DIY Flower Arrangements
Using DIY flower arrangements can most certainly save you money. Or if you have a natural knack for Flower Arrangements, then deciding to do your own flowers is an option which is always open to you.
However, even if you do have natural skill for flower arrangements, you may still want to read the following article on the basics of DIY Flower Arrangements, before you rush off and start your arranging.
Back to wedding flowers...
Basics of DIY Wedding Flower Arrangements
What you are going to need
- 50 to 75 stems of a hardy flowers, like roses
- Container
- Green adhesive floral tape (1/4")
- Stem cutter or very sharp knife
- Stem stripper
STEP 1: Preparing the Flowers
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Use your hands or a stem stripper to remove excess foliage and thorns and to pull off damaged or unattractive outer petals.
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Fill a bucket with water, and holding the stems underwater, use the stem cutter or knife to cut the stems at an angle about 2 inches from the bottom. This helps the flowers to absorb water better, which allows them to stay fresher for longer.
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Allow the flowers to drink for a few seconds with the stem ends underwater, then place in a bucket filled halfway with cool water until you are ready to use.
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Tip: If you're using roses and the buds aren't open yet, you can force the blooms to open by simply placing the stems in a bucket of hot water, but only for a couple of minutes, otherwise you may kill them instead.
- Keep the stems long while working with them and trim to a shorter length when you've finished arranging.
STEP 2: Assembling the Flowers
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Take one stem at a time with one hand, and use your other hand to hold the flowers in place.
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Assemble four flowers at an even height in a square shape. These will form the center of the arrangement.
- Add the other flowers one by one around the center flowers to create a dome shape.
STEP 3: Securing the Centerpiece
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Use adhesive floral tape to bind the stems at the natural spot where they join, about 3 to 4 inches below the flower heads.
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You can repeat the binding toward the end of the stems, leaving about 2 inches excess beneath the bind to trim later if you wish.
STEP 4: Measuring the Centerpiece
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Hold the arrangement alongside your container to gauge how much stem you'll need to trim from the ends.
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Trim the stems to the necessary length. Once again cutting across on an angle to allow for better water absorption.
STEP 5: Finishing the Centerpiece
Gently place the arrangement into a container.
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Once the centerpieces are completed, keep them misted and refrigerated or in a cool or air-conditioned room away from heat and light until you are ready to use them.
Tip: To help prolong the life of the flowers, add a drop of bleach or lemon-lime soda to the water.
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