Build your own bouquet bars have become really popular as of late, and for good reason too. They can be used for many occasions: weddings, bridal party showers, baby showers, girls night, business collaborations and more! I've thrown intimate gatherings and even larger ones hosting more than 30+ people. I'm ready to share my experiences and take aways so you can host your very own build your own bouquet bar (BYOBB)!
Supplies You'll Need:
-Flowers
-Scissors/Clippers
-Buckets/Vases to Display
-Kraft Paper Wraps or Take home vase/mason jar
-Rubber bands (needed if using kraft wraps)
How Many Flowers Do I Need?
When it comes to planning your BYOBB it's important to get a head count, that way you know about how many stems of flowers you will need.
From that point you will want to know how many flower stems each participant will be allotted.
(Sometimes it's good to make a mock-up arrangement so you can get an idea of how many stems makes for a good well-rounded arrangement. Coming out to one of our Pick Your Own Flower experiences is a great opportunity to do jus that!)
For example, you have 10 guests building a bouquet, each guest will have 10-12 stems. (10 X 10= 100 Stems of 10 X12 = 120 Stems.)
Now you want to add some extra onto those numbers because flowers can break when being transported and handled. From my experience it's better to have extra than not enough.
It might also be worth noting that when you purchase flowers from a flower farmer, Trader Joes, or from a traditional florist a "bunch" of flowers typically comes with 5 or 10 stems (the latter being most common). So you'll know you need 10 bunches of whatever flowers to get approx. 100 stems. Sometimes farmers will have bulk options which can be a cost effective way to get seasonal flowers at a bulk price.
How Do I Display / Set-up the Bouquet Bar?
Now that you have the "hard" part figured out, you'll want to know how you are displaying your bar of flowers. Typically having buckets or vessels that are the same makes for a polished look. When you have too many different types of buckets of jars it can look chaotic. You really want the flowers to shine!
One cost effective way to display your flowers is to head to Dollar Tree and grab some glass vases. if you don't have a lot of flowers to work with smaller vases will help your floral bar look abundant.
When setting up the bouquet bar it's best to have them lined up with adequate space between them. This allows guests elbow room to work and not feel crammed.
It's also super important to have tables for people to work at. It's nice have an area for your guests to set down their vases or flowers and to just work. Don't overlook this!
Depending on your event or gathering it might be beneficial to have signs that guide and direct your participants. Laying out step by step directions can help people feel less intimidated and can help ensure that each person uses the right amount of stems. This would be good if your limited on the amount of flowers.
Wrapped Sleeves or Vases?
It's also important to know if guests will be using kraft paper sleeves or some sort of vase/mason jars that way you can make sure to have enough of whatever you choose to use.
Kraft paper can be a cost effective option, but if your guests are traveling you'll need to figure out how to keep the flowers hydrated, whether that be oasis sleeves or wet paper towels and bags. You'll also need a stapler and rubber bands to wrap with paper. (Don't get super thick rubber bands, it'll make it harder to wrap the flowers/)
A vessel of some sort will keep flowers properly hydrated and they will be ready to bring home and enjoy. A case of mason jars can be a great option. Or once again head over to $ Tree and grab some of their vases. If you're hosting for friends a fun idea might be to head to the thrift store or Goodwill and find something fun or unusual to arrange in! Get creative, make it fun and get your hands on some flowers!
Let me know if you have any questions, feel free to TAG me on social media when you make you're own BYOBB!