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DIY Wedding.

by Allison
(Denver, CO)

I am looking into making my own Bouquet,Maid of Honors Bouquet,6 Corsets, 21 center pieces, and instead of having our flower girls throw flowers down I am going to have them carry Flower Balls!

My question is: we are doing Carnations light blue, orange and white. Would it be cheaper to do fake flowers or just go to a whole sale place and buy fresh flowers?

I still am clueless on how many flowers this is going to take me to make. i just need to try to figure that out as well.. any advice on that?

Thanks,
Allison

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DIY Wedding.

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Jan 28, 2010

You're welcome!
by: Louann

You are very welcome, Allison!

Also be sure that the quotes include any extra costs, such as delivery, setup, etc. It's amazing how those "extras" can begin to add up!

Doing your own flowers can be a real challenge - so if you're nervous about it it IS wise to get quotes from professionals.

Many blessings on your wedding day - I hope all your dreams come true!

Jan 27, 2010

Thank you so much!
by: Allison

All your input is very helpful to me. I have a few quotes from a few people and they range from 250 (plus tax i didn't know she didn't included it) up to 600!

I will be sitting down and talking to each one and have in writing how many flowers each item will have, how much labor will cost and all the supplies and more!

Thank you again!

Ps. i thought about buying online but very scared to do so what if they aren't what i thought they were or they aren't in great condition! And how to store them. I just rather not deal with that stress!

Jan 27, 2010

Go for It!
by: Louann

If someone else is willing to do the labor and can do it cheaper - let them!! It gives you more time.

Carnations are one of the cheapest flowers than a florist can buy in huge lots. You as a bride may have to pay $1 for a carnation that the florist only has to pay 20 cents for. I doubt if they'll use 300 in your wedding, so this is where they can probably build in the labor cost.

Please, however, be perfectly clear on what they are doing for the money. You don't want to be surprised to receive much less on your wedding day than you were anticipating.

As a bride customer buying from an online farm, you can buy individual carnations for around 65 cents.

http://www.bloomsbythebox.com/pub/showvariety.cfm?categoryid=8

.65 x 300 = $195.00

Supplies would probably be another $50 or so.
Plus the cost of your vases. At a dollar store, vases would add another $12.00

Total $257.00 plus tax plus your labor.

If you can get 12 vases of a dozen carnations, 2 pomanders, a wedding bouquet, 2 corsages and 5 boutonnieres.

In my area, a dozen carns in a vase typically runs $35.00. (Check out FTD, and 1-800 Flowers)

12 vases x $35.00 = $420

A typical bridal bouquet (you said 25-30 carnations) would be at least $50 (I can't imagine it any cheaper than that . . .)

2 bouquets (30 stems each) x $50 = $100

Typically - it's higher. See:

http://www.thefind.com/gifts/info-carnation-bouquet

$155 and that's only one bouquet and a bout!

We haven't even talked about the 2 corsages and 5 boutonnieres - even at $6.00 each (Most shops can't do it for that . . . not and pay employees!)
But for the sake of trying to keep it really cheap:

$6.00 x 7 = $42.00

Totals:

$420 + $100 + $42 + $40 (est tax) = $602.

So if you have a shop that is willing to do all that labor AND provide the flowers for $250 - jump on it. I question how the shop stays in business . . . but I know a bargain when I see one!

Since typically the flower bill for a wedding is usually $1000 - $1500 - you can see where $600 would be considered to be a lower cost wedding. When I worked in a flower shop as the Head Wedding Designer, my basic flowers (just attendents, groomsmen & corsage work) hardly ever ran less than $600. That didn't even count a dozen centerpieces.

I think it's a marvelous bargain! Just be very careful to know EXACTLY what you are getting and have it in writing before paying a deposit.

Blessings on your wedding day!

