DIY Wedding Flowers: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

I was in a planning meeting with one of my couples last week, and we finally landed on florals. After months of debating whether to hire a florist, they decided to DIY, and asked me for all my best tips.

Before we jump in, here’s the honest truth:

• If florals are a top priority

• AND you have room in your budget

• AND you don’t want to handle flowers the week of your wedding

👉 I recommend hiring a florist. I have wonderful florist referrals who work with a wide range of budgets.

But if you’re excited to DIY, enjoy hands-on projects, and have a few helpful friends or wedding party members — this can absolutely work for you 💐

I’ve done:

• Simple wedding florals (bud vases, bouquets, boutonnieres)

• Corporate florals (including ikebana-style arrangements)

So here’s exactly how to do this the right way.

STEP 1: Decide If DIY Florals Are Right for You

DIY flowers work best if:

• You’re keeping things simple (bud vases, greenery, small bouquets)

• You have help (friends, family, bridal party)

• You’re okay doing floral prep the week of your wedding

If that sounds good — let’s go!

STEP 2: Find Your Inspiration

Before buying a single flower, get clear on your look.

Do this first:

• Scroll Pinterest or Instagram

• Save photos you love

• Look for patterns, not perfection

Take notes on:

• Color palette

• Type of greenery

• How many arrangements per table

• Rough size of arrangements

• Flowers per vase

• Vase style (we’ll talk about vases another time)

This will guide everything you buy.

STEP 3: Choose Where to Buy Your Flowers

Your two best DIY options:

🌸 Costco (Your Base Flowers + Greenery)

Best for:

• Hydrangeas

• Roses

• Greenery (eucalyptus, ruscus, garlands)

• Bulk, consistent color

My favorite Costco flowers:

• Ranunculus

• Lilies

• Roses

• Greenery bundles

Costco also has a wedding flower section with pre-curated color palettes:
https://www.costco.com/wedding-event-flowers.html

If you’re doing white florals, the Soft Grace Wedding Collection is a favorite.

They also sell:

• 6’ greenery table runners (4-packs) — great for long tables

Why Costco is great:

• Delivered to your door

• Reliable quality

• Excellent for large quantities

🌼 Trader Joe’s (Your “Fun” & Unique Flowers)

Best for:

• Unique or seasonal flowers

• Accent blooms

• Smaller quantities

Pro tips:

• Go early in the morning for best selection

• Inventory changes daily and seasonally

• Ask the floral team 1 month ahead about special orders

• Some stores will order by color palette (not guaranteed)

Trader Joe’s flowers don’t last as long — don’t buy earlier than 5–7 days before the wedding.

They also have black floral buckets you can ask for (great for keeping flowers in water).

STEP 4: Know What to Buy Where

Buy from Costco:

• Hydrangeas

• Roses

• Most greenery

Buy from Trader Joe’s:

• Unique blooms

• Accent flowers

• Seasonal varieties

Avoid (especially for heat):

• Purple roses (open too fast)

• Tulips (not hardy)

• Hydrangeas (Trader Joe’s only — shrivel quickly)

• Gerber daisies (need constant water)

Great hardy options:

• Button mums

• Lisianthus (looks like garden roses)

• Tuberose (loves heat, smells amazing)

• Sunflowers

• Tropical flowers (great for warm weddings)

STEP 5: Estimate How Many Flowers You Need

Round Tables (8 ft)

• 1–3 arrangements per table

• Multiply:

  • Number of tables

  • × arrangements per table

  • × stems per arrangement

Rectangle Tables (8 ft)

• 5–10 bud vases per table

• Multiply:

  • Number of tables

  • × bud vases

  • × stems per vase

Bouquets

• Bridesmaids can do:

  • Single stems

  • Or smaller versions of the bridal bouquet

• Add greenery to make bouquets look fuller without extra cost

STEP 6: Gather Your Supplies

Have these ready before flowers arrive:

• Floral shears

• Buckets or vases

• Floral tape

• Floral foam (if not using water-filled vases)

STEP 7: Order Your Flowers at the Right Time

Costco flowers are fresh and perishable.

• Order about 2 weeks before your wedding

• Follow the timing recommendations on each product page

https://www.costco.com/floral.html

Trader Joe’s:

• Buy or pick up within a week of the wedding

STEP 8: When Flowers Arrive (Very Important!)

1. Open boxes immediately

2. Remove all plastic sleeves

3. Trim stems at a 45° angle (about 1 inch)

4. Place in clean, room-temp water

5. Add floral preservative

6. Store in a cool, shaded area

7. Change water every 24–48 hours

Do not put flowers in your fridge — food gases will ruin them.

STEP 9: Quick Bouquet Storage Hack

If bouquets need to be pre-made:

• Wrap stem ends in soaking wet paper towels

• Place in a sturdy zip-top bag

• Secure with rubber bands

• Cover with ribbon

Store bouquets in the coolest place in your house (bathroom or garage).

BONUS TIP: Look for Local Wholesale Flowers

Google:
“Wholesale flowers open to the public near me”

Some wholesalers:

• Have better prices

• Offer larger selections

• Will even help with arrangements

Coming Next…

In my next post, I’ll walk you through:

• Making centerpieces

• Creating bouquets

• How to set everything up efficiently

This guide is just for buying the right flowers and the right amount 🌿