Counting floral stems is important in DIY floral design since it determines how many stems you need. Below are some general guidelines to assist you with estimation. These guidelines can be adapted based on your preferences, flower type, and arrangement style. All the photos below feature arrangements made with Bloom’s flowers & greenery.
Tables with Greenery
Photo by Sincerely Anna Marie
An 8-foot rectangle table will have 18-20 stems of greenery overlapping in the center, creating a lush garland effect. You can accent the greenery by adding flower stems. For round tables, use 12 stems of foliage in the center. Accent the greenery with floating candles, lanterns or bud vases.
Mason Jars
Photo by Michele Maloney Photography
When arranging DIY flowers in pint-sized mason jars, use two greenery stems and eight focal and filler flowers or all the same style flowers. Cut the stems to 10-12 inches long. For quart-sized mason jars, which are taller, use 4-5 stems of greenery and 12-15 stems of focal and filler flowers, cutting the stems to 16-18 inches long.
Vases
Photo by London Bridges Photography
When arranging flowers in bud vases, you can mix and match different types of flowers and foliage. Aim for 1-3 bud vases per linear foot for long tables. If you’re setting the table with a round shape, it’s best to place 4-5 bud vases in the center. A popular choice for a centerpiece is a vase with an opening diameter of 5-6 inches, which is considered a medium size. To create a medium centerpiece, you will need 20 stems, including 15 focal flowers, five filler flowers, and five greenery stems.
Flower Bars
Photo by Blooms By The Box
Let your guests create their bouquets using five to six stems with focal and filler flowers. To set up a flower bar, you will need scissors, ribbons, snipping tools, and brown paper. Rubber bands are optional but can be helpful. If you prefer an easier option, our premade DIY Bouquet Bar Packs are available, allowing you to choose your preferred colors!
Bouquets
Photo by Bernhardt Photography
The typical bridal bouquet consists of 30 to 35 stems, although some can contain as many as 40. You will need 12 greenery stems and the remaining stems for the focal and filler flowers. A bridesmaid bouquet should have 15 stems, including five greenery stems and five focal and filler flowers. Smaller bridesmaid bouquets would consist of 10 stems, including two stems of greenery and eight stems of flowers.
Boutonniere
Photo by Rebecca Burt Photography
To create a textural boutonniere, use three or four stems, including two greenery stems and one focal and filler flower.
Corsage
Photo by Blooms By the Box
The wrist corsage should contain two greenery stems, one focal flower, and 3-5 secondary flowers. Spray roses are ideal for making corsages.
Need help creating a wedding style? Get a free consultation to reflect your personality. Our team can design a timeless, memorable style. Contact Blooms By The Box via phone, email, or chat to get started!
Featured Photo/By Sarah Monson Photography
Tina Merola
As a professional designer with over twenty years of industry experience, Tina's lifelong creative passion has enabled her to pursue her artistry and vision in various professional environments. Drawing on her knowledge from floral techniques and tips from the industry’s leading professionals allows her the opportunity to channel her love of the unique beauty of nature’s many wondrous blooms into stunning floral designs.
