I agonized over my wedding flowers for months. There were a few reasons why:
1. The Cost
If you’ve ever received a floral quote—especially for a wedding—you know how pricey it can get. Even without Pinterest-worthy floral arches or hanging installations, bouquets and centerpieces alone can easily run into the thousands.
No shade to florists (they create beautiful work and sourcing flowers isn’t cheap!), but I couldn’t justify spending that much on something that would end up in the trash the next day.
2. I’m Picky
There were parts of my wedding I was super relaxed about—as long as it got done, I didn’t stress. Flowers were not one of those parts. I had a specific vision, and some of the inspiration boards I got from florists just didn’t match what I had in mind. I realized I wanted full creative control.
3. I’m Indecisive
To make things more complicated, I changed my mind a lot during the planning process. The overall aesthetic didn’t fully come together until a few weeks before the wedding. I was nervous about committing to floral arrangements months in advance that might not match the final look—and that’s not exactly fair to a florist who needs time to order and prep.
I spent hours (okay, weeks) scouring the internet for more budget-friendly, flexible options. Eventually, I decided to DIY my own:
- Wedding arch and centerpieces
- Bouquets for myself and the bridesmaids
I created my own wedding arch and floral centerpieces ahead of time using artificial flowers. But, I was set on having real flowers in my bridal and bridesmaids bouquets! And during this process, I learned that while sourcing fresh flowers on your own can be tricky, it’s absolutely doable with a little planning.
Where to Source DIY Wedding Flowers
1. Costco
I saw so many rave reviews about Costco flowers for weddings. Their prices are great, and I’m a big Costco fan in general. But their selection is somewhat limited. I had a very specific vision—colorful, wildflower-inspired bouquets—and Costco’s inventory just didn’t match what I needed.
Still, if you’re after roses, daisies, or classic blooms and are open to a more flexible color palette, it’s a solid option.
2. Trader Joe’s
Another favorite among DIY brides! I actually did a Trader Joe’s run two days before my wedding to grab extra greenery—and I was super impressed with the quality.
That said, most stores don’t allow pre-orders, so it’s first-come, first-served. If you want something very specific or seasonal, that unpredictability might be stressful.
(Tip: some brides recommend chatting with a store manager in advance—you might be able to request certain florals.)
3. Online Wholesalers: Flower Moxie & FiftyFlowers
I ended up ordering from Flower Moxie, and I was so glad I did. Their site offers:
- Premade bouquets (just unbox and go)
- DIY flower packages (choose your palette and flower types, assemble yourself)
- Bulk stems for complete customization
I went with a DIY package and added extra flowers to hit the exact colors and textures I wanted. The flowers arrived three days before the wedding, and I followed their step-by-step guide to bring everything together. I also added a few pieces of greenery from Trader Joe’s to round it out.
The result? Bouquets that looked exactly how I envisioned—and I got them at a fraction of the cost.
The Best Part? You Can Totally Do This Too.
Let me be the first to say: I had never made a bouquet before in my life. I’m talking zero floral arranging experience. But Flower Moxie’s tutorials were incredibly helpful, and there are tons of YouTube videos and blog guides out there too.
In fact, making the bouquets became one of my favorite wedding weekend memories. My mom, mother-in-law, and aunt all helped—and it turned into such a sweet bonding experience. We figured it out together, had a blast, and the compliments on the flowers? Constant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re budget-conscious, detail-oriented, or just want more creative control, DIY wedding bouquets might be the perfect option for you! It takes some planning and patience, but it’s absolutely worth it. I got the exact look I wanted, stayed on budget, and created a meaningful memory I’ll always treasure.
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