First I would like to say congrats to the bride to be. There is a process you go through before making your own wedding flowers, this is not for everyone, you must be patient and have the will to do what it takes to get it right. Maybe you have a friend or family member that's crafty and creative and can help you. Using artificial flowers are less expensive and you won't have to worry about allergies or having to create your wedding flowers at the last minute in order to keep flowers fresh, and you can make them ahead of time, store them away by putting them in boxes to keep your bouquets from getting dusty. Go to craft store where you can purchase flowers on a bundle or some craft stores call them bushes. It will have maybe 8 to 10 roses on a bundle. I'm using roses as an example, you may choose a different type like calla lilies which are popular and a little more expensive. Calla lilies do not come on bundles, they are sold individual, even the artificial ones. Lets pretend that your wedding color scheme is pink and white. In the craft store you will have to put flowers next to each other to make sure the colors you choose give a good contrast. There is light pink, pink, hot pink flowers in craft store. You need to choose what you like next to the white rose. You may also choose to use a variety like pink and light pink roses in your wedding flowers. Decide what you want a document this on paper to help you keep track. How many light pink roses will you need for each? I always buy extra white or ivory flowers and greenery because they are good to use as fillers if you end up with empty spaces in your wedding flowers. You will also need accessories once you confirm to yourself what flowers you want. Accessories like crystal bridal sprays or pearl sprays and ribbon. Follow same rules as choosing color shades for your flowers when buying ribbon. Hold your ribbon next to your flowers because ribbon will also come in light pink, pink and hot pink. Now you are wondering how many bundles to buy. Well that depends on the amount of people in your wedding party. Will your bridesmaids carry an arm bouquet or a hand bouquet? It will take more flowers to make hand bouquets.

Before you go to the craft store, figure on paper each groomsmen will have a single rose for their boutonniere, so one bundle will probably cover your groomsmen. Don't forget your ushers or any other guys you are giving flowers to. Due to the fact that you are staying ahead of schedule to take advantage of sales, you can always go back and get more flowers if you run short. I will use arm bouquets as an example for bridesmaids bouquets. I like to use 3 roses when making them, so count 3 for each bridesmaid and don't forget your maid of honor, mothers, grand mothers etc. Will you have floral centerpieces that you are making yourself for your wedding reception? Are you decorating your wedding ceremony with flowers? What about pew bows? For pew bows, you will need to measure the length and width of how big you want your pew bows to be. The width is usually medium to large size because you are in a large open area for your wedding ceremony. Make 2 extra pew bows that you will put on each side of your cake table. Sprinkle a few rose petals and (frosted holders give more glow) votive candles on your cake table for a inexpensive and elegant way to decorate your cake table. Votive candles are cheap and sold in sets of usually 6 or 12. The votive candle holders are also sold in sets and different designs. Make a section in your wedding binder for your wedding flowers. Pictures of wedding flowers and centerpieces that you like, and a list of names of everyone that need flowers in your wedding party and for wedding decorations. This is part 1 explaining the prep part of making your own wedding flowers. Part 2 will explain what to do with the flower bundles, ribbon and accessories you purchased.