Why DIY Florals the Night Before Your Wedding Is NOT the Best Idea

As a professional florist, I've seen it all—from the bliss of a perfect wedding day to the frantic last-minute scramble "where is that groomsman, he's late for pictures!". While the idea of doing your own florals may seem like a great way to save money or add a personal touch, let me tell you: florals are more than just a beautiful accessory to your wedding day—they’re a crucial element of your entire event. And, unless you’ve spent time and money learning the intricacies of professional floral design, there’s a lot more that goes into those arrangements than meets the eye.

Here’s a quick peek into the behind-the-scenes process of how Cedar Rae Floral works to make sure your florals are perfect:

Short & Sweet Version:

The Unsung Heroes: Buckets, Floral Food, Tools, Space, and Time

Let’s pull back the curtain a bit and talk logistics—because florals aren’t as simple as just picking up a bouquet and placing it on the table. The process involves careful preparation, storage, and a lot of equipment. We use A LOT of buckets to store each type of bloom at its optimal temperature, ensuring they stay hydrated and fresh. There’s also a hefty collection of tools—think special floral foods and leaf shining products, floral knives, wire, tape, and even specialized adhesives—used to secure everything perfectly in place.

Space is another critical factor. Arranging flowers requires room to process them, spread out, organize, and handle the blooms with care. We need enough space to ensure each arrangement is created with precision and attention to detail. This isn't something that can be done on a cramped kitchen counter (especially if you're making your own bouquet the night before your wedding!).

And finally, time. Florals aren’t something that can be rushed. From prepping the stems and removing leaves that aren't perfect to neatly wrapping up the bouquets with ribbons and pins, it’s a process that takes days. Properly packaging them for transportation is another factor often overlooked by DIY brides. You may have to rent a truck or take multiple trips to get set up completely. Wouldn't you rather be having mimosas with your bridesmaids??

When you entrust your flowers to Cedar Rae Floral, you’re not just paying for the flowers themselves—you’re also paying for the countless hours of prep, design, care, and stress-free delivery we put in to make your day beautiful.

Why You Should Trust the Experts at Cedar Rae Floral

**More details for those truly considering a DIY attempt

1. Work Before You Even See a Stem

   Choosing the right stems, colors, and varieties for your wedding flowers doesn’t happen overnight. As a floral designer, I spend countless hours procuring the freshest, most vibrant blooms, ensuring each flower is in perfect condition. This isn’t something you can do at midnight the night before your wedding; it takes time to work with trusted wholesalers and local growers, build relationships, and make sure the flowers meet our high standards. Let’s be real: You wouldn't trust the grocery store for your wedding dress, so why try to trust it for your flowers? Grocery store blooms just don’t have the quality, freshness, color varieties, or high end textures needed to make your wedding day truly spectacular.

   
   

2. Processing the Flowers: A Delicate Science

   Once those flowers arrive, the work has only just begun. Properly processing flowers is key to keeping them fresh and healthy for your big day. It involves careful trimming, hydrating, and storing each bloom in specific conditions. Not to mention, correcting any omissions or re-sourcing if they didn't arrive to our high standards. This is a time-consuming task, and it’s essential for ensuring that your flowers stay vibrant and gorgeous.

   
   

3. The Right Tools and Special Equipment

   Floristry isn’t just about putting a bunch of flowers in a vase. The right tools—like floral knives, floral tape, wire, and special adhesives—are necessary to make sure everything stays in place and looks professional. And don’t forget about the refrigeration! Many flowers need to be kept at specific temperatures before they’re arranged, which requires extra care and special equipment to ensure they’re in their prime for your wedding.

   
   

4. The Time Commitment: You’ve Got Better Things to Do!

   By the time you’re trying to finish up your florals the night before your wedding, you’ll be missing out on valuable time with your family and friends. Wedding prep is stressful enough without the added pressure of arranging hundreds of flowers. Instead of spending DAYS stressing out and on your feet, let Cedar Rae Floral take care of everything for you. We’ll handle the floral details so you can enjoy the moments that truly matter—like laughing with your bridesmaids, sharing a toast with your loved ones in town, and getting excited for your big day.

   
   

5. The Photos Will Be Better When You Trust the Experts

   Let’s be honest: your wedding photos will last a lifetime, and you want every detail to shine. The difference between DIY florals and professional florals isn’t just about the flowers themselves—it’s about how they’re arranged, styled, and placed. Cedar Rae Floral’s expertise means we know exactly how to make your flowers pop in your photos, ensuring they’re in perfect alignment with your overall wedding aesthetic.

   
   

Trusting Cedar Rae Floral means putting your flowers in the hands of professionals who are passionate about making your day unforgettable. With experience and a commitment to delivering perfection, we take the stress out of floral design so you can focus on what truly matters—making memories.

So, while we do love a good DIY project, florals are one area where it’s best to leave it to the experts. Let us work our magic while you enjoy your family, your friends, and every amazing moment of your wedding day! Let’s chat about how we can make your floral vision a reality—stress-free and stunning.