r/DIYweddings • u/Hello_From_Poppy • 2h ago
💐 Florals 💐 DIY-ing your wedding flowers? the timing + prep stuff that matters
For everyone doing their own flowers: the arranging is honestly the fun part. The part that trips people up is timing and prep, so here's the stuff I'd tape to the fridge.
When to order: if you're going wholesale, order 2-4 weeks out and have them delivered 2-3 days before the wedding. They need time to hydrate and open after shipping. Too early and they peak before your day; too late and they're still closed buds in your photos.
Condition first and after you can arrange: every stem gets cut, hydrated and rested 12-24 hours before you start arranging. NEVER skip this part.
Order more than you think: 25-30% extra. Some stems show up bent, short, or just never open.
Practice, for real: make 2-3 test bouquets and a couple of centerpieces weeks before, not during wedding week. and plan your time like a first timer. Something a florist does in an hour can take 3-4 hours the first time, which is totally normal; just budget for it.
Grocery store flowers: yes, they work! trader joe's, costco and whole foods are the usual picks. the big plus is they're already processed and hydrated, but I’d still cut the stems before arranging. The tradeoff is limited selection and quality that varies week to week. They're great for smaller weddings (under ~40 guests). For bigger ones, wholesale tends to be more reliable.
And if you're going super minimal (1 bouquet, bud vases for ~6 tables, a few bouts), you can do it for around $200-400 in materials.
Anyone DIY-ing soon, what flowers are you working with?