How to DIY Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Flowers
A Q & A with Blooms By The Box
Are DIY flowers and saving money on your wedding rehearsal dinner on your mind? You’re in luck today because we have the experts on DIY flowers for your rehearsal dinner and wedding welcome party. Blooms By The Box not only has advice about what flowers to order, (including the largest how to arrange your flowers video library we’ve ever seen!) and all that’s involved with DIY-ing your flowers, but where to purchase the flowers wholesale online.
If you are planning a wedding rehearsal dinner or wedding welcome party, you might be wondering how to put a personal touch on the event and save money in the process to help the pre-wedding festivities stand out from the wedding day itself. Many times the wedding rehearsal dinner is more relaxed than the wedding day, so it can be a great opportunity to DIY some decor, especially flower arrangements and centerpieces.
Creating DIY flower arrangements can be a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding rehearsal dinner or welcome party while also saving money! We talked to the experts at the Blooms By The Box to get the inside scoop on everything couples should know before tackling DIY flowers for the night before the wedding.
Photo credit: Cinderalla Wedding Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
What are the most important things that people who are thinking about DIY-ing the flowers for their wedding rehearsal dinner or welcome party need to know?
From Blooms By The Box: The most important thing to remember when thinking about DIY-ing flowers is to keep it simple for the rehearsal dinner! Opt for flowers with blooms such as roses, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, or tulips that can withstand handling and won't wither easily.
If you're new to arranging flowers, it's a good idea to watch tutorials and free how to videos on flower arranging. Also, create a list of floral supplies and necessary flowers before you start working.
Try making a few sample arrangements to get comfortable with the design and the flowers you've chosen. This will help you estimate how long it'll take on the actual day and boost your confidence.
What kind of skill level is needed to DIY the flowers for the rehearsal dinner?
From Blooms By The Box: It’s not as hard as you might think to DIY wedding rehearsal dinner flowers! With a little bit of guidance and some research, you will be able to make floral arrangements for your rehearsal dinner or any pre-wedding party. If you’d like to discuss the ins and outs of selecting flowers, determining the right quantities, or organizing your supplies, feel free to schedule a free consultation with our BBTB team on our Blooms By The Box website.
You don’t have to be a floral expert to create your own arrangements for the rehearsal dinner, or any party or special event. Even with beginner to intermediate skills, you can craft beautiful and simple designs by keeping things straightforward.
If you’re more experienced or eager to try new techniques, let your creativity shine with more intricate displays. By learning some key principles of floral design, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning DIY flower arrangements and centerpieces.
How far in advance should someone start planning the flowers for the rehearsal dinner?
From Blooms By The Box: Start planning the flowers for your wedding rehearsal dinner or pre-wedding celebration (or any party or event where you want to DIY the flowers!) at least 3 to 6 months in advance of your rehearsal dinner (or event!) date.
Photo credit: London’s Bridge Photography
What types of flower arrangements should be planned for a rehearsal dinner?
From Blooms By The Box: For a wedding rehearsal dinner or pre-wedding welcome party, consider casual and relaxed floral arrangements such as small table centerpieces with a mix of greenery and blooms, low-lying floral garlands, single-stem vases, or even small clusters of flowers in decorative floral containers. Add flowers to the entrance of the rehearsal dinner room and bar.
Here are some examples of flowers for a rehearsal dinner:
Small Centerpieces: Create a laid-back look by using a mix of seasonal flowers and plenty of greenery arranged in low vases or bowls.
Greenery Garlands: String together foliage like eucalyptus or ivy to drape along tables or across the venue.
Single-Stem Vases: Place a single beautiful bloom in a unique vase on each table.
Bubble Bowls: Arrange small clusters of flowers in decorative bowls for a casual centerpiece.
What are the flower arrangements that people tend to forget about?
From Blooms By The Box: Don't forget to include flowers at the venue entrance, on the bar, on any buffet tables, and on the bride and groom's chairs. Greet your guests with a stunning floral arrangement at the venue entrance or welcome table to create a warm and elegant atmosphere right from the beginning. Don't neglect the bar or drink station - adding a small vase arrangement will save space and complement your table centerpieces to tie everything together.
Adding scattered greenery or small floral arrangements is an easy way to spruce up your buffet tables. Low arrangements or scattered greenery can elevate the overall look without causing any clutter. Honor the couple by adorning their chairs with a small garland, baby's breath bouquet, or greenery to add a personal touch.
What can I do to save money on the flowers and the decor (besides DIY-ing, of course)?
From Blooms By The Box: Here are some super helpful tips to save money on your wedding rehearsal dinner flowers, including limiting the types of flowers that you use, opting for flowers that are in season, using larger sized flower blooms and lots of greenery or candles to help fill out your designs!
