Budget Bouquets

Row 1: Purple Hydrangea Bouquet - Source Unknown, Black Carnation Bouquet via Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: Blue Hydrangea Bouquet via Free Wedding Flower Guides, Pink Carnation Bouquet via Credit Crunch Bride

The simplicity of the above hand-tied style bouquet might tempt you to try constructing your own. You may like to think twice. As it is, the few days leading up to your wedding day are guaranteed to be nothing less than crazy, so the unnecessary stress of finding the freshest, hardiest blooms, removing thorns and leaves, actually arranging the stalks as well as proper storage of the bouquet, can easily be done away with, just by engaging a trustworthy florist.

However, if you happen to be a budget conscious, low-maintenance or a DIY-loving bride, then I'd say go for it - but with lots of luck. Here are some practical tips:

A month before the wedding
1. Drop in on the flower wholesaler (I'd recommend going to Far East Flora because it carries a big selection of flowers). Place an order for the kind of flowers/leaves you intend to use. Definitely order back-ups (in the form of alternative varieties) as you do not want to be stressed if the shipment of flowers that arrive on the eve of your wedding day do not look like what you had imagined. Set the delivery date of the flowers for 2 weeks before the wedding, and another, 1 day before the wedding. Remember, you need to practice making the bouquet!
2. Shop for ribbons or twine or whatever you need to hold the stalks together.

1 week before the wedding
1. Call the wholesaler to check on your order
2. Make a mental note of where you will be storing your flowers. Remember, the family refrigerator is usually stocked to the brim with drinks and snacks for the wedding day itself. So if you do not have an air conditioner in your place (which is pretty rare for Singaporean homes), make sure you find a friend with one.

1 day before the wedding
Try to collect your flowers and construct your bouquet before you get your mani and pedi done. You do not want to get your lovely nails ruined by thorns!

On the day of the wedding
Brief your bridesmaids to spritz the bouquet frequently. During the down time before the start of the dinner reception, place bouquet in a pail of water to hydrate the flowers.

Having said all that, I still say you're best off leaving the stress of preparing a beautiful bouquet to a professional. You need to spend your energy and time on other more important things, like looking your best on the most important day of your life.