37 Simple DIY Wedding Flower Hacks

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Photography: @alyssacampbellphotography

Planning a wedding can be a lot of work, but it can also be fun and exciting. If you’re looking to save time and money on your big day, we have 37 super simple wedding hacks for you. From DIY flowers to creative ways to cut costs, these tips will help you have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into some simple and helpful hacks to make your wedding planning easier!

General Hacks

1. DIY Invitations

Use online templates from Flower Moxie to design and print your own wedding invitations. This can save you a lot on printing costs and allows for personal customization. We’ve designed dozens of customizable templates to make this process easy and fun. By doing this, you not only cut costs but also add a personal touch to your wedding stationery.

Shop Invitation Templates

2. Digital RSVPs

Use a wedding website or email for RSVPs instead of traditional mail. It’s quicker and cheaper. Plus, it helps you keep track of responses in one place. Many wedding websites offer free RSVP tracking, which can streamline your guest list management and reduce the chance of lost or delayed responses.

3. Off-Peak Season

Plan your wedding during the off-peak season (winter or early spring) to save on venue and vendor costs. Many venues offer significant discounts during these times. Additionally, vendors such as photographers, caterers, and florists may also lower their prices during the off-peak season, allowing you to save even more.

Some of our favorite packages for winter include Moody Scarlet, Navy and Wine, and Dusty Rose and Marsala.

Photography: @calebclaytonfilmandphoto

4. Weekday Wedding

Consider having your wedding on a weekday instead of a weekend. Venues and vendors often offer discounts for weekday events, and you might find more availability. This can be a great option if you have a smaller guest list, as many people may be willing to take a day off work to attend a special occasion.

Important note about this: having a wedding during the week can impact shipping fresh flowers to you. If you’re considering having a weekday wedding and know you want to DIY your flowers, reach out to us so we can formulate a game plan together!

5. Venue Decor

Choose a naturally beautiful venue that requires minimal decoration. Outdoor gardens, beaches, or historical buildings can provide a stunning backdrop, saving you money on decor. Look for venues that have existing features such as beautiful architecture, lush gardens, or scenic views to enhance your wedding without the need for additional decorations.

Our Picks for Reception Decor

Photographer: @samrenaudphoto

Photographer: @karli.and.david

6. Reuse Decor

Use ceremony decorations at the reception to save on costs. For example, transfer aisle flowers to the reception tables. This doubles the use of your decor and cuts down on expenses. You can also repurpose altar arrangements, pew decorations, and other ceremony decor to create cohesive and cost-effective reception decor.

Move floral arrangements or wedding arches from the ceremony to the reception to get double use. Plus, get more photos with the masterpiece you’ve created! This hack ensures that your beautiful arrangements are enjoyed throughout the day and maximizes their visual impact.

7. Hire a Wedding Planner

A wedding planner can often get discounts from vendors and help you stay within your budget. Their expertise can save you time and money in the long run. Planners have established relationships with vendors and can negotiate better rates on your behalf. They also help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly.

Hiring a planner for the entire wedding not in your budget? Consider hiring a day-of planner! They can oversee all the little details of the day, which will free up your time to get ready and walk down the aisle!

Wedding Day Emergency Essentials

8. Food Truck Reception

Hire a food truck for your reception instead of a traditional caterer. It’s trendy and can be more affordable. Plus, who doesn’t love a food truck? The photos are always really cute too! Food trucks offer a variety of menu options, allowing you to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. They also add a fun and casual vibe to your reception.

9. Simplified Menu

Offer a limited menu with fewer choices to cut down on catering costs. A smaller menu can streamline the preparation and reduce waste. Consider offering a set menu with a few select options for each course. This not only reduces costs but also makes it easier for your caterer to deliver high-quality meals.

10. Potluck Desserts

Ask family and friends to contribute homemade desserts for a potluck-style dessert table. What could be more special than Meemaw’s famous chocolate mousse pie on the dessert table? This not only adds a personal touch to your wedding but also saves on dessert catering costs. Guests will appreciate the variety and the opportunity to share their favorite recipes.

If you aren’t sold on a potluck angle, how about an alternative to wedding cake and offer cupcakes instead? They look adorable on a table surrounded by bud vases! Plus cupcakes can be an more affordable choice instead of the traditional tiered wedding cake.

