Creating your own wedding flowers as a DIY bride is a fulfilling way to add a personal touch to your big day. However, there’s more to the process than meets the eye, and many brides have important questions about the essentials of DIY florals. Here’s a look at the top things every DIY bride should know before diving into wedding flower design.
Choosing the Right Blooms
One of the first questions DIY brides often ask is, “What flowers are best for a DIY approach?” Choosing hardy blooms that can handle handling and temperature shifts is a must. Classic choices include roses, carnations, eucalyptus, and baby’s breath, which are not only durable but versatile in style. Seasonal flowers are also ideal, as they are typically more budget-friendly and readily available. For a spring wedding, consider tulips and peonies, while a fall ceremony could feature dahlias or chrysanthemums. Knowing what’s in season will help you select fresh blooms that fit both your theme and budget.
Tools and Supplies to Invest In
The right tools make a big difference in the quality of DIY arrangements. Essential tools for floral design include floral shears for clean cuts, floral tape and wire for securing bouquets, and floral foam for anchoring centerpieces. Water tubes can keep stems hydrated, while floral glue is perfect for delicate arrangements. Selecting the right vases or containers is another factor to consider; mason jars work well for rustic themes, while glass cylinders add elegance to modern settings. These supplies help your arrangements stay secure and fresh throughout the celebration.
Preparation and Timing- A big question is always, “When should I start arranging?” Timing is crucial to ensure your flowers look fresh on your wedding day. Ideally, order flowers to arrive 2-3 days beforehand, allowing a day to prep and a day to arrange. When your flowers arrive, trim the stems at an angle, remove excess leaves, and place them in clean water to rehydrate. Hydrating your flowers before arranging helps them bloom fully, creating lush, vibrant bouquets and centerpieces.
Design Tips for a Professional Look- DIY brides often wonder, “How can I make my arrangements look professional?” Start by practicing in advance, experimenting with bouquet styles and centerpiece arrangements. Watching online tutorials can also help you master professional techniques. Layering textures is essential; pairing blooms with greenery like eucalyptus or ferns adds depth, while including dried elements like pampas grass or Eulalia gives a modern twist. Make sure to vary heights and add filler flowers like limonium or wax flowers for a fuller look.
Relax and Enjoy the Process
Photograph: Erin H. Photography
Lastly, remember that making your own wedding flowers is about more than perfection—it’s about adding a personal touch. Treat it as a creative project, and don’t stress too much over minor imperfections. Gather friends or family to help, and make it an enjoyable pre-wedding activity.
With the right planning and tools, DIY brides can create beautiful, personal floral arrangements that add heartfelt charm to their wedding day. Get BloomByTheBox’s FREE DIY Guide to Wedding Flowers guide, a $19.95 value, today!
Tina Merola
As a professional designer with over twenty years of industry experience, Tina's lifelong creative passion has enabled her to pursue her artistry and vision in various professional environments. Drawing on her knowledge from floral techniques and tips from the industry’s leading professionals allows her the opportunity to channel her love of the unique beauty of nature’s many wondrous blooms into stunning floral designs.
