Expert Guidance for Brides-to-Be
When planning your wedding, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to hire a professional florist or create your own floral arrangements. Many brides-to-be are tempted by the DIY route — and for good reason.
DIY Wedding Flowers: The Temptation and the Truth
The main motivation for DIY wedding flowers is usually budget. It’s easy to assume you’ll save a significant amount by handling the flowers yourself. And it’s true — DIY floral arrangements can be more affordable, but the question is: how much cheaper is it really, and what’s involved?
From a florist’s perspective, a typical wedding flower budget is split between two main areas:
- Cost of flowers and accessories (about 50%)
- Cost of services: design, arranging, bouquet creation, boutonnières, delivery, setup, and teardown (the remaining 50%)
What About Flower Costs?
It’s important to know that flower prices themselves don’t vary much. Whether you buy from a supermarket, a general wholesaler, or a florist, the base cost is often similar. However, the selection and quality you get from each source can be dramatically different.
Supermarkets and general wholesalers offer a limited range compared to a professional floral supplier—and this can affect the final look of your arrangements.
Comparing Flower Sources
| Variety of flowers | 5–10 types | 70–80 types |
| Variety of rose colors | 5–7 colors | 70–80 colors |
| Shades of white roses | 1–2 shades | 10–15 shades |
Quality Matters: The Hidden Pitfalls
Another aspect to consider is quality. Supermarket flowers, while convenient, may not meet the standards required for your special day. For example, roses from supermarkets often fail to open fully, staying closed and affecting the overall appearance. The difference between an open rose and a closed one can be striking in wedding photos and decor.
The DIY Myth: “How Hard Can It Be?”
Flowers are always beautiful — so how hard can arranging them really be? If you’re planning simple, minimal decor, it might not be so difficult. However, there are important factors to keep in mind:
- Timing is critical. Flowers are perishable. Their availability, shipping, and preservation require precise planning. Don’t assume you can order any flower at any time—seasonality and logistics matter!
- Preparation takes time. Stems need cleaning and trimming (3–6 hours depending on quantity) and must be hydrated for at least 12 hours before arranging. Skipping these steps can lead to wilted or closed blooms.
- Design is an art — and takes practice. Professionals spend around 30 minutes on a bridal bouquet, 45 minutes on a table arrangement, and 20 minutes on a boutonnière. If you’re new to this, it often takes much longer with no guarantee of great results.
- Setup can’t be rushed. Expect to spend about 20–30 minutes setting up or retouching each table’s arrangement.
If you have no prior experience, it’s easy to underestimate these timeframes—and wedding schedules are rarely flexible.
What Most Couples Regret
Over 80% of couples who go the DIY route later regret it or find it wasn’t worth the savings. Unless you have artistic skill, ample free time, nerves of steel, and are planning a very simple celebration, the DIY approach is rarely stress-free. The risks—unpredictable results, fragile flowers, supplier issues—often outweigh the potential savings. However, if your event is intimate, you’re creative, and you thrive under pressure, making your own arrangements can be a rewarding experience.
When to Hire a Florist
If you want:
- Intricate or large-scale installations (aisles, arches, ceilings, suspended centerpieces)
- Multiple bridesmaids’ bouquets
- Rare, delicate, or out-of-season blooms
…then hiring a professional florist is strongly recommended.
Final Thoughts: Your Dream Wedding, Your Choice
At FleursTouch, we love helping couples throughout Tacoma, Seattle, and all of Washington State bring their unique wedding visions to life. Whether you want the hands-on satisfaction of DIY or the peace of mind that comes from working with an experienced local florist, we have the solutions to help your wedding look its best.
Need help deciding ? Contact us today! We’re always happy to offer advice and floral inspiration, so you can relax and enjoy your special day.