First off, try to limit the types of flowers you use – aim for 2 to 3 different flowers per arrangement and purchase flowers in bulk to save money per stem.
Next, go for in-season blooms as they are usually more affordable and easier to find.
Also, consider choosing larger blooms like peonies or hydrangeas, as they require fewer stems to create a full look. Don't forget to use lots of greenery such as eucalyptus or ferns to fill in your arrangements without breaking the bank.
Lastly, get creative and combine your flowers with candles, or other decorative elements to create a fuller look without using too many flowers.
Photo credit: Clifton Marie Photography
Do you have any tips for making the rehearsal dinner decor different from the wedding?
From Blooms By The Box: Consider using different flowers or arrangements for the rehearsal dinner. Encourage a more relaxed dress code for the rehearsal dinner to create a laid-back atmosphere distinct from the wedding. You can add a playful touch with personalized elements. Displaying photos of the bride and groom growing up or their journey as a couple can create a nostalgic and intimate environment. Custom place cards, family-style dining settings, or fun quotes can make the rehearsal dinner feel unique and special. Opt for a more relaxed or contrasting color palette for the rehearsal dinner. For instance, if the wedding decor features soft, romantic tones like blush and peach, you could incorporate deeper or bolder colors such as navy, burgundy, or jewel tones for the rehearsal dinner.
When should we have our final decisions made and place the order?
From Blooms By The Box: You can place an order for DIY flowers as early as 120 days in advance of your rehearsal dinner or event. We recommend placing your order at least 2 weeks in advance of your wedding welcome party or event to ensure that we can fulfill your specific quantities and colors.
Orders placed later than 2 week before your rehearsal or event have a higher risk of items being unavailable.
We also advise that you have your flowers delivered 2 to 3 days before your rehearsal or event to ensure that everything has time to rehydrate and will be bloomed for the event date.
So, for example, if you have a Friday rehearsal dinner or event, it would be best to have the flowers delivered on Wednesday, let them rehydrate overnight, and then arrange them on Thursday. When you check out on our Blooms By The Box website, you will be able to pick your requested delivery date.
What if we need help deciding what flowers to pick and order? We’re feeling a bit nervous about making it happen…
From Blooms By The Box: If you're looking for expert advice and personalized recommendations for your floral needs for your wedding rehearsal dinner, event or welcome party, consider reaching out to us at Blooms By The Box. We'll work with you to select the ideal flowers and the right quantity of stems based on your preferences, color palette, and budget.
Our experienced DIY floral team can guide you through the entire flower selection process, ensuring you have everything you need, including floral supplies for your DIY arrangements.
Plus, we encourage you to sign up for our DIY Guide to Wedding Flowers, which is useful for any occasion, party and event. It's filled with valuable tips and tricks to help you feel confident and prepared.
How much time would you recommend that we allot to prep the flowers?
From Blooms By The Box: When your flowers for your rehearsal dinner or event arrive, they'll need a little TLC. Just unwrap them, removing all the packaging, remove the leaves below the water line and give the stems a trim, and place them in water to perk up. This usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of flowers and the size of your arrangements.
Here are some time estimates for creating centerpieces:
Simple Centerpieces: For instance, a minimal arrangement of a few blooms with minimal greenery will require 15 to 20 minutes per centerpiece.
Moderately Complex Centerpieces: For example, a medium-sized arrangement of roses, snapdragons, Limonium, and greenery will take 20 to 30 minutes per centerpiece.
Complex or Elaborate Centerpieces: For instance, a tall centerpiece with a mix of roses, snapdragons, greenery, and cascading flowers like orchids or hanging Amaranthus will require 30 to 45 minutes per centerpiece.
So, we got the flowers in the mail…what’s next?
From Blooms By The Box: Upon receiving the flowers, carefully unpack your DIY flowers and remove them from the shipping box and packaging. Handle them gently to avoid any damage to the delicate petals or stems, and check for any shipping-related damage.
Next, trim 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle using sharp floral scissors to help the flowers absorb water efficiently. Also, remove any excess foliage that would be submerged in water, as it can cause bacterial growth.
Next, place the cut stems in clean buckets filled with room-temperature water and consider adding floral food. Make sure not to overcrowd the buckets and keep the flowers in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight, heat, and drafts overnight, to allow the flowers to fully rehydrate and reach their optimal bloom.
Finally, the day before your wedding rehearsal dinner or party, prepare your floral supplies and start arranging your DIY Flowers.
Photo credit: Unveiled Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Can we arrange the flowers at home and then transport to the venue ourselves or should we try to do them at the venue just before?
