I was oh so very nervous to do my own flowers. Everyone told me horror stories, everyone said: "don't put that pressure on yourself right before the wedding". Though I knew flowers were important to me and we were definitely on a budget. I'm a bit of a frugal shopper, so that played a factor in going this route. I barely looked into a florist as I got one quote nearly $4,000!!! Ek. I ordered flowers per the colors I wanted, dusty rose, burgundy, white, cream, and greenery. Almost everything went to plan. Unfortunately, the week of the wedding a hurricane hit where some of the flowers came from, 2 orders were delayed a day and another I had to swap for another flower. I was pretty bummed since the peony rose was one of the main flowers I was really excited to work with but I had low expectations, to begin with, so I was okay with it. When the flowers arrived I had the 3 days prior to the wedding off. I prepared all the flowers solo. I turned on some jams and followed the care directions, pretty easy process just time consuming due to the number of flowers. I have no experience with flowers so on the Thursday before I decided to try to put together a bouquet to get a feel for timing. I did call a friend for some reinforcements, which was fun...we sat down with some wine and put together 4 bridesmaid bouquets and my bouquet. The next day I went to the venue around 11am with my sister and put together 10 vase centerpieces, 5 boutonnieres, 4 wrist corsages. Had it all done by the time of rehearsal at 5pm. The day of the wedding we are very fortunate to have some amazing friends, the boys in the wedding went to the venue to set up in the am and each took turns helping to decorate the 10 remaining plate centerpieces (just a flower or 2 with greenery), the arbor, the "head" (sweetheart) table, and the seating chart sign. We had plenty of greenery and etcetera left over. My only regret was the boutonnieres and the corsages which I think should have been done the day of, due extended amount of time without water these didn't hold up amazing but oh well. I think it is also important to point out that it was the random 90 degree September day outside which the entire wedding (ceremony & reception) was held on, the flowers were out for hours and did pretty well! I think if you are a laid back type of bride, or have floral experience, or have family/friends to help this is an amazing option! I would recommend fifty flowers to anyone!!!
