Blooms on a Budget: Your DIY Flower Prep Checklist!
Planning a wedding while still rocking a budget is an adventure but totally doable. Your day is sure to feel as elegant and fresh as a dew-kissed garden, but you need to be smart with every dollar.
Good news: you can absolutely have the stunning, fresh floral look you dream of. By trusting me to create the super-important pieces (like your bouquet and the boutonnieres—the things that will be in every picture!), and letting your wonderful family and friends help with the rest, you're setting yourself up for success!
To make your DIY flower arranging day fun, stress-free, and successful, here’s the ultimate checklist of essential tools. Gather these first, and you’ll be ready to bring those gorgeous Buckets of Blooms to life!
The Essentials: Every Flower Friend Needs These!
These are the non-negotiables. Have these on hand before you pick up your Flowers!
Sharp Clippers or Floral Snips:
Why you need them: A dull cut crushes the flower's stem, making it hard for it to drink water. A sharp, clean cut lets your blooms hydrate and stay fresh longer!
Tip: If you can’t get proper floral snips, a sharp pair of kitchen scissors is better than nothing, but be sure to clean them well!
Buckets, Buckets, Buckets!
Why you need them: When you pick up your Buckets of Blooms flowers they will be in buckets, however, it may be helpful to have a few additional buckets or vases available to spread them out. Have those buckets filled with fresh water to allow the flowers to drink immediately.
Tip: Flowers are thirsty and most will wilt if out of water for long.
The Perfect Vases & Vessels:
Why you need them: These are the final homes for your flowers! Make sure you have the exact number of vases for your centerpiece or accent arrangements. Each bridesmaid bouquet will require a vase with water for it to rest when she isn’t holding it for pictures. (If I am creating the bouquets for you, they will each come with their own vase.
Tip: If you’re buying them used, make sure they are squeaky clean—old germs and mineral deposits can make your flowers wilt faster.
Fresh, Clean Water:
Why you need it: Obvious, but worth saying! You’ll be changing the water in the buckets and filling the final vases.
Tip: Adding a packet of floral food or a spoonful of sugar to your water really does make them drink better. Now is the time to mix it into your water.
The Secret Weapons: Tools for Structure & Stability
These are the items that make your arrangements look polished and professional, even if you’re a total newbie!
Floral Tape (or "Waterproof" Tape):
Why you need it: This tape is water-resistant and often green or clear. It's used to create a "grid" over the mouth of your vase.
How it helps: The tape grid is a game-changer! It acts like a trellis, holding your flower stems exactly where you want them and keeping your design from falling flat or flopping over. Make sure to put it on the vase before any water touches the vase.
Chicken Wire or Floral Foam (Optional, but great for larger arrangements):
Why you need it: For big, lush pieces, a small ball of chicken wire scrunched up inside the vase is an eco-friendly and sturdy mechanic to hold heavy stems in place and give your design lift and dimension.
Paper Towels or an Old Towel:
Why you need it: For wiping up spilled water (it happens!) and for drying the outside of your vases before they are placed on the tables. Spills happen. Be prepared so you won’t stress. In fact, make sure to send a towel or two (or even a small tarp) with whomever is picking up your blooms! Their car will thank you!
The Prep Area: Setting the Stage for Success
The environment you work in is just as important as the tools you use!
A Large, Flat Working Surface:
Why you need it: You need space to spread out! A large table (covered with a plastic cloth or drop sheet) is perfect.
Tip: Try to work in a cool, dim room—flowers hate heat and direct sun! A basement, garage, or even a bathtub can be a great temporary chilling spot.
Your Vision (a printed photo!):
Why you need it: Even with a fun, helping crew, it's easy for styles to drift. Keep a print-out of the look or arrangement style you love most right there for a quick reference. This keeps everyone focused on your elegant vision.
You've got this, future Mrs.!
With a little prep and the helping hands of those who love you, your DIY flower moment will be a cherished memory and a beautiful reflection of your faith and resourcefulness.
