One of the most common questions I get from brides is, "How many DIY buckets will I need for my wedding décor?" The answer is, it depends! This question is trickier than it seems, as flower preferences and styles can vary widely. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out how many buckets might be right for you.
Consider Your Bud Vases and Table Arrangements
The type of containers you’re using will significantly impact the number of flowers needed. Bud vases, for example, vary widely in shape and size – from repurposed wine bottles with narrow necks to wide-mouthed jam jars. Each type will require a different number of stems to look their best.
For our DIY buckets, each one includes 70 stems divided into thirds:
Foliage for structure and greenery.
Filler flowers like Ammi Majus or Covent Garden Gypsophilia, which add softness and texture.
Focal flowers such as dahlias or peonies (depending on the season) that bring vibrancy and capture attention.
Matching Buckets to Your Aesthetic
Your preferred style will also play a role in determining how many buckets you’ll need. Some brides love lush, overflowing arrangements, while others prefer a minimalistic look with just a few stems per vase. A good first step is to visualize your arrangements by doing a mock-up.
Pro Tip: Once you know your table sizes and have decided on bud vases or other centrepiece containers, gather some sample flowers and greenery to practice your setup. This allows you to experiment with the fullness you prefer – whether a single focal flower with a few foliage sprigs or a denser, fuller look.
Calculate the Stems You’ll Need
Once you have an idea of how many stems each arrangement will require, you can start calculating. Think about:
Arrangement Count: How many arrangements do you need for tables, windowsills, or any other key spots?
Stems per Arrangement: From your mock-up, note the average number of stems needed to achieve your desired fullness.
From here, multiply the number of arrangements by the number of stems per arrangement to estimate the total number of stems you’ll need. Then divide by 70 (the number of stems per bucket) to determine how many DIY buckets you should order.
Always Budget for Extra
If your budget allows, I always recommend ordering an extra DIY bucket. It’s better to have a few more stems than you need rather than falling short on the day. Extra flowers also give you the flexibility to adjust or add to arrangements as you set up.
Planning the perfect DIY floral setup may take a bit of math, but the result is beautiful, personalized décor that adds a unique touch to your wedding.
Happy planning!
If you’d like to chat more or found this post helpful, feel free to drop me a message at rhiannon@bluehillflora.com.
Thanks for reading!
Rhiannon
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