Frequently Asked Questions: Buckets of Blooms…for my wedding?

We do not offer full-service wedding options or consultation. This is a no-frills, hands-off option for very ambitious, artistic, realistic brides who do not require professional assistance.

I want to buy buckets of blooms for my event/wedding, how many buckets do I need?

  • The most hated but most honest answer ever: It depends. It depends on how many arrangements you want to make, their size, style, etc. This is something you will really need to think about before making a commitment to DIY flowers for your wedding/event. We highly recommend making a full practice run before committing to buckets of flowers for your wedding day. It can be done, but it is always more work, time, and added stress than most brides anticipate or want to take on. We approximate that one bucket (includes focal flowers, secondary flowers, and foliage) will make about 5-6 quart size mason jar arrangements. That is just an approximation, it may take you more or less depending on the look you are going for and the vessels you are using (fuller or larger vase opening will require more flowers of course)

What if I run out of flowers the day of/day before my wedding?

  • We can usually help you out and provide a few bunches or an additional bucket but it all depends on how much time we’re given, what other commitments we have at that time, and what flowers we have available. We really encourage you to practice before hand or buy more than you think you’ll need to avoid this extremely stressful situation on your big day.

Can you help me arrange the buckets?

  • We do not offer consultation or correspondence services or full-service wedding/event options. We recommend you have plenty of help, sharp pruners, proper facilities (arranging can get messy) and know exactly what you’re getting into before committing to buckets for your event/wedding. For some, the money you save in DIY flowers may not be worth the added stress. If, however, you read through this page and find you are more than prepared for the DIY part of wedding flower arranging than it can absolutely work for you!

I’d like to make my own table arrangements but want a professional to make my bouquet (bridesmaid flowers, boutonnieres, etc.), who should I use?

I have the time, help, vision, knowledge, etc to DIY my wedding flowers but now you scared me! Can I really do this?

  • Weddings can turn even the most relaxed lady into that bride. Trust me, I’ve been there. I am a very go-with-the-flow type of person and I said I would never let my wedding take me to bride-zilla land but I went there, several times. I wanted everything just the way I wanted it, as it should be, but I stressed way more than I wanted to (and more than I should have looking back). And I did not do my own flowers. There is so much involved in creating the wedding of your dreams and it all seems to fall back on the bride in one way or another. Working with and arranging flowers is a unique skill set no matter how easy it may seem. Having mulled over everything here and you still think DIY is for you than YES. Yes, you CAN really do this because your expectations are clear and realistic.

So, if you’re committed to DIY flowers using our Buckets of Blooms, here are a few tips:

  • Remember, buckets are Growers Choice, meaning aside from limited color choices, the buckets will be filled with our most seasonal flowers. No choice can be made on flower type.

    • If dahlias (fall) or peonies (spring) are on your list of must haves, we do sell them separately by the stem. They are never included in buckets.

    • Other/additional varieties of flowers can be purchased by the 10 stem bunch as well if desired.

  • These are bulk flowers meaning they have been harvested and properly handled based on each variety’s need. No design element goes into DIY buckets. They are harvested straight from the field into the bucket and then wait overnight in the cooler. They are only a starting point and priced accordingly.

  • You will need to have a cool (air conditioned is nice), dark, place to keep your flowers before and after you design them. No direct sun, No hot temperatures, No direct A/C blowing on them.

  • Cut flowers drink a lot of water, you will need to be sure they have fresh, clean water at all times. If they go dry, some varieties cannot bounce back from their wilted stage.

    • All vases must be clean! Like, clean enough that you’d drink out of them.

    • More tips on Cut Flower Care here.

  • Give yourself or the person in charge of creating your floral arrangements PLENTY of time to do so. I recommend arranging flowers the day before your event and keeping them in the coldest and darkest room available.

    • Avoid having an A/C unit blowing directly on the flowers.

    • Some people take 20 minutes to make one arrangement, some take over an hour. It also depends on what you’re designing, how experienced you are with working with flowers, and how much help you have.

  • I do not recommend storing flowers in a food refrigerator or cooler. Some varieties do not do well in cool temperatures (will die or wilt) and flowers are easily broken in small spaces (just to name a few reasons).

  • Be sure you have a way to properly transport your buckets or arrange for transport. The logistics of transporting buckets and arrangements in the car is something most people do not think about. Buckets and arrangements are awkward, filled with water, and contain delicate flowers…not a great combination in a moving vehicle!

    • We can deliver buckets depending on our schedule. Please inquire. Delivery charge will apply.

  • When you are arranging your flowers:

    • Remove all leaves from below the surface of the water, only clean stems should be submerged in water.

    • Again , CLEAN vases/containers only + clean water.

      • Water should be changed entirely every 2 days.

    • Snip off 1/2 to 1 inch of stem before placing in vase of water. More depending on the size of your vase.

    • Use very sharp pruners or floral snips. Using a dull tool will crush the hydrating system inside the stem and will ultimately decrease vase life as the flower will no longer be able to draw water through its stem.

    • I find it easiest to start arranging with foliage first, then add secondary flowers, then finish with the focal flowers and any airy stems/bouncy bits or items of interest. You can play with the final look after the main shape and structure is formed.

I forget where I read this but it’s a funny truth: “If you ask the farmer for basil and the farmer delivers basil, please do not ask the farmer to make pesto.”

You are the designer with the Buckets of Blooms option, I am only the grower.