Weddingbee boards

So I'm trying to figure out ways to cut costs here. Considering DIYing my bouquets. I really want to have real flowers though. Purple orchids are my main flower...

How much does it cost to DIY bouquets/ bouts? Is it really hard? I have no experience with flower arranging, so I'm a little nervous :S.

Need your help bees!

i am a serious DIY'er like yourself, but you might want to rethink this one. i've heard too many stories of brides and moms up till 3-am the night before the wedding arranging flowers. there are so many creative things you can do yourself BEFORE the wedding. flowers just have to be done so last minute that i don't think that's something we should be worring about on our wedding day. i do hear you though about costs...at least visit a florist who can give some cost saving advice and quote you first before deciding on this one:)

It totally depends on the flowers you want and how many you need.

I am making my own bouquets.  1 bridal, 4 bridesmaids, 3 corsages and 8 boutonnieres.

I am buying 100 roses and 30 calla Lilies for around $290 with mixed greenery.  

I am guessing I will have at least 10 extra stems if not more.  I bought some floral tape and wire along with other supplies from a local craft store for around $15 for all of it.

Hope that helps. 

I'm going to DIY my flowers, but I've done quite a few events such as fundraisers in the past, so I feel comfortable taking it on.

For a large, hand-tied bridal bouquet I would leave at least 45min of time. Most of it won't be putting it together, but processing all the flowers (taking off leaves, thorns and trimming them). For a good sized bridesmaids bouquet, 30 min and less for the subsequent ones when you get the hang of it. Boutonierres and corsages take about 5-10 min depending on how many flowers. Of course, this is all after you've gotten the hang of it and practiced, practiced, practiced.

I'm buying my flowers at the LA flower mart, and the bridal party budget is about $250 for 1 bridal and 4 bridesmaids bouquets, 10 boutonnieres, 3 nosegays for mothers and grandmothers. 

If you want to try it out, go to your local grocery store and pick up some inexpensive flowers to practice with. If there's a costco near you, they carry growers bunches (just one type of flower) for about $8 and often have purple orchids.