DIY Wedding Florals Using Trader Joe’s: A Budget-Friendly Floral Guide for Couples

Hey friend—if you’re dreaming of gorgeous wedding florals without the sticker shock, you’re in the right place. I’m here to let you in on one of my favorite little secrets as a wedding planner: Trader Joe’s flowers.

Whether you're planning an intimate backyard wedding or just looking for meaningful, hands-on touches, sourcing your florals from Trader Joe’s is budget-savvy and beautiful—and yes, totally doable.

Why Trader Joe’s is a Wedding Florals Goldmine

Here’s why I always recommend TJ’s to my couples doing DIY: They source directly from growers, so most flower bundles cost between $3.99–$12.99 (crazy, right?).

Their stock is refreshed daily, so you’re working with super fresh stems.

They carry a wide variety of blooms like roses, peonies, ranunculus, hydrangeas, sunflowers, and seasonal greenery like eucalyptus, baby’s breath, and ruscus.

And the best part? You don’t need a florist license or wholesale account—just a cart, some vision, and a little creativity.

Pro Tip: The best time to shop is first thing in the morning, right after restock—most locations refresh around 8:00 AM. You’ll get the freshest picks before the crowd swoops in.

So, How Do You Actually DIY Your Wedding Flowers?

Let’s break it down—because I promise it doesn’t have to be overwhelming: Shop 1–2 days before your wedding to keep your blooms fresh and lively.

Trim your stems at a diagonal and pop them in water as soon as you get home. Keep them in a cool, shaded space (bathroom floors work great).

Start with greenery like eucalyptus or ruscus—it gives shape and flow to your arrangements.

Layer in your filler florals, then work in focal blooms like peonies or garden roses. Step back, fluff, tweak, repeat.

Floral design is part art, part feel. Don’t overthink it—just build it and tweak later.

Let’s Talk About Bud Vases (My Favorite Trend)

Okay, I love this part—bud vases are one of the best things to happen to DIY weddings. If you haven’t seen them all over Pinterest yet, these tiny vases are meant for just one or two stems each. And let me tell you, they make even the simplest flowers look elevated and intentional. Here’s why they work so well: You can style tons of tables with just a few bunches of blooms. They’re super versatile—perfect for reception tables, cocktail rounds, bars, or even your welcome table. They’re easy to transport, arrange, and honestly… kind of fun to style. You can mix and match heights, shapes, or keep them uniform with clear glass for a modern look. Pop in a spray rose, a ranunculus, and a sprig of greenery—boom, you’ve got a centerpiece. Add a candle and it’s instant magic.

💡 Insider Tip: Just one bunch of spray roses from TJ’s can fill 6–8 bud vases beautifully. (Yes, really!)

What’s in Season at Trader Joe’s?

Knowing what’s likely to be in store can help you plan ahead (or pivot if needed).

Here’s a cheat sheet to get you started:

Spring: Tulips, peonies, ranunculus, daffodils

Summer: Sunflowers, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, lilies, dahlias

Fall: Mums, goldenrod, berries, rust-toned roses

Winter: Roses, amaryllis, winter greenery, pine accents

Call your local store ahead of time to ask what they expect to have the week of your event—TJ’s staff are usually super helpful!

Real Wedding Wins I’ve had brides create $300-looking bouquets for $35. I’ve helped couples turn $75 of flowers into bud vase setups for 12 full tables. I’ve seen brides and besties have bouquet-making parties the night before their wedding—it’s budget-friendly and memory-making.

My Planner Tips Just for You:

Bring your own buckets or ask the store for extras to keep flowers fresh.

Trim and prep everything the night before, and keep stems in cool water overnight.

Use bud vases as favors or repurpose them at the bar, guestbook table, or even in the restrooms.

Don’t be afraid to mix store-bought blooms with foraged greenery (just double-check allergies or safety!).

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s flowers are such a beautiful way to put a personal, meaningful stamp on your day. Whether you’re building your own bouquet, filling the room with bud vases, or creating an intentional moment with friends and family—this is your wedding, your way. If you're planning your wedding and want help making your floral dreams come to life (or just need someone to tell you how many stems to buy)—I'm your girl. Let’s chat, dream, and bring your vision to life together.

Until then—happy flower hunting! 💐