Planning your wedding flowers can be one of the most rewarding aspects of preparing for your big day, especially if you’re going the DIY route. You can create stunning arrangements without stress with proper planning and some help from family and friends. Here’s a guide to help you plan your DIY flower-building schedule and effectively divide the workload. Plus, we’ll throw in some tips for finding the best blooms from a trusted Sonoma wedding florist.

Step 1: Plan Ahead

1. Set Your Timeline

• Start planning your DIY wedding flowers 3-4 months in advance. This gives you ample time to research, order supplies, and organize your helpers. (Fun fact: you can order your flowers up to a year in advance from Bloome Babe!)
• Create a detailed timeline for the week of your wedding. Include tasks like flower delivery, preparation, and arrangement assembly.

2. Choose Your Flowers

• Decide on your color scheme. Consider seasonal blooms for freshness and affordability.
• Source your flowers from local farms or a reputable Sonoma wedding florist. Ordering from a Bay Area DIY wedding flower supplier can also ensure you get fresh, high-quality blooms.
• Here at Bloome Babe, we source all of our blooms from local farms, which ensures that they are locally seasonal and as fresh as possible.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

1. Order Flowers and Supplies

• Order your flowers to arrive 2-3 days before the wedding. This allows time for hydration and any last-minute adjustments.
• Stock up on essential supplies: floral scissors, tape, wire, vases, floral foam, and buckets for hydrating flowers.

2. Prepare a Workspace

• Set up a clean, spacious area for flower preparation. Cover surfaces with plastic or old sheets to catch debris.
• Organize your tools and supplies for easy access.

Step 3: Assemble Your Team

1. Recruit Helpers

• Enlist family, friends, and wedding party members to assist with flower preparation and arrangement.
• Assign specific roles based on each person’s strengths and experience. For example, someone with a keen eye for design can help arrange bouquets, while others can handle trimming and hydrating flowers.

2. Plan a Flower Party

• Organize a flower assembly party 1-2 days before the wedding. Provide snacks, drinks, and music to keep the atmosphere fun and lively.
• Give everyone clear instructions and timelines to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Step 4: Schedule and Divide Tasks

1. Flower Delivery Day (2-3 Days Before the Wedding)

• Receive your flowers and inspect them for any damage.
• Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle and place them in buckets of water to hydrate. Please keep them in a cool, dark place.

2. Preparation Day (1-2 Days Before the Wedding)

• Set up your workspace and gather your team.
• Assign tasks: some can trim and hydrate flowers, while others can start on smaller arrangements like boutonnieres and corsages.
• Begin with the most time-consuming tasks, such as assembling the bridal bouquet and large centerpieces.

3. Assembly Day (1 Day Before the Wedding)

• Focus on creating the primary arrangements: the bridal bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, and centerpieces.
• Work systematically, starting with the larger pieces and moving to smaller ones.
• Keep finished arrangements in a cool, dark place and mist them lightly with water if needed.

4. Final Touches and Transport (Wedding Day)

• Do a final check on all arrangements. Make any necessary adjustments.
• Assign a trusted helper to oversee the transport of flowers to the venue. Ensure they are securely packed to prevent damage.
• Set up the flowers at the venue as close to the ceremony to maintain freshness.

Tips for Success

1. Stay Organized

• Use checklists to keep track of tasks and deadlines. This ensures nothing is overlooked.
• Communicate clearly with your helpers. Please make sure everyone knows their responsibilities and the overall schedule.

2. Practice Makes Perfect

• Do a trial run a few weeks before the wedding. This will help you gauge how long each task takes and allow you to make any adjustments to your plan.

3. Enjoy the Process

• Remember, this is a special time to bond with loved ones. Keep the atmosphere light and fun. Celebrate your progress together.

By following these steps and sourcing your blooms from a local Sonoma DIY florist, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, personalized floral arrangements for your big day. With careful planning and the support of your family and friends, your DIY wedding flowers will be a stunning success. Happy planning from all of us at Bloome Babe!