I’m more of a plant person than a flower person. The thrifty one inside me can’t see the sense of spending a ton of money on something that will need to be thrown away sooner than later. But there are certain occasions when I think flowers are a must, and weddings are one of them. So when some dear friends asked for some help with their reception decor, I talked my way into planning and creating the florals. (Does anyone else do that?) Before last Saturday I had only done a few floral arrangements, but I’ve learned some tricks that gave me the confidence to tackle this project, all on a tight budget.
The key to this budget-friendly arrangement is using a handful of other natural items along with flowers. Flowers are expensive. Leaves and grapes? Not so much.
You will need: roses, snowberries, sweet gum branches, grapes, a vase, gold spray paint, scissors, and 1/4″ clear floral tape.
Start by spray painting the outside of your vase and letting it dry. I picked up a bunch of glass vases from the thrift store for around $1 a piece. Once you’ve tried an arrangement with a floral tape grid, there’s no turning back. This is the secret to getting the flowers to stay where you place them, and it’s totally worth the extra prep work in the beginning. You can try cutting scotch tape into skinnier strips, but it does not have the staying power that the real thing has. I don’t make an arrangement now without this stuff, and one roll of it will last a really long time.
I like to start with the bigger items first and then fill in with the smaller as I go. First, cut and place 3 to 5 roses in your container, grouping some together.
Next cut and place some snowberries. I kept these a bit long for some height and a more organic look. Natural arrangements are very on-trend and that’s great for those of us who aren’t pros. It’s a much more achievable look.
I then used the spray paint to haphazardly gild some of the leaves. You don’t want to completely cover them, just add a bit of shine here and there. After several hours of gilding inside, I’m shocked to announce that my clothes were paint free. That NEVER happens. I did have quite the headache though.
Insert the leaves.
Now, you’ll notice there are some gaps where you can see the tape.
I cut up grapes in bunches of 5 to 7 and filled the holes with the bunches. Extra points if you can get a bunch cascading down the side of the vase a bit.
It’s a simple arrangement that gives a fresh nod to fall, all on a really great budget – less than $10 an arrangement.
JAPAN SAMURAI says
Good evening! !
It is 9:30 in the evening Japan time.
School of flower arrangement has been established for a long time in Japan.
Habit to make a flower vase in porcelain or pottery – is located in the home of each.
It is a beautiful and very strict.
Ryoma.Japan
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Ryoma! And thank you for reading!
Jennifer Lippi says
These turned out so elegant! You can really save money on flowers by making smart choices. You have one lucky friend to have your help with the decor!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Jennifer. You're right, you can do flowers on a budget and still get something pretty!
Megan Davey says
This is awesome, Gwen! I have been so afraid of floral arranging, and typically take bouquets I get from costco and just plop them in a vase but this looks easy! + love the idea about spray painting thrift store vases!
Megan from Chasing Davies
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Megan. I know what you mean, it can be totally intimidating, but get some of that tape and I swear you'll feel like a pro. 🙂
Albertina M. Cisneros says
What a beautiful arrangement! So lovely and you share some great tips. I love the idea of adding some grapes. I have never used this tape but it seems to really make a difference. I will pick some up! Thanks for the inspiration.
Kimberly Hannon says
Great idea to spray paint the leaves I love the idea of elevating found objects just to hit I'd try spray painting the inside of the bases I've done that before and I love the glossy glassy look you get. Thanks for sharing!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Totally agree with you on the vase, Kimberly! I was just worried that because the paint isn't waterproof that it would start chipping off with the water inside, and I didn't want to risk it for the wedding, nor did I have the time to then seal after painting. Thanks for reading!
Bethany DeVore says
So pretty and I love your tip about the grapes, I would never have thought to do that!
Sri Jayam says
The flower pot is suitable for that flower.
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