After several requests to explain how I select the flowers that go into my bouquets, I decided it was time to finally sit down and give you the scoop. I honestly had to think about the “method to my madness” which was a good exercise for me.
By now if you’re a regular reader you’ve gathered that my go-to in purchasing flowers is my local Trader Joe’s. But honestly, a farmers market, a florist shop, and in a pinch, even Costco or the supermarket flowers will work. However, when I’m throwing a party my first choice is always Trader’s for their selection and freshness.
Hot tip: Did you know you can order flowers in advance at Trader Joe’s? You need to plan ahead (at least 5 or 6 days prior to your event). I had my list of flowers and quantities I needed to them first thing Monday morning and they were ready for pick up Saturday morning. Please be sure and check with your local store for their lead time as it may vary from store to store.
WHEN TO GO?:
I generally make my arrangements the day before my event so they are ready to go and it alleviates the stress of running around the day of the party. I’m a huge believer in doing as much ahead of time as possible when entertaining as there just never seems to be enough time the day of! But I have put them together the morning of, but only if I’m hosting an event later in the day.
I arrive at the store early when the store doors open for best selection. (I’m also very fortunate to have two Trader Joe’s within pretty close proximity so what I don’t find at one store, I often can find in the other.)
Pre-Made Bouquet vs. Individual Bloom Bundles:
While “pre-made” bouquets serve a great purpose like to take to a friend or intimate dinner, but when I’m shopping for my flower arrangements for entertaining I prefer to purchase the flowers in individual bloom bundles and create them myself. Though it may be a little pricier, I find the individual blooms tend to be a bit fresher and I prefer to select the flowers I want, particularly when I’m throwin’ a bash.
When I’m hosting a party I have a vibe or theme so this will dictate the types of flowers I’ll be looking for: [Ex: romantic or colorful summer fun or fall foliage]. For this trip, I was shopping for a summer afternoon barbecue I was having for 80+ church members so the thought was bright and summery with vibrant colors.
Pre-Game Plan Before You Go:
- Know your theme or what vibe you’re going for.
- This will help you dial in the types of flowers you’ll need. [Ex: Bright/summery with vibrant colors]
- Decipher the number of arrangements.
- Don’t forget to include the serving area and powder room in your count and think sizes not just numbers of bouquets.
- Pack containers for the ride home.
- If you’ll be purchasing larger amounts, bring a bucket or two for your trip home. Throw in a couple of water bottles to keep those thirsty flowers happy en route.
Okay…So the store doors open…
What Am I Looking for?
Keep in mind, I am self-taught at this floral arranging thing. I’ve learned by trial and error, but my method actually falls in line pretty closely with what many of the “experts” say (and now I actually have a name or title for them 🙂):
- Focal/Feature Flowers: These are the larger flowers, the stars of the show, so to speak. They are the flowers that are going to stand out more in my bouquet; think roses, dahlias, hydrangeas and jumbo mums.
- Filler Flowers: These are smaller flowers that help to build some volume into the bouquet and give it a little dimension; think veronica, hypericum, rice flowers or stock.
- Greenery: This gives your arrangement texture and helps create some shape like myrtle, dusty miller, silver dollar & seed eucalyptus.
Some of the pros break it down into even more categories, but these basics are more in keeping with my skill level and what has worked for me for years. I’ve certainly had my hits and misses, but trial and error is how you learn. And really, they’re flowers. How badly can I mess them up?! (I can literally hear the eye rolls from florists everywhere! Sorry, experts!)
Walking into the store, I scope out all the inventory and then focus in on the colors and textures I’m looking for, depending on my event. For this trip, it was a summertime outdoor event so I’m looking for Focal Flowers in bright colors for pops of color on my tables.
Particularly in my Filler Flowers, I want a mixture of textures and colors and I also want them to complement the focal flowers I’ve chosen. Colors should blend, not compete with one another. The idea is to enhance the focal flowers I’ve chosen.
And lastly, my Greenery is based on what is available and for this trip silver dollar eucalyptus with its great texture and shape was the winner. (But for the record, I also really like seed eucalyptus as it is excellent for filling in holes in your arrangement when jeuging.)
An important side note which could actually be a whole other blog post:
BUY FRESH FLOWERS!
Take time to check and make sure your flowers are as fresh as they can be. You’re looking for perky flowers with strong stems, sturdy pedals and green leaves. Some unopened buds are great as they’ll continue to bloom once home. (Think of how you shop for your veggies. Take the same care with your flower choices!) This is why I hit the store early, to have the best selection AND the freshest flowers.
But if by chance you get home and for example 2 of the 5 stems of a bunch aren’t great…Trader Joe’s is fantastic about taking them back for an exchange. (I swear I get nothing from TJ’s from all this pub! LOL)
Time to load up the car and head home for some serious flower jeuging. Here are pictures of the final product from my selection.
Ta Da!
No two arrangements alike and all colorful and FUN!
For my post on my
Easy Peezy Way of Flower Arranging Click Here!
Another example of flower arrangements I made for my Launch Party.
Check out the post on
How to Throw A Launch Party HERE!
Final Product using Trader Joe’s flowers to make these beautiful floral designs.
Hopefully you have a better feeling for how to scout your flowers when shopping to make your own bouquets. Have FUN with the process. It’s flower arranging…just let those creative juices flow and, of course…JEUGE! Be sure and let me know when you give it a try! Would love to hear all about it. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
For more tips and ideas for your next soiree, subscribe to Fun with Fun-Size below! (Please check your spam if you don’t receive a confirmation email.) Be sure and follow me on Instagram or Pinterest @funwithfun_size.
*Having issues or want to contact me directly? Feel free to reach out at: Shelley@funwithfunsize.com
Had no idea about pre-ordering flowers from TJs! Game changer! Love ya!
I know, right!? Glad to be of service 😉 XO
Absolutely beautiful!
Oh that is so nice of you to say!
I think of you every time I go past the flowers when shopping at TJ’s.
And feel very blessed to get to enjoy your beautiful arrangements on so many occasions!!
That’s so sweet! Thank you so much~ XO
Wow, I love the flowers at TJs, but never seem to arrive at the most opportune times for selection. I will now ALWAYS pre-order my flowers. Who knew?!
Fun Size at your service! 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
I didn’t know about pre-ordering either until one of their employees gave me the scoop! Glad you’re now “in the know”!! Happy Arranging! 🙂
Hey very nice website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find a lot of useful information here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
So happy you found my website useful. I’m loving sharing my ideas so thank you~
The carnations at TJ’s are amazing. They aren’t very impressive in the store but the buds open up to be big and full and they last, literally for weeks if you take care to trim the stems once a week. And they’re only $4.99.
I agree. I think carnations have gotten a bad rap and you’re right…they last for days! 🙂