| Do-it-yourself wedding flowers have become | | | | Some brides have the resources to create every |
| more popular in recent years as resources for | | | | last floral arrangement themselves. However, |
| creating them have become more available. | | | | most women don't have the time, patience or |
| However, many women do not have the time or | | | | creativity to spare. But by taking on just a few |
| other means to take advantage of this option. | | | | DIY projects, busy brides can still enjoy a sense |
| One simple alternative is to do a little of both -- | | | | of accomplishment and pride that no amount of |
| hire a professional florist to handle the bulk of the | | | | money can buy. Plus, they always have the |
| flowers and save some DIY projects for yourself. | | | | security of knowing they can call on their florist to |
| Take on Only What is Realistic | | | | help with any unfinished work. |
| Some brides might like the idea of lovingly | | | | Of all the wedding day expenses, flowers will be |
| creating every arrangement, bouquet and | | | | one of the few things that last, through |
| boutonniere. However, that romantic notion often | | | | photographs, scrapbooks and other mementos. |
| goes out the window after several hours of work | | | | DIY wedding flowers also give the bride an |
| results in only miscalculations, wasted supplies and | | | | opportunity to invite bridesmaids, friends and |
| endless frustration. | | | | family -- even the kids -- to have a hand in |
| A good rule is to take on only a few DIY | | | | making the wedding come to life. Just the time |
| arrangements, ones that will mean the most. For | | | | spent with loved ones, sitting around a table |
| some, this might be the bridal bouquet. If that | | | | creating bouquets and centerpieces, will create a |
| project seems a bit too high-profile, consider | | | | lifetime of memories. |
| smaller touches. Hand-crafted corsages for the | | | | Resources to Get Started and Stay Motivated |
| mothers of the bride and groom would take on | | | | Creating arrangements takes not only creativity, |
| special meaning. Realistically decide on what | | | | but also other skills such as budgeting, time |
| projects you could complete, and leave the rest | | | | management, organizing and delegating. Questions |
| to your florist. | | | | in these areas will most definitely come up as |
| An already overwhelmed bride-to-be should use | | | | brides begin their DIY projects. The Internet is an |
| her DIY projects as a way to release stress, not | | | | invaluable resource when researching DIY wedding |
| create more. Consulting with a florist is a great | | | | flowers, from photos and instructions to wholesale |
| place to start. Ask for advice on which | | | | florists and consultants. |
| arrangements are good for DIY projects. A good | | | | With the help of the Web, every bride has instant |
| florist will share ideas, designs and other | | | | access not only to the wedding flowers of her |
| information that the bride can use to create her | | | | choice, but also to endless resources for designing |
| DIY wedding flowers. Working together with the | | | | and planning. Still yet, many brides still want |
| florist will ensure that the DIY flowers | | | | guidance from someone with know-how. Web |
| complement the professional arrangements. | | | | sites such as Wedding give brides the best of |
| DIY Isn't Just About Saving Money | | | | both worlds -- easy-to-follow DIY projects and |
| Using DIY wedding flowers in combination with a | | | | access to professional help. |
| professional florist offers many advantages. | | | | By combining the benefits of DIY wedding flowers |
| Saving money is definitely one of those benefits | | | | and the expertise of a florist, wedding flowers |
| -- sometimes up to 50 percent or more of a | | | | can have both a professional, polished look and |
| florist's cost. However, DIY wedding flowers can | | | | the personal touch and memory-worthy |
| offer something more valuable than money: time, | | | | experience that every bride wants. |
| memories and a personal touch. | | | | |