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Jan 27, 2010
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Submitted by: Louann

Title

Comment
If someone else is willing to do the labor and can do it cheaper - let them!! It gives you more time. Carnations are one of the cheapest flowers than a florist can buy in huge lots. You as a bride may have to pay $1 for a carnation that the florist only has to pay 20 cents for. I doubt if they'll use 300 in your wedding, so this is where they can probably build in the labor cost. Please, however, be perfectly clear on what they are doing for the money. You don't want to be surprised to receive much less on your wedding day than you were anticipating. As a bride customer buying from an online farm, you can buy individual carnations for around 65 cents. http://www.bloomsbythebox.com/pub/showvariety.cfm?categoryid=8 .65 x 300 = $195.00 Supplies would probably be another $50 or so. Plus the cost of your vases. At a dollar store, vases would add another $12.00 Total $257.00 plus tax plus your labor. If you can get 12 vases of a dozen carnations, 2 pomanders, a wedding bouquet, 2 corsages and 5 boutonnieres. In my area, a dozen carns in a vase typically runs $35.00. (Check out FTD, and 1-800 Flowers) 12 vases x $35.00 = $420 A typical bridal bouquet (you said 25-30 carnations) would be at least $50 (I can't imagine it any cheaper than that . . .) 2 bouquets (30 stems each) x $50 = $100 Typically - it's higher. See: http://www.thefind.com/gifts/info-carnation-bouquet $155 and that's only one bouquet and a bout! We haven't even talked about the 2 corsages and 5 boutonnieres - even at $6.00 each (Most shops can't do it for that . . . not and pay employees!) But for the sake of trying to keep it really cheap: $6.00 x 7 = $42.00 Totals: $420 + $100 + $42 + $40 (est tax) = $602. So if you have a shop that is willing to do all that labor AND provide the flowers for $250 - jump on it. I question how the shop stays in business . . . but I know a bargain when I see one! Since typically the flower bill for a wedding is usually $1000 - $1500 - you can see where $600 would be considered to be a lower cost wedding. When I worked in a flower shop as the Head Wedding Designer, my basic flowers (just attendents, groomsmen & corsage work) hardly ever ran less than $600. That didn't even count a dozen centerpieces. I think it's a marvelous bargain! Just be very careful to know EXACTLY what you are getting and have it in writing before paying a deposit. Blessings on your wedding day!

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Jan 26, 2010

Thank you!
by: Allison

Thank you so much! Thanks for making the page. and letting me know. They are very pretty.

I was calling around to floral shops and I was surprised that hiring someone to do it all for me is cheaper them me just buying the carnations!

Thanks again!

Jan 25, 2010

I created a Page for You!
by: Louann

Allison-

I created a page especially for you, featuring carnation centerpieces. See it at:

http://www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com/carnation-centerpieces.html

The top picture is an even dozen carnations - yet the second is a half pomander ball and it has 36 carnations in it! See what a different style and size can make!

The bottom two are more traditional. Mixed with greens, you get a larger arrangement for the same dozen stems.

If you stay with no more than a dozen carns in each centerpiece and multiply that by 12 vases - you will need 144 carnations. Another 30 for each bouquet is 60 more. Add in another dozen for bouts and corsages and you are close to 200 carnations. So yes . . . I think 300 carnations will more than do your centerpieces plus give you plenty of leeway in case you decide to add more to your centerpieces or bouquets.

As far as a Beidermeier - you may want to mix in some miniatures of different colors OR a few different flowers for a true Beidermeier.

Blessings!

Louann

Jan 18, 2010

DIY flowers
by: Allison

Louann,

My center pieces are vase and we are thinking of doing 1 of the 2 options. I have 21 vases but not sure if I am going to fill all 21. We only have 10 tables. But for the cake table I might do 2 vases so a total of 12! The vases are 3 inchs all the way around the top and 5 inch tall!

1. getting the gel crystals (sorry don't know the exact name of them) and putting it in the vase and just filling it with flowers.

Or

2. getting some floral balls and cutting them in half and placing them on top of the vase and cover it with flowers.

I plan on doing 2 pomander balls maybe 3 inch or the 4 1/2 inch balls.( something small for a 4 and 5 year old to carry!

2 bouquets either The Biedermeier Bouquet or The Posy Bouquet I want them some what small. I was told anywere from 25 to 30 per bouquet (but one florist told me the Biedermeier doesn't look good with carnations)

2 corsages (with 2 flower each)

5 boutonnieres (with 1 flower each).

Thanks for your help.. You have been so very helpful!

Jan 17, 2010

The florist
by: Louann

Hmmm . . . that's a loaded questions since I don't know exactly what style you plan on for any of the designs, how many bouquet or how big the centerpieces will be. I'll give you some references.

