DIY Wedding Flowers – Is it right for me?

Hello, my name is Michael Geiger from 48LongStems, here to guest blog about DIY Wedding Flowers. 

There is a trend spreading throughout the country – Do-it-yourself (DIY) brides are looking to handle their own flower needs for their wedding.  The ability to express their creativity and save money at the same time is becoming more and more attractive. 

One of the keys to saving money is to buy in bulk.  Ordering a few stems of calla lilies or a handful of hydrangeas limits your savings.   Larger orders however, for example 20 hydrangeas, 100 roses, or even 30 calla lilies are quantities that a farm can ship direct to you.  Shipping in bulk allows a bride to spend, less than $1 per stem for a long stem rose versus going to a retail florist that would charge between $4 — $5 per stem.  That’s quite a savings!

Will my flowers arrive as expected?  How will these flowers survive the journey?  Many brides are suspicious at first, but with improved delivery systems it’s now possible!  48LongStems has a collection of wedding flowers that are shipped direct from the farm and delivered to the bride’s door the following day to ensure their freshness.  Simply place your flowers in water and they’ll be as fresh as if you picked them up from a florist that day!

 Since ordering flowers wholesale is a relatively new phenomenon, brides tend to be concerned if they can really work with flowers.  I have to say making a bridal or bridesmaid’s bouquets with roses is remarkably easy, and a bouquet with calla lilies is even easier.  There are many instructional books and videos online that show how these bouquets are arranged. 

Table centerpieces is one of the simplest areas where a bride can save her hard earned money.  One or two hydrangeas or a couple of calla lilies in a vase requires no formal floral education.  All you need to do is cut the stem and place them in a vase with water!  Many people don’t realize vases can be purchased very inexpensively from local stores like Wal-Mart, Jo-Ann Fabric, or Target.  Remember – if you choose a florist you’ll be charged for flowers, vases, labor to insert the flowers and the delivery cost.  This is an easy area to save if you have the time!

If you are thinking about doing your own flowers for your wedding and unsure of how it all comes together check out 48LongStems.  Our bridal planners on staff can explain how to make a bouquet, help you estimate how many flowers you might need, and even confirm if working with flowers is right for you.  Here’s a great guide to get your started:

Are DIY Wedding Flowers right for you?

Yes

• I want flowers that are in season.
• I can use many of the same verity of flowers.
• You, your friends, or family have the time before your wedding to do the work.
• You are watching your wedding budget.
• You want to add a personal sentimental touch to your wedding by way of flowers.

No

• I want flowers that are out of season.
• I want just a few stems of a variety of a flower.
• I want just a few stems of a specific color of a flower.
• You do not have time to work with the flowers before the wedding.
• Money to be spent on flowers is not a problem.

Here are some tips if you want to order in your own wedding flowers:

Roses – This is a very stable flower in your basic colors.  Stay away from pastel colors for their life is a bit short.

Calla Lilies – If you order calla lilies make sure they arrive “open”.  Many farms like to ship closed so they can pack more in a box.  Trying to time the calla lilies to open for a specific day is too tricky for the average bride.

Lilies – Whether you order Asiatic or Oriental lilies they are shipped “cracked” in bud form so they will open up for your big day.  If they have are not opening up as quickly as you would like put the stems in water slightly above room temperature.  This will speed up the process.

Peonies – Peonies are a very delicate flower.  If you really want them, consider garden roses.  They are a little less expensive and more durable.

Carnations – They are very hardy flower, and very inexpensive.  A bouquet of all white carnations very tightly packed looks very beautiful.  This idea is one of my most favorite things to suggest to a bride who is on a budget.

48Longstems is a wholesale florist that ships flowers directly from the farm to you. This allows you to get the freshest flowers for your wedding at the lowest cost. If you are a bride that wants to make your own flower arrangements, come look at our extensive line of wedding flowers. You will see premium long stem roses, calla lilies, roses, Gerber daises, oriental lilies, carnations, and much more.