Flower Arrangements - Can I Do Them Myself?

Hi there everyone:

I wouldn`t consider myself an exceptionally `crafty` person, but I`m looking into doing some things on my own to save some $$ on this monster I`m calling a wedding! One of those things is the flowers, or at least part of them.

First of all, what do I need as far as flowers go? Obviously I need a bouquet for me and my bridesmaids and boutineers for the men. A few sprigs on the pews perhaps, what else for the church? The reception, are centerpieces costly? (I`ve not visited the florist yet to figure out prices).

Next question - are any of these items simple enough for me to do them myself? How much work is involved in say, making a centerpiece or a couple of arrangements for the church alter? And in the end, would it save me much money? Is it even worth the hassle?

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

K
Posted by Kimberly; updated 03/02/03

Reply

First check on the Internet & get a idea for the types of Flowers you`re wanting then go to your Local Hobby Lobby & look if you wait you can get them on sale about half off. For Pew Bows you could Make your own Bows out of the Ribbon that they sell there as well. For our Centerpieces I both some Floral Shaped Votive Holders at our Big Lots & bought Small Crystal Taper Holders & I glued them together for our Centerpieces.
I mixed & Matched the Candle Holders Half & Half & found the Taper Holders at Family Dollar for 2/$1.00
So I spent about $60.00 for 48 Centerpieces.
Hope This Helps
Tami
Tksavon@Yahoo.com
Posted by Tami; updated 03/02/03

Reply

Hello!
Of course you can do your flowers yourself. I am not so hot in the artsey fartsey area either but have been creating beautiful centerpieces, boquets, and corsages in preparation for my wedding. I picked a simple flower of Daisy and pine since we are getting married in the woods. I have found that baskets are quite inexpensive at Wal-Mart (yes, Wal-Mart) and flowers to be of great quality and economically friendly at SAMS. There are also some quite helpful sites if you search under floral design, that give free advice and step by step instructions on creating arrangements, treating the flowers, etc. Hope that this helps you, and that you have a wonderful time practicing before the big day!
Posted by Betsey; updated 03/03/03

Reply

Yes, you can do flowers yourself... But do you really want to be messing with that right before your wedding? I know I`m the `debby downer` here but I just want you to really think about the week of the wedding. If you`re wanting fresh flowers you won`t be able to purchase and arrange them until right before your wedding (unless you happen to have a large cooler that will hold them all safely!) and that last week is a busy week with lots of last minute preparations. I know weddings can be expensive- I just got married two weeks ago. But I don`t think it`s worth the money you will save- and it will only be minimal. I know this because a friend of mine did her own flowers (and she got them all at SAMS) and still spent $500 on them. I bought my flowers and spent $600. The difference is that she (and those she got to help her) spent the evening before the wedding working on flowers- arranging them, taping them, wrapping them... And I spent the evening before my wedding enjoying the groom`s dinner and spending time with my family and friends. The bottom line is that it`s your wedding and you should do what you want but I would suggest at least checking some local florists for pricing first- it might be much less than you anticipated.
Good luck with whatever you decide and I wish you a very happy marriage!
Posted by Krista; updated 07/02/07

Reply

I have been working with brides that purchase their own flowers acording to my specifications and designs and in turn I have been making their arrangements for a fee. It does save them money. I do tell them if they are purchasing their own flowers I can not be held responsible for the condition of the flowers when they arive. If they are in bad condition and more is needed it is up to them to fix the problem. If I have to fix the problem then there are additional charges and they will pay a higher price for the flowers alone. Many things can be done these days by the bride or a friend that`s easy. Sometimes you can`t get into the venue until an hour before the event to decorate. This does create problems. Saving money is great, but having a professional helping you is worth it`s weight in gold. When thinking of centerpieces don`t be affraid to do something other than flowers. Create different designs for tables. Use rental items rather than purchasing items. This can be very cost affective and creat drama.

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Posted by Scott; updated 07/02/07