I like flowers as much as the next person, but when I heard that $100+ for a bridal bouquet wasn't unusual I stood slack-jawed and more than a little shocked. In response (retaliation?) I started looking up inexpensive, DIY bouquets and was so happy to see that simple bouquets can be just as pretty as the big-budget ones.
Just look at these stunners!
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What do you think? Am I being too stingy or are you also a proponent of a DIY bouquet?
19 comments:
I read on one blog... maybe green wedding shoes or 100 layer cake that the bride went to a local flower shop and bought a ton of the flowers she wanted. She also bought twigs and buttons and ribbons (anything she wanted) and the day before (or was it morning of the wedding??) she and the bridesmaids all made their bouquets. I LOVED that idea! Each bouquet was a little different and super special because everyone got to make their own. <3
My mom hated the idea and didn't want me worrying about it. So I found a florist who worked out of her house. I used weddingwire.com to read a lot of the reviews and find the right one for me. We are getting a TON of flowers (my bouquet, 3 bridesmaids, 3 grandmother corsages, 1 mother of the bride corsage, our flower-tween's pomander, a grooms boutonniere, 3 groomsmen boutonnieres, 3 grandfather boutonnieres, 1 father of the bride boutonniere, 10 centerpieces [with vase rental], 10 mason jars filled with flowers to line the aisle on Sheppard hooks [which will later be moved to the cocktail hour tables] and manzanita branches in a vase to help display our table seating arrangement) all for about $1850... did I mention this includes delivery??? The first florist I contacted said I would have to spend a min. of $4,000 unless I had permission from the owner to spend less. I'm so happy with our florist!
I've also heard of people who contacted local farms to get flowers, or they went to the grocery stores in the morning of and buying a bunch of pre-made arrangements. We even had a consultation with the grocery store Wegmans here. But they didn't deliver to our venue.
I don't mind the DIY flowers, the only thing to think about is keeping them fresh looking. I would think you'd want to keep them in a cool place so they don't wilt. I'm not a huge silk flower fan (like the ones you get a Michaels) ... but I love other kinds of alternates like paper flowers or fabric. They can be so pretty!!!
http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/diy-newspaper-paper-flowers-bouquet.jpg (paper)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/83558149/handmade-bride-bouquet-weddings-yellow?ref=v1_other_1 (fabric)
I love the DIY idea, it's unique and can be easily done! There are a ton of youtube videos explaining how to make bouquets, you'd just need the flowers. Maybe from a wholesaler? Run with it, I think it's a fantastic way to go!
April, you are a rockstar!
Isn't it crazy how expensive everything is?! As far as DIY projects, just keep in mind that the day itself is already stressful because emotions are running so high. So having to worry about completing a DIY project on the morning of may not be ideal.
For me, the LAST thing I wanted to do was worry about finishing things. I put our favors together (small, clear boxes filled with Jelly Bellies in our colors) the week of & that was enough DIY stuff for me. Of course, not everything is as customized but it takes SO.much pressure off of you to have vendors take care of everything.
Also, don't count on friends helping you out at crunch time. People seem more than willing to offer up their time to help with projects but when it actually gets down to doing the work, they tend to disappear. I would say count on your family (if you know they're trustworthy) & everything else plan it so that if you had to do it all by yourself, you could.
Happy planning! I'm so excited for you!
PS - I hope you're not seeing my comments as a downer...I'm just trying to be as realistic with you as possible. There are so many things I didn't think about before the wedding that I wish I had! Obviously it's just my opinion & I'm only trying to help & play devil's advocate :o)
Beautiful!!! I love the little bouquet on the lapel.
Shannon
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
Oh such pretty arrangements :D
Xoxo
Splurge on the photographer NOT flowers. I went to the local grocery store, that had a florist department and ordered my bouquet and my two bridesmaids bouquets too!!
Mrs. C,
Not a downer at all!! As I told my sweet friend who emailed rather than commented for fear at it'd be "mean," I sincerely want to know this stuff. I've never done this before so I REALLY want to hear brides' opinions!
Thank you SO much for the honesty and PLEASE do not be shy sharing info. God knows I need it!
Totally agree with Mrs. C on being stress-free the day of. Flower arranging is harder than it looks, IMO. But that being said, a simple bouquet like the ones you have pictured would be amazing!
I love the idea of putting diy projects in your wedding! I think it adds personality (: Go for it girl!
Sure thing girl! I'll be following along every step of the way. And I'll always give to ya straight! :o)
i definitely just adore the simple bouquets. you can never go wrong. beautiful!
xo TJ
My sister bought out the flower shop the night before too. It turned out lovely, but she had a friend do the arranging for her. Why not dIY for the bridesmaids with simple baby's breath and have yours done by a florist? But don't tell them it is for your wedding...make it for an anniversary. In general people hear wedding and hike the price up! Good luck!
Loving the baby's breath. Just gorgeous
I love those ideas and the first one is simply stunning. Have a great morning, sunshine. xo
Julianna, that suggestion is pure genius!! THANK YOU!!!
I'd have to say DIY bouquet is harder than it looks unless you want a very simple look like the first pictured. Although it would be a great bonding activity with your bridesmaids, do keep in mind where you are going to get flowers the night before and how you are going to keep it fresh on your big day. My friend's mother took care of the flowers for her wedding and the flowers were wilted before the ceremony even started. The venue was gorgeous, the wedding was beautiful and the flowers had so much meaning because it was home grown but it did not make the cut for most of the photos. If you're going with DIY, I can share some tips on keeping it fresh. ;) But personally, I'd rather spend time making DIY projects for centerpieces and gift items. I want my flowers to be lively for photographs!
these diy bouquets are fantastic. go for it....unless you're worried about having enough time to make them.
Go for it! My sister made wedding bouquets before and they were so cheap to buy and make them yourself. Totally worth it!
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