From the Fabulous Florals Blog
When to Order Your Wedding Flowers
Timing your flower order right is one of the most important parts of DIY wedding planning.
Order too late, and your flowers may still be closed tight on the big day.
Order too early, and you’ll be scrambling to keep them fresh.
If you’re doing your own arrangements — or helping someone else — this guide breaks down when to order, what to expect, and how to keep everything simple and stress-free.
How Far in Advance Should You Order Wedding Flowers?
Aim to order your flowers 10 to 14 days before your wedding.
That window gives your blooms time to ship, hydrate, open, and be ready for arranging.
Most wholesale flowers are shipped in tight bud form to protect them during transit. But that also means they won’t be fully open the moment they arrive. You’ll need a few days to let them bloom naturally.
If your event falls during a busy time of year — like spring or early summer — consider ordering a few days earlier. Popular flowers and colors tend to sell out quickly during peak wedding season.
Right After You Order: What to Do Next
Once your order is placed, here’s how to get ready for delivery:
- Double-check the expected ship and arrival dates
- Arrange for someone to be home to receive the flowers
- Choose a delivery location with a cool, shaded area (a garage or basement can work well)
- Make sure you have clean buckets ready and enough space to hydrate everything
If you’re busy with last-minute wedding tasks, assign a friend or family member to handle this part. It’s an easy way to take pressure off your plate.
When the Flowers Arrive
This part matters. Once your flowers are delivered:
- Open the boxes and inspect everything right away
- Cut the stems at an angle and place them in buckets with clean, cool water
- Remove excess leaves that could sit below the waterline
- Store the buckets somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight
For more help on conditioning your flowers, check out our How to Choose Flowers for DIY Arrangements guide.
Your Week-of Flower Timeline
You don’t need a team or a floral fridge — just a plan. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- 3 days before: Hydrate greenery and filler flowers
- 2 days before: Build centerpieces and large arrangements
- 1 day before: Finish bouquets, boutonnières, and delicate pieces
This approach gives you time to handle last-minute adjustments without rushing.
Some Flowers Take Longer to Open
Certain flowers need more time in water before they’re ready to arrange. Plan for these to arrive early:
Give them 3–4 days after arrival to fully open. It makes a big difference in your final design.
Final Tips for a Smooth DIY Schedule
- Order 2 weeks before your event (earlier in peak season)
- Hydrate flowers as soon as they arrive
- Keep stems cool and in clean water
- Have your tools and workspace ready ahead of time
- Don’t try to do everything the day before
For more hands-on help, see our Definitive Guide to DIY Wedding Flowers.