How to Keep Your Event Flowers Fresh: A DIY Guide

Planning your own flower arrangements for a special event is an amazing way to add a personal touch and save money. But it can also feel a little stressful. You might be wondering, "How do I keep my flowers fresh?" or "How far in advance should I buy flowers for an event?" It's a common worry for DIYers, but don't fret! At FiftyFlowers, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

With a little preparation and some simple flower care tips, you can make sure your blooms look stunning on the big day. Think of us as your flower-loving friend, ready to share all the secrets to success. This guide will walk you through everything from preparing for your flower delivery to setting up your beautiful arrangements at the venue. Let's get started!

Before Your Flowers Arrive

A little prep work goes a long way in making sure your flowers stay happy and hydrated. Getting your station ready before the boxes land on your doorstep will make the process smooth and stress-free.

Gather Your Supplies

First, you'll need containers to hold your flowers. Gather plenty of clean buckets, plastic trash cans, or large vases. You can never have too many!

Next, make sure you have the right tools. A good pair of floral shears or pruners is essential for a clean cut that helps flowers drink water. Please avoid using regular household scissors, as they can crush the stems and prevent proper hydration. You will also need packets of flower food to mix into the water. The Processing Supply Kit includes eveything you need to process your flowers (flower food, floral cutters, gloves and rose strippers)

Prepare a Cool, Dark Space

Find a cool, dark spot in your home to store the flowers. A basement, a spare bathroom, or any room that stays out of direct sunlight is perfect. Keeping your flowers cool helps them stay fresh and slows down the blooming process, so they are perfect for your event day.

When Your Flowers Are Delivered

The moment your flowers arrive is so exciting! Here’s exactly what to do to get them settled and ready to hydrate. This initial prep is key for long-lasting beauty.

Prepare the Water

Fill your buckets and vases with cool tap water. There's no need for anything fancy; water from the cold side of your tap works just fine. Mix in the flower food according to the packet instructions. This solution provides the nutrients your flowers need to thrive.

Process Your Flowers

Carefully open the boxes and start processing your flowers. This step is all about getting them ready for their first big drink of water.

1. Remove Lower Foliage: Gently strip off any leaves or foliage that will fall below the waterline in your buckets. This is a crucial step because any leaves left in the water can rot and introduce bacteria, which will shorten the life of your flowers.  Use gloves or rose strippers for easy removal.

2. Cut the Stems: Using your floral shears, cut about one inch off the bottom of each stem at a sharp angle. This fresh cut creates a larger surface area for the stems to absorb water.

3. Place in Water: Immediately place the freshly cut stems into your prepared buckets of water and flower food.

Once all your flowers are processed, let them hydrate overnight in their cool, dark spot. This recovery period is vital for them to perk up after their journey to you.

Designing and Storing Arrangements

Now for the fun part—creating your arrangements! Once your flowers have had a chance to hydrate, you can start designing your bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral details.

Designing Tips

• Floral Foam: If you're using floral foam, make sure to soak it properly. Place the foam brick on top of the water and let it sink naturally, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes. Don't push it underwater, as this can create dry pockets. Remember to add water to the foam daily to keep your flowers hydrated.

• Vase Arrangements: For arrangements in vases, keep an eye on the water level and change it if it becomes cloudy. Fresh water keeps your flowers happy.

Storing Finished Pieces

Once your arrangements are complete, store them back in your cool, dark place until the event. For smaller items like boutonnieres and corsages that don't have a direct water source, you can create a "hydration chamber." Simply place them in a sealed container (like a plastic food container) and store them in a refrigerator to keep them from wilting.

A Little Spritz Goes a Long Way

To extend the life of your floral arrangements, consider using a professional floral spray like Chrystal Glory or simply spritzing them lightly with water. These methods help lock in moisture, keeping petals hydrated and preventing wilting. Did you know flowers can drink through their petals as well as their stems? Gently misting ensures they stay refreshed and radiant, even in challenging conditions. Just remember to avoid over-spraying, as too much moisture can weigh down delicate blooms.

On the Day of the Event

You’ve made it to the big day! All your hard work is about to pay off. Here’s how to get your beautiful creations to the venue safely.

Transporting Your Flowers

Transporting flowers requires a gentle touch.

• Vases: You can cut X's into the tops of floral boxes and tuck the vases inside to keep them from tipping.

• Bud Vases: Pack smaller bud vases into low boxes or baskets, using crumpled paper to hold them steady.

• Buckets & Boxes: Secure all containers in your vehicle so they won't slide around during transport.

Setting Up at the Venue

Once you arrive, check the water levels in all your arrangements. Top off any that may have sloshed out during the drive, and add more water to floral foam arrangements.

If your event is outdoors on a hot day, try to wait until the last possible moment to place the flowers in direct sunlight. This will help keep your flowers fresh and looking their best for as long as possible. Don't forget your spray bottle to give your arrangements a quick spritz before their big debut!

Enjoy Your Beautiful Work

Take a moment to step back and admire what you've created. You did it! You successfully designed and cared for your own event flowers, adding a unique and personal element to the day. Now, go and enjoy the celebration, knowing you made it happen.

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