DIY Flowers - Buying Online

caitig53

Is the quality of wedding flowers via a florist the same quality as flowers bought via a website like Fifty Flowers or Whole Blossoms? What are some of the important differences in the two routes? I would like to get more flowers for my money via the DIY/Online route, but need to consider what I would be sacrificing by not going with a florist.

Wiscisbliss

If you do DIY the biggest difference is in time.  You have to prep the flowers (trim stems, allow 1 day to open-up) then you have to assemble them. 

I got flowers from fiftyflowers.com and flowersandfreshness.com and was very pleased with the quality.  But it is a major time commitment.  I spent 1-2 hours on Thursday (prep), and 4-5 hours on Friday (assembling, arranging), and then had to deliver on Saturday morning.  I also had to thave the space to store the flowers.  Fridge space is needed for corsages and bouts. 

flower_diva

plus read the post about the flowers that didn't arrive.....using a professional florist takes the risk and stress out of your wedding day....I can always tell DIY flowers because the majority of them look homemade...
If you have never arrange flowers are crafty or taken a class....you will be in over your head.

graysquirrel

I agree with Wisc-- DIY takes time. We DIYd and our flowers were great. You can't tell from the pictures that they aren't from a florist. The big difference is taking the time to figure out what you are doing, prepping them, and assembling. I disagree with the flower diva that you will be in over your head. If you take the time to watch some youtubes and practice a little, you can learn. It really isn't all that hard, it just takes a bit of time to do it all.

tlstar14

When you order the DIY packages, what will they make? How many bouquets, center pieces, etc?

caitig53

thank you everyone for the information! this is really helpful

jamieandlarry

Sams club is GREAT for ordering flowers. The prices are very reasonable and the quality is very good.  My sister and I DIY the bouquets for her wedding (4BM, 1 bridal) and they came out great. Prep Thursday, assemble Friday. We practiced a few times in the weeks leading up so we knew what we needed to do and what would work.  I'm planning on doing the same thing for my wedding.