DIY vs Full Service Wedding Flowers: What’s the Difference?
Choosing your wedding flowers is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. But here’s the big question: Do you want to roll up your sleeves and arrange them yourself, or do you want to sit back and let the pros take the reins? It comes down to time and money.
Both options have their perks, so the choice depends on your style, budget, and how hands-on you want to be. Let’s break it down so you can figure out which path feels comfortably you.
DIY Wedding Flowers: Creative and Budget-Friendly
If you’re the kind of couple who loves getting crafty or has a vision for a personal touch on every detail, DIY flowers might be your perfect match.
Why Choose DIY Wedding Flowers?
Budget-Friendly: DIY lets you stretch your wedding budget by providing the labor of arranging flowers while still enjoying gorgeous, locally grown blooms.
Creative Freedom: Design exactly what you want, from bouquets to centerpieces, with your personal touch on every arrangement.
Team Bonding: Gather your wedding party, family, or friends for a fun flower-arranging session—it’s a pre-wedding memory in the making.
What to Expect:
Pick up your fresh blooms from our farm just days before your wedding—they’ll be vibrant, seasonal, and ready to shine.
We’ll share tips on flower care and arranging, so you’ll feel confident creating your designs.
You’re in charge! Whether you’re going for loose, wildflower-style arrangements or something more structured, the final look is up to you.
Is DIY Right for You?
You’re crafty, love a good project, and have time to arrange flowers a day or two before the wedding.
Your celebration leans casual, where you’re uber flexible on the final outcome.
You’re looking for an eco-friendly, seasonal option that’s as unique as you are.
DIY Wedding Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re committed to arranging your own wedding flowers, that’s amazing. Here are some pointers I’ve heard from previous DIY brides:
Underestimating time: Arranging flowers takes longer than you might think. Set aside at least a full day. Nearly every DIY bride we’ve worked with has told us that they dramatically underestimate the time for the task and the other demands waiting for them (especially visiting family/guests)
Overcommitting: Untold details will arise last minute. Plan the week out blocking off time for flower pickup, container prep, flower processing/cleaning and arranging.
Overcommitting 2.0: Designate a trustworthy person for flower pick up and transport/set up on wedding day.
No transport plan: Flowers vases can be top-heavy and water-laden. Choose transport boxes and vehicles that can handle them.
Forgetting someone: A month or so ahead, check your math on the quantities needed of flowers and containers.
Forgetting tools: Make sure you have floral snips, tape, and vases clean and ready to go in advance.
If DIY starts to feel overwhelming, know that there are levels of DIY - from growing your own flowers to arranging all the bridal party designs to just scattering a few bud vases.
At Buck Naked Farm, we offer several DIY wedding flower packages: maybe you just need the bouquets designed? Or want first-class corsages for the Moms?
Our a la carte wedding flower menu let’s you choose just how hands-on you want to be.
Full-Service Wedding Flowers: Stress-Free and Seamless
For couples who want to hand over the floral magic to an expert, full-service floral design is the way to go.
Why Choose Full Service Wedding Flowers?
Expertise: Professional florists design and arrange your flowers, creating cohesive, polished designs that wow.
Convenience: We handle everything—flower sourcing, arranging, delivery, and setup—so you can focus on soaking in your big day.
Custom Designs: Your flowers will be tailored to your style, color palette, and the vibe you want to create, right down to the last petal.
What to Expect:
A consultation to dream up your wedding flowers. We’ll dive into your style, favorite colors, and any must-have blooms. And then shape our crop plans to grow the colors and shapes for your vision.
Thoughtful design that reflects your vision and values, whether that’s muted neutrals, earthy greens, or vibrant seasonal color.
Delivery, setup and clean up at your venue, ensuring every detail looks picture-perfect.
Is Full Service Right for You?
You’re envisioning a wedding where a cohesive look is essential.
You don’t have the skills, confidence nor materials to craft wedding designs.
You want to relax and enjoy your guests and the big day without worrying about logistics or last minute hiccups.
Flowers play a big role in your overall aesthetic, and you want them to be just right.
Full Service Wedding Mistakes to Avoid
Hiring a florist, or farmer-florist, is the simplest path to beautiful wedding flowers. But it’s not a done in a vacuum. Here’s what to avoid:
Waiting too long: Book your florist early (ideally 6-9 months before your wedding) to secure availability and allow ample time for crop selection and design planning.
Unrealistic expectations: Be clear about your budget and vision upfront to avoid surprises and ensure the best use of resources.
Not asking questions: Have at least a basic understanding of the flowers that will be used, if they are in season and where they come from. The answers should align with your budget and values.
Micromanaging: Professionals know what works and how to bring your ideas to life—trust the process.
Clear, early conversations will build a trusting relationship with your florist that will allow you to rest easy and enjoy a blooming beautiful wedding day.
At Buck Naked Farm, our custom wedding flower packages cover every detail, from initial design to custom grown flowers, to the final clean up, ensuring your flowers are unique, stunning and stress-free.
How to Decide?
Ask yourself a few questions:
How involved do you want to be in the flower process?
Hands-on and creative? Go DIY.
Prefer to relax and let someone else handle it? Full service is the way to go.
What’s your budget?
DIY is a smart choice for couples on a tight budget.
Full service is worth the investment for convenience and expertise.
What’s your wedding vibe?
DIY is perfect for laid-back, anything-goes looks.
Full service delivers cohesive designs for curated celebrations.
DIY vs Full Service Wedding Flowers: Our Process
Now that you know which might suit your interests, how do DIY and full service wedding flowers differ in reality?
Here’s a comparison of the processes between our full service, DIY and bulk wedding flower options.
Still Not Sure?
Take our “Is DIY For Me?” quiz for a deeper dive into your best fit.
At Buck Naked Farm, we’re here to help no matter which option you choose. Whether you’re crafting your own creations with our seasonal blooms or letting us design something beautifully you.
Let’s chat! Schedule a consultation today and let’s make your floral vision a reality. 🌸
