DIY Wedding Flowers Part 1

The best way to teach a subject matter is while you are in the midst of going through the process (mistakes and all.) So here we go.

1. What flowers are in bloom during the month of your wedding? This will save you money and allow you to get fresh blooms. This is a great place to start because there is no need in designing a boquet with flowers that are out of season and not wildly available to the public.
2. Do your "colors"  matter? I am having a June wedding so I have chosen not to carry a prominent color throughout. I want to display all of the colorful blooms available during that month. If your colors are important, research which blooms are available in those colors.
3. What is your budget? If you plan to DIY your wedding flowers, I'm assuming you have a small wedding budget. To save money, I suggest: a) less expensive blooms that come in a fuller size ie. hydrangeas b) using more greenery than blooms ie. magnolia leaves c) finding an inexpensive BUT reliable source
4. What do you have in mind for the design? Do your reserach. There are so many styles available for wedding arrangements, but you must narrow it down. This will not happen in a day so be patient, and have fun with it. Once you have your designs picked out, save example pictures for a resource.
5. What will be your source? I have heard horror stories of flowers not arriving on time from places such as Costco. However, I have also heard positive stories about these sources. I suggest Trader Joes or your local farmer's market (if your wedding is during the spring/summer) OR a wholesale flower market if you have that available in your area. Reach out to these places to build a relationship with a contact in advance. If you are looking to use Trader Joes, visit the store 3-4 months in advance to speak with a store manager. Ask him/her if you can come back the month before the wedding to see the boquets that will be available. 

Xoxo

Ashley Lynn