From Blooms By The Box: You can create your floral arrangements at the event (ie: During the day before the rehearsal dinner or if you aren’t in the wedding party, put the finishing touches on your floral arrangements while everyone else is at the rehearsal.), but many folks prefer to make their DIY floral arrangements and centerpieces at home.
There are plenty of safe methods for transporting your beautiful creations to your rehearsal or event. Your Blooms By The Box shipping box can serve a dual purpose.
Check out this simple tutorial to learn how to transport your arrangements safely using your Bloom’s box or any box of similar size. You can even use shoeboxes if you secure the top to the base.
Is there anything about seasonality or regions that I need to be aware of?
From Blooms By The Box: The color of a flower can vary depending on where it's grown, influenced by weather and soil conditions. For instance, flowers grown in sunny areas might have more vibrant colors, while those in cooler or cloudier regions might not be as vibrant. The type of soil also affects the color. So, just keep in mind that the color can vary because of the nature of the fresh-cut flower supply chain.
Where is the best place to order the flowers online?
From Blooms By The Box: At Blooms By The Box, we've got an amazing selection of the highest quality wholesale flowers and floral supplies available directly to you. Whether you're prepping for a wedding, party, fundraiser gala, or any special event - like a rehearsal dinner - you'll find an abundance of beautiful flowers and bulk options at the best prices.
Don't miss out on our Wedding Flower and Party Flower Packages for incredible deals on wholesale roses, carnations, lilies, daisies, greens, fillers, and more!
Photo credit: Rebecca Wilcher Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Who is DIY rehearsal dinner flowers right for?
From Blooms By The Box: DIY rehearsal flowers are ideal for couples on a budget or anyone who enjoys hands-on work. This option is well-suited to smaller, more informal events and complements simple or rustic rehearsal dinner themes. DIY rehearsal flowers can be enjoyable and fulfilling.
Who is DIY rehearsal dinner flowers wrong for?
From Blooms By The Box: Couples juggling busy schedules with no help might feel overwhelmed by adding the responsibility of DIY flowers to their plate during wedding planning. Additionally, those seeking intricate or large-scale floral designs may benefit from hiring a professional, as DIY works best for simpler flower arrangements.
What are the biggest struggles that people have with DIY flowers? And how can they avoid these issues?
From Blooms By The Box: The three most common challenges for those who DIY their flowers or their rehearsal dinner or party is underestimating the number of flowers needed, the time it takes to arrange flowers, and not asking for help.
To tackle these common challenges, it's essential to plan ahead. Organize your tasks by knowing the recipe (or outline of the exact number and types of flowers that you’ll need) for your flower arrangement, pre-arranging activities such as cutting stems, hydrating the flowers, and assembling vases ahead of time.
Enlist the help of friends or family members (Think: Wedding party members and/or close family and friends who are not in your wedding party!) so that you're not tackling everything alone. Assign different tasks like cleaning stems, making the arrangements, and transporting them to the rehearsal dinner.
What are some flower and decor trends that you’re seeing for wedding rehearsal dinners?
From Blooms By The Box: When thinking about the rehearsal dinner, imagine easy-going and relaxed floral arrangements like small centerpieces with a mix of greenery and blooms, low-lying floral garlands, single-stem vases, submerged flowers or even small clusters of flowers in decorative bowls.
Some easy examples of floral arrangements for rehearsal dinners that you can DIY include:
Small Centerpieces: Mix seasonal flowers with a few stems of greenery, or baby's breath arranged in simple vases to give a laid-back vibe.
Greenery Garlands: You could use premade garlands or string together foliage like eucalyptus or ivy to drape along tables or hang around the venue.
Single-Stem Vases: For a sweet and simple touch, place a large, single, beautiful bloom in a unique vase on each table. Think roses, hydrangeas and peonies.
Decorative Floral Containers: For a casual and charming centerpiece, you can arrange small clusters of flowers in floral foam, such as hydrangeas or football mums, in decorative floral containers.
Submerged Flowers: Use roses, orchids, or anthurium in cylinder glass vases of different heights. You can even top these with floating votive candles for an elevated look.
Any final words of wisdom?
From Blooms By The Box: Don't stress about perfection when creating DIY flowers for your rehearsal dinner, or for any party or event! The charm of handmade floral arrangements lies in their personal and unique touches.
If things don't go exactly as planned, don't worry; your rehearsal dinner or party guests won't even notice. If a flower doesn't look its best or you're short on time, feel free to simplify your design or swap it with another bloom. Flexibility is the key to enjoying stress-free DIY projects.
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
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Blooms By The Box is the go-to resource for affordable wholesale flowers for weddings and events along with free guides to DIY floral arrangements, bouquets, and centerpieces to save you money.