Photographer @jennifernicolephotoandfilms

Flower Hacks

11. Bulk Flowers

Buy flowers in bulk from Flower Moxie to save money. The “buy more, save more” concept is very real, and you can get a variety of beautiful blooms without overspending. Bulk purchasing allows you to access wholesale prices and ensures you have plenty of flowers for all your arrangements.

Shop Bulk Wholesale Flowers

12. DIY Bouquets

Create your own bouquets and arrangements. This can be a fun activity with your bridal party. This is why Flower Moxie exists! We provide all the tools and guidance you need to make this process enjoyable and successful. Gather your bridal party for a flower-arranging party and create your bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces together.

You can also go the semi-DIY route and choose one of our premade bouquets for yourself, your maids, boutonnieres, and more!

Shop Premade Bouquets

13. Use Greenery

Incorporate lots of greenery in your arrangements. Greenery is often cheaper than flowers and adds volume and texture to your bouquets. Popular wedding foliage includes eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, and olive branch. Greenery can create a lush, full look without the high cost of additional flowers.

You can also forage responsibly! Raid your mom’s backyard, ask your neighbor’s if you can snip branches from trees, the options are endless! (Just make sure you ask before taking!)

Shop Wedding Greenery

14. Seasonal Flowers

Choose flowers that are in season. They are fresher and more affordable. Sure, you can find someone who sells peonies out of season, but you will pay extra to source them. Research the flowers that are in bloom during your wedding month and choose those for your arrangements to save money and ensure freshness.

15. Dried Flowers

Use dried or preserved flowers. They can be cheaper and make great keepsakes. Dried flowers also add a unique, vintage charm to your wedding decor. They are durable and can be prepared well in advance, reducing the stress of last-minute flower arrangements.

16. Limited Flower Types

Use limited types of flowers in bulk for a cohesive and cost-effective look. It’s more cost-effective to buy a few kinds of flowers in bulk, as opposed to a larger number of flowers in smaller quantities. This also creates a more unified and elegant aesthetic for your wedding.

17. Boutonniere Alternatives

Use Flower Moxie’s Fitz pocket squares for a super easy floral adornment for the groom and groomsmen. These alternatives are stylish, easy to make, and budget-friendly. Fitz pocket squares add a unique and modern touch to the groom’s and groomsmen’s attire. (Don’t forget the adhesive!)

Photographer: @samrenaudphoto

Photographer @diegoromerostudio

18. Mixed Boxes

A mixed flower box of gorgeous blooms at a wholesale price? Yes please! Mixed boxes are a great way to save money while getting a mix of the freshest, juiciest blooms in your chosen color palette. Mixed boxes are also the perfect add-on to our packages or premade collections, ensuring that you’ll have enough blooms on hand for your designs.

Shop Mixed Flower Boxes

19. Potted Plants

Use potted plants in addition to our cut flowers. They can serve as decor during the wedding and be taken home as favors or keepsakes. Potted plants are sustainable and can continue to grow and thrive long after the wedding day. Choose plants that complement your wedding theme and decor. Choose pots that will mix well with your vases, and mix them with your bud vases, centerpieces, or other table decor for a seamless look!

20. Mix Fake and Real Flowers

Dreaming of dahlias in your bouquet? Dahlias are fussy as heck, which is why we don’t sell them anymore. We recommend using fake ones! Use a combination of real flowers mixed with high-quality artificial dahlias for a stress-free experience. High-quality artificial dahlias can be indistinguishable from real ones and add volume without the extra heartbreak. Trust us on this one.

Dress and Attire Hacks

21. Buy Pre-Owned

Purchase a pre-owned wedding dress. Many websites offer gently used designer dresses at a fraction of the cost. You can find beautiful gowns that fit your style and budget. Pre-owned dresses often come with a history and a story, adding a sentimental touch to your wedding attire.

22. Sample Sales

Shop at bridal salon sample sales for significant discounts on designer gowns. These sales often feature floor samples that are still in great condition. Sample sales are a great way to find high-quality dresses at a fraction of the original price.

23. Simple Dress

Choose a simple dress and add custom embellishments or accessories to personalize it. This can save money while still giving you a unique look. Simple dresses can be transformed with the addition of lace, beading, or a sash, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind gown.

24. Rent Tuxedos

Rent tuxedos instead of buying. This is a cost-effective option for the groom and groomsmen. Many rental services offer packages that include everything you need, from the jacket and pants to the shoes and accessories.

