Have you gathered all necessary supplies including:
Vases (and consider their post-wedding use)
Floral tools (knives, snips, wires)
Ribbons and floral tape
Buckets for storage
How to fix it —
Make recipes of each piece you’ll be designing. List ALL the required supplies and materials for each. Then go shopping so that you’re prepared in advance.
7. Where Will You Store Everything?
Flowers take up space and need specific conditions to thrive. Have you secured a proper storage area that is:
Cool and dark
Temperature-controlled
Away from pets and children
Protected from direct AC or heater airflow
Is big enough to hold your flowers and designs.
What to do
Plan ahead. Know where you’ll be storing the flowers and how it will effect your living space if you’re designing from home.
Purchase waterproof drop cloths to protect carpet.
Test how cold your space will get.
8. Is Your Workspace Ready?
Don’t scramble at the last minute to clear an area to work. Have you confirmed you have:
Adequate work tables
Easy access to water
Sufficient storage space
The correct tools and supplies
Consider renting a temporary workspace such as:
Community center kitchen
Church fellowship hall
Hotel conference room
These spaces often come with proper lighting, multiple water sources, and adequate table space.
9. Who's On Your Team?
Have you lined up your helpers? There’s a reason professional florists have a team and bring in helpers when needed. In addition to your design crew, you’ll need helpers for:
Backup assistance during creation
Day-of setup for centerpieces and ceremonies
Boutonniere and corsage distribution and attachment
Post-event cleanup and flower removal
How to fix it—
Designate a friend or family member to be in charge of
Handling setup and breakdown
Attaching boutonnieres
Managing flower transportation
Coordinating placement and timing
Remember: If you decide to proceed with DIY wedding flowers, it's a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your special day. Just ensure you're fully prepared for the commitment and have backup plans in place!
Ready to eliminate the stress of DIY wedding flowers? Let Rose of Sharon's expert florists bring your vision to life! With decades of experience in wedding florals, we offer:
Personalized consultations to understand your unique style
Professional design and execution of all floral elements
Day-of coordination and setup
Peace of mind knowing your flowers are in expert hands
Contact us today for a consultation and let us transform your wedding flower dreams into reality!
Schedule your consultation: althea@roseofsharon.com | 479-973-0588