Planning, planning and more planning! Be it extravagant or spartan, the formative planning stages should be started a minimum of two months or more before the wedding. This will allow for greater flexibility in regard to changes and substitutions brought on by market availability and other unforeseen situations. Give yourself enough time to relax and enjoy the creation process. If you're inexperienced in floral design, seriously consider getting a book or tape of basic floral wedding techniques and cut flower care/storage. There are many online resources as well as a good selection of titles in your local library. You want your floral pieces to not only look fresh and beautifully designed but be structurally sound as well.

Make a wedding order for yourself. List what floral pieces you will need. You can print a standard wedding order from Wedding Order. Decide what pieces you will do. You may find you need to contract out some of the designs. Maybe you'd like to handle the bridal party and have a florist do the ceremony and reception pieces. Know these things up front so you don't get in over your head.

Supplies. Once you've decided on your floral pieces, you should list the specific flowers, colors and hard supplies (bouquet holders, corsage pins, floral tape, etc.) needed for each design. When you start your shopping you'll know exactly what you're looking for, and have to make fewer time consuming "emergency" trips to the market.

Select a fresh/silk flower and design supply source. I don't recommend using your local florist. Unless you have a very special relationship with them, you're likely to endure a "chilly" reception and pay retail prices. There are local floral wholesalers in every area where there are florists. Most sell to the public. If yours doesn't, do an online search for direct flower supply. Many growers sell online but they do require minimum orders. Look in your local department or craft store. The wedding supply sections are quite extensive now and sometimes you can find a price better than wholesale.

Do some practice designs in advance. You'll know right away if you need to ask for help or if you have it just right. This is definitely something you don't want to find out a week before the "big day" -- and everyone knows practice makes perfect!

Get as much done as you can in advance. Silk pieces, bows, etc. can be done as early as you'd like and safely stored. Careful they don't get crushed. Fresh greening of bouquets and arrangements can be done up to a week before. Make sure they are store properly, keep the design foam soaked, check water level in containers and mist the foliage every day. Flowers can be added just 1-2 days in advance.

Maintenance. All completed fresh designs should be stored in a cool place (under 50 degrees) out of direct sunlight (basements and garages work well), watered and misted daily. Be careful you don't soak the ribbons. If you're lucky enough to have a cooler handy, the temp should be 38-42 degrees.

Important: Don't store fresh flowers anywhere near fruit. A gas given off by the fruit as it ripens will age your flowers as well.

Celebrate? Last but not least - Enjoy! Creating your own wedding flowers can be a rewarding and enriching experience that will leave a lasting sense of pride and accomplishment, not to mention all the compliments you'll get for a job well done!