Photo: Ely Fair

Photographer: @matthewdavidstudio

25. Bridesmaid Dresses

Allow bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within a color palette. This can reduce costs and ensure they wear something they like. It also adds a bit of variety to your wedding photos and ensures that each bridesmaid feels comfortable and confident in her dress.

The current trend is to have mismatched bridesmaid dresses in coordinating colors, so letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses has never been more in style than now!

Photographer: @thevillarphotoco

26. Second-Hand Accessories

Look for second-hand accessories like veils, jewelry, and shoes. Many brides sell their gently used wedding items online, providing you with affordable options. You can find beautiful, high-quality accessories that have only been worn once, saving you money while still achieving the look you want. Bonus: you can then resell them to another couple, therefore decreasing your cost even more!

Photo by: @solasandkinphoto

Misc Hacks

27. Online Registries

Use online wedding registries to manage gifts and allow guests to purchase items at various price points. This makes it easy for guests to find gifts that fit their budget and ensures you get items you need. Online registries also offer the convenience of having gifts shipped directly to your home.

28. Cash Registry

Set up a cash registry for contributions towards your honeymoon or a big purchase. This can be more practical than traditional gifts and allows guests to contribute to something meaningful. Many couples prefer cash gifts to help fund their honeymoon or start their married life together.

29. DIY Favors

Create your own wedding favors. Homemade jams, candles, or small plants can be cost-effective and personal. These favors add a personal touch and show your appreciation to guests. DIY favors are also a fun project to work on with your partner or bridal party.

30. Photography Timeline

Shorten the photography timeline by taking some photos before the ceremony. This can reduce the number of hours you need to hire a photographer and ensure you have more time to enjoy your day. Consider having a “first look” photo session before the ceremony to capture intimate moments between you and your partner.

31. Vendor Packages

Look for vendors who offer package deals (e.g., DJ and lighting) to save money on combined services. Bundling services can often result in discounts and simplifies the planning process. Ask your vendors if they have partnerships with other service providers to get the best deals.

Photographer: @jordanblanchardd

32. Borrowed Items

Borrow items from friends and family. This can include everything from decor to attire. Many people are happy to lend wedding items they no longer need. Borrowing items not only saves money but also adds sentimental value to your wedding.

33. DIY Beauty

Do your own hair and makeup or enlist a talented friend. This can save you a lot on professional services, and with a bit of practice, you can achieve a beautiful look. Many beauty tutorials are available online to help you perfect your wedding day look.

If you decide to be your own glam squad, don’t wing in the day of. Have a few practice sessions in the weeks leading up to your wedding so by the time the day arrives, you’ll be a pro!

34. Minimalist Approach

Embrace a minimalist wedding style. Less can be more, and a simple, elegant wedding can be just as beautiful as a lavish one. Focus on meaningful details and prioritize quality over quantity. A minimalist approach can create a timeless and sophisticated wedding.

Photographer:@alyssacampbellphotography

35. Discount Codes and Sales

Always look for discount codes and sales for wedding-related purchases. Websites, apps, and newsletters often offer deals that can save you money on various wedding items. Sign up for wedding planning websites and bridal stores’ newsletters to receive notifications about upcoming sales and promotions.

36. Gift Card Registry

Register for gift cards to stores where you’ll need to shop for wedding or home items. This can help you save money on future purchases. Gift cards provide flexibility and allow you to purchase items as needed after the wedding.

37. Reuse Family Heirlooms

Incorporate family heirlooms into your wedding. This can be a meaningful way to honor loved ones and save on decor and accessories. Family heirlooms add a personal and sentimental touch to your wedding. Consider using your grandmother’s lace tablecloth as a backdrop or wearing your mother’s wedding veil.

Photographer: @jordanblanchardd

Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or quality. With these wedding hacks, you can save time and money while creating a beautiful, memorable day. From DIY invitations and flower arrangements to budget-friendly attire and decor, these tips will help you make the most of your resources. Remember, the key to a successful DIY wedding is to plan ahead, get creative, and prioritize what matters most to you and your partner.

Ready to start creating your own DIY wedding flowers? Shop Flower Moxie’s selection of DIY flower packages, easy premade wedding flowers, mixed boxes, and bulk wedding flowers. We have everything you need to make your floral dreams come true while staying within your budget. Visit our website today and start planning your perfect wedding!

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About the Author

Tiffany Thomas is the true-crime-loving, logistic + artistic powerhouse behind Flower Moxie. When she’s not ogling photos of protea, she can be found running her own online store, Good Wknd.