The orange and green carnation bouquet at the bottom of this page:

http://www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com/autumn-wedding-bouquets.html

has 22 peach carns and 12 green carns in it.

A mounded circle of carnations on a centerpiece will probably take 25-27 carnations - less if you are just putting carnations in a vase.

It can take 16 - 18 standard carnations to cover a 4 1/2" pomander foam ball tightly.

12 tightly packed carnations can make a lovely hand tied bouquet for bridesmaids.

It all comes down to . . . how big and what style are you making everything in. That's why jotting down how much for each bouquet, every bout, every corsage & each centerpiece - then literally tallying up the answers!

Jan 16, 2010

DIY Wedding
by: Allison

Louann the Florist,

Thank you so much. This is such a big help. I am only doing carnations in everything. I have been looking more online about DIY Wedding flowers and Kind of have an Idea on how many flowers I will need. I am thinking about buying 100 blue 100 orange and 100 white.

I was reading on another blog it usually takes 25-30 for each bouquet. I need 4 bountierrs (SP), 2 corsets, 2 Pomander (Small balls), and 10 center pieces ( I already have the vases and know how I am doing the flowers for them).

Does 300 Carnations seem about right or does it seem to little?

Thanks,
Allison

Jan 16, 2010

Flower costs
by: Louann the Florist

Allison -

If you can truly buy fresh flowers at wholesale prices, they will probably be cheaper than silk (at least cheaper than quality silks . . .)

To count flowers needed, get some paper with columned rules on it.

Straight down on the left side write every flower piece you are going to create, right down to the boutonnieres.

Across the top, list every flower variety you are going to use (such as carnations, roses, miniature carnations, etc.)

Then you'll almost have to visualize the bouquet. In otherwords, you may write down that you want 9 roses in your bouquet and 5 in each bridesmaid, 2 in each corsage, 1 in each boutonniere.

Do the same for every variety of flower you want.

If you buy wholesale, you'll probably have to buy in full bunches. Generally roses come 25 to a bunch, carnations come 20 and most other flowers are usually 10 to a bunch.

If you add up every rose you need - say you find the total is 37. Then you'll need to buy 2 bunches - which would be 50. Always go a little over - since you may have to allow for a bad flower or broken stem etc.

Then list at the bottom every hard good you need - 25 floral containers, corsage leaves, floral adhesive, etc.

By the time you go to the flower market, you will have a list that will help you keep within your budget!

If you can't visualize your bouquet, browse this site and find one about the size you'd like. Then count the flowers. Substitute the flowers you'd like instead of the ones pictured. This should give you a close idea of how many individual flowers you need.

I just put up a tutorial for many bouquets, plus the flower balls - check them out here:

http://www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com/how-to-make-bouquets.html

Many blessings on your wedding day!

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Jan 16, 2010
Rating

Submitted by: Louann the Florist

Title

Comment
Allison - If you can truly buy fresh flowers at wholesale prices, they will probably be cheaper than silk (at least cheaper than quality silks . . .) To count flowers needed, get some paper with columned rules on it. Straight down on the left side write every flower piece you are going to create, right down to the boutonnieres. Across the top, list every flower variety you are going to use (such as carnations, roses, miniature carnations, etc.) Then you'll almost have to visualize the bouquet. In otherwords, you may write down that you want 9 roses in your bouquet and 5 in each bridesmaid, 2 in each corsage, 1 in each boutonniere. Do the same for every variety of flower you want. If you buy wholesale, you'll probably have to buy in full bunches. Generally roses come 25 to a bunch, carnations come 20 and most other flowers are usually 10 to a bunch. If you add up every rose you need - say you find the total is 37. Then you'll need to buy 2 bunches - which would be 50. Always go a little over - since you may have to allow for a bad flower or broken stem etc. Then list at the bottom every hard good you need - 25 floral containers, corsage leaves, floral adhesive, etc. By the time you go to the flower market, you will have a list that will help you keep within your budget! If you can't visualize your bouquet, browse this site and find one about the size you'd like. Then count the flowers. Substitute the flowers you'd like instead of the ones pictured. This should give you a close idea of how many individual flowers you need. I just put up a tutorial for many bouquets, plus the flower balls - check them out here: http://www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com/how-to-make-bouquets.html Many blessings on your wedding day!

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