How much to do your own flowers for a wedding?

The cost of doing your own flowers varies widely. You are not paying for a florist's labour or delivery, but you do pay for every stem, sprig of foliage, reel of tape, length of wire, and any vases, jars or containers you buy or hire. Seasonal British flowers are usually cheaper than imported ones out of season, so ask your local market or flower grower what is in bloom around your wedding date.

Think about what you actually need. A bridal bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, buttonholes, table centres and a welcome sign arrangement all add up. You can cut costs by using fewer, larger blooms, choosing greenery as a filler, and reusing ceremony flowers at the reception. You will also need time: sourcing, conditioning stems, arranging, and storing flowers in water until the day. Some couples do a trial run a few weeks before, which costs extra but avoids surprises.

If you are doing flowers for a large wedding, ask friends or family to help with set-up, but give clear instructions so nothing gets dropped or wilted. Keep flowers in a cool, shaded place overnight, and have a plan for transporting them safely to the venue.