I'm doing my own flowers, need advice...?

We are on a strict budget for our wedding and based on the quotes I've been told, we can't afford a florist. A friend of my Mother told us that we should buy real flowers in bulk online and just do the arrangements ourselves. (that's what they did at her daughters wedding) I love the idea, especially since we aren't doing that many decorations. My fiancee is afraid real flowers will be too much work since we have to care for them overnight. My question is, for those who did their own flowers, how do I know how much to order? Whether I go with silk or real I don't want to overbuy. I do have a floral book that I'm getting ideas from. Also, If it ends up being easier can I mixed silk flowers with real, or is that tacky? The bouquets and stuff will be real. Any advice would be a great help!

I'm doing my own flowers, need advice...?
I only wish I had $5000 to spend on MY wedding! I'm planning an outdoor wedding for May '07 and have done all my own florals with silks. I wouldn't mix fresh and silks either. Doing your own isn't that hard and will save you alot in the end. I bought my silks from several different places, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Dollar General and Dollar Tree. Hobby Lobby will usually have their stems on sale one week and their bunches on sale the next, both at half price. They have some beautiful silks to choose from. If you choose to buy on an off week then they always have a coupon you can use to save 40%. I bought my bouquet holder from Hobby Lobby on a week when they had all their wedding stuff for half off. Choose whatever florals you want to use and all you have to do is cut them and begin placing them in the styrofoam holder, then when you're satisfied with the look, finish it off by wrapping coordinating ribbons around the handle and then looping them thru the hole on the end to have some hanging off. You can go to multiple websites online and print off step by step directions on how to do your own, just do a search on how to.


I also made all the corsages and boutineers too, plus decorations to use thruout the wedding. I'm also decorating an arbor with tulle, red heart lights and silk garlands that will coordinate with my bridal flowers.


If I can do it, anyone can! Just have a hot glue gun, wire cutters, some wire, floral tape and a little confidence in yourself!!


Best wishes for beautiful flowers and a happy life!
Reply:I am not sure what your budget is (I have worked with very small before though) there are a few good options for silks. Dont do real because to keep them from wilting you should refrigerate them overnight and that could take alot of room up in your fridge.


Silks have come a LONG way since their conception, and you can get silks now that are almost impossible to tell from the real thing. Just be sure you get good quality.


I know a few silk florists (online) that work with budgets. If you would like their info email me.





EDIT: You can get good quality silks for less than 300, email me and I will help you cut costs if you like (For FREE). You can have a GREAT wedding on a $5000 budget (or less!)
Reply:If there is anyway you can squeeze any money out of your budget for at least your bouquet, I would highly recommend it. You say you have a book you are looking at, then look at the arm bouquets for your attendants. These would be the easiest for a novice. You really should have a florist do these also. You could choose rather inexpensive flowers, with a flashy bow with streamers. The boutonnieres and corsages you could do in silk, in advance. Check with the church about altar flowers. Some require them. I wish I had more time to help you out more,
Reply:If you have never done flower work before it isnt as easy as it looks.


Silk flowers are tacky , in my opinion for a wedding.





If you are really on a tight budget my suggestion is this.For your Bridal bouquet have what is known as an arm bouquet.Simply put a few stems of fresh flowers tied with ribbon. They can be kept over night in a vase of water, they dont need to be refridgerated if kept cool.same with your bridesmaids.


Bouts. and coursages have made by a florist.They can be kept in the fridge over night. Limit who gets them.





Buying flowers online that are mailed can be a huge mistake if you have never dealt with the company before.Your flowers may be damaged or your shipment late.





If you have a Costco in your area they sell mixed bouquets of flowers in the store they now also sell wedding packages online.The people that provide this service are usually wholsale growers in your area. Look at their packages online.


You can also pre order flowers from the store in some areas talk to the manager.
Reply:I wouldn't mix real and silk. Not in the same bouquet, at least. You could give your maid/matron of honor a real bouquet, and give the rest of your girls silk, though. As far as overordering, if you find silks online or whatever that you like, buy just one or 2 bushes. Chances are you local WalMart/Hobby Lobby/Michael's has the same thing for half the price. Also, I know that MOST Hobby Lobby stores have someone who designs silk bouquets. Not sure on pricing, but if you have one near you it might be worth the time to check it out. You could also google silk wedding bouquets. Most places where you order the full bouquets you can pick the type/color of flower to be used.
Reply:For decoration I only use artificial flowers, life flowers are only for bouquet boutonniere etc. sometimes people use real flower for centerpieces, which is OK and usually doesn't cost as much. Sure if you can do your own arrangement to look like the ones you see in the magazine, feel free to do so.


Yes my florist did say it is a lot of work to keep your flowers fresh for the event and it will cost you utility bills too I think, because you might not have time to arrange the flowers the day before the wedding right? means you will buy them 2 or 3 days prior then arrange them then store them with the right temperature etc..