Galentine’s Day is one of my favorite days of the year! It’s all about ladies celebrating ladies, and what’s not to love about that?! Whether it’s brunch with mimosas, a fun craft night, or just an excuse to gather with your best friends, it’s a day dedicated to friendship and appreciation. After a tough year filled with family health scares, I knew I wanted to do something extra special this time around. That’s when I landed on the idea of a DIY flower bar!

I’ve been wanting to create one for ages but always assumed it would be too expensive or too complicated to set up. Turns out, it’s much easier (and more budget-friendly) than I expected. Not only does a flower bar make for a beautiful display, but it’s also an interactive and creative activity that everyone can enjoy. Guests can build their own custom bouquets, and it doubles as a party favor they’ll actually want to take home.

Oh, and the best part? You can tailor a flower bar to fit any occasion, from bridal showers and baby showers to birthdays and weddings. You can also adjust it to match any theme or color scheme, whether it’s soft pastels for spring or rich jewel tones for fall. Keep reading for everything you need to create a stunning yet budget-friendly DIY bouquet bar! I’ll cover where to buy flowers, how to set up a beautiful display, and the small details that make a big impact. Plus, I’m sharing my top tips for keeping costs low, as well as creative ways to elevate your bloom bar for larger and/or more formal events.

How to Create a DIY Flower Bar

Creating a DIY flower bar can be as simple or complex (ie. affordable or extravagant) as you want it to be. It really just comes down to budget. As long as you have the right supplies, though (listing everything you need below!), the quantity of flowers really doesn’t matter. It’s all about getting creative.

In all honesty, I was working within a pretty modest budget for this flower bar cart, so I got real creative with all the extra touches. If you’re similarly strapped, keep reading for some simple tips for staying within your budget!

Bouquet Bar Supplies

One of the best parts of setting up a DIY flower bar is the flexibility. You can go all out or keep it simple. Since I designed this one for a Galentine’s Day brunch, I stuck to a more budget-friendly setup. Here’s everything I used to create my affordable DIY flower bar– 

• “Flower Bar” sign– I used my Cricut and the backside of an art print (what can I say? I’m cheap crafty) to create this flower bar sign! You can grab the design here. If you’d prefer something more dramatic, I love this wooden sign I found on Etsy! It looks beautiful against a faux boxwood backdrop. 
• Instruction card– A build-your-own-bouquet bar is pretty self explanatory, but it’s nice to provide some instruction. You can see a close-up of mine below (linking the design here, too)! If you’d like something more formal, here is one of my favorite templates on Etsy!
• Garden roses– If you’re out to save money, order your flowers from Sam’s Club. A girlfriend tipped me off about Sam’s Club’s florals a few months back, and (assuming you’re wanting to buy in bulk) you will not find a better value anywhere else. I got this variety of pink garden roses for under $60! FYI- the price changes based on season/demand, so they may be more or less expensive at different points throughout the year. 
• Filler flowers– I didn’t want to buy filler flowers in bulk, so I went to the grocery store and grabbed some stock, spray roses, carnations, and baby’s breath. Other great budget-friendly filler flowers are alstroemeria, waxflower, statice, daisies, and button poms. I’m sharing some of my favorite, less budget-friendly fillers below, as well! 
• Greenery– Greenery is another great thing to buy in bulk! I ordered 50 stems of Nagi greenery from Sam’s, and it was more than enough. It doesn’t look like it’s available to order anymore, though, so Israeli Ruscus is a good alternative!
• Pink ribbon– I set out some pink ribbon (I figured it was only fitting for Galentine’s Day) for guests to wrap their bouquets with. Having scissors handy is a good idea, too!
• Vases– I love saving old glass bottles (particularly liquor bottles– some of them are so pretty!), so I set out a variety of vases for guests to choose from. If you aren’t a hoarder like me, you can grab a dozen mason jars from Walmart for under $15.  
• Floral spray– Floral spray helps keep flowers hydrated throughout the day. If you don’t have any on hand (I ordered mine off Amazon), mist them with water every few hours to keep them fresh. 

Also, they’re not visible in the frame, but it’s a good idea to have these items on-hand, too–

• Floral shears– I absolutely love my floral shears. Farmgirl Flowers uses them, and they cut stems at the perfect angle to maximize water intake. They’e a bit pricey, though, so regular scissors are a great alternative. 
• Water tubes– If any of your guests choose to make a bouquet with ribbon, they’re going to need water tubes to keep their flowers hydrated. You can find an 100-pack on Amazon! These small water-filled vials help flowers stay fresh longer, making them perfect for events where guests may be mingling for hours before leaving. I recommend pre-filling them before your event, but it’s not totally necessary if there’s a sink nearby. 
• Floral wire– Just like water tubes, floral wire is essential for bouquet wrapping. If you don’t have floral wire on hand, floral tape works well, too. It’s just a little harder to use (at least in my opinion). 
• Flower food– It’s not at all necessary to hand out flower food, but it’s a nice touch– and it’ll help elongate the life of your guests’ arrangements!

Seriously, though– how beautiful are these white and pink garden roses?! They’re even more gorgeous after they’ve fully bloomed, too!

Tips for Creating a Budget-Friendly Flower Bar

One of the reasons I held off creating a DIY flower bar for so long was because I assumed it’d be insanely expensive. I mean, a single hydrangea stem is $5 at some florist shops. Fortunately, though, it wasn’t too bad at all. I think I spent under $150 on the whole shebang (it could’ve been much less, too, if I didn’t have my heart set on garden roses), and it had everything we needed and more.

Here are five tips for keeping your make-your-own-bouquet bar budget under control–

Tip #1: Buy your flowers in bulk.

I’m telling y’all– Sam’s Club is a game-changer if you need large quantities of flowers. The problem is, though, that buying in bulk typically involves 50+ stems. So, for secondary and filler flowers, I recommend going and buying a few stems of what’s in season or on sale at the grocery store. 

Tip #2: Stock up on greenery.

After creating Grocery Blooms, I realized just how essential greenery is for floral arrangements. Not only does it add natural beauty, but it also fills a lot of space, creating depth and dimension without the need for extra flowers.

I do want to mention, though, that certain types of greenery are way more expensive than others. If you’re on a strict budget, you probably need to stay away from eucalyptus and Italian Ruscus. Even in bulk, they can be $2+ per stem. More affordable alternatives include lemon leaves, Israeli Ruscus (not to be confused with Italian Ruscus), and Nagi greenery. I actually hadn’t heard of Nagi before creating this flower bar, but now I’m obsessed. It’s budget-friendly and looks amazing in any arrangement!

Tip #3: Use what you have.

Unless you’re going to Dollar Tree (which isn’t a bad idea), supplying 15+ vases can be expensive. So, get creative and use what you already have. I set out a few yards of pink ribbon, some really cool old liquor bottles, and a few extra mason jars we had lying around. Everyone loved the variety!

The same goes for decor, too, by the way. I used my Cricut to make both my flower bar sign and instructions card. 

Tip #4: Avoid trendy flowers. 

I know… peonies and ranunculus are drop-dead gorgeous. Florists and growers know it, too,  and they charge accordingly. So, one easy way to save money is to only buy flowers that are easy to source and always in season. For example, roses are readily available year-round, as are carnations and stock, and you can almost always get them for less than $1 per stem. 

Tip #5: Don’t go overboard. 

It’s extremely difficult for me to reign in my love for flowers (just ask Kyle), so I get it. It’s hard to not go overboard sometimes. Plus, full disclosure– I use an insane amount of flowers in my arrangements. So, I did some research and learned that the average small-sized mixed bouquet is around ten stems. Then, I took my guest list and multiplied it by 4 to determine how many statement flowers to buy. I did the same for secondary/filler flowers (x3) and greenery (x3), give or take a dozen. It was literally the perfect amount!

If you’re still not sure how many stems to order, I found this post particularly helpful.

Ways to Elevate Your DIY Bouquet Bar

Creating a DIY flower bar is already a fun and beautiful way to celebrate any occasion, but a few thoughtful touches can take it to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a more formal bridal shower, a work event, or a wedding, these ideas will add elegance and charm while making the experience even more special for your guests.

Invest in a Floral Display Stand

Instead of placing flowers in simple vases on a table or standard bar cart, consider using a tiered floral display stand (like this one) or a decorative vendor stand (like this one, which can also be a charcuterie cart). This not only makes the arrangement more visually appealing but also helps guests easily see and select their favorite blooms. A tiered setup also adds height and dimension, creating a true focal point for your event.

Offer Custom Bouquet Bags or Wraps

Give guests a stylish way to carry their handmade bouquets home by providing custom bouquet bags (like these) or wraps. Personalized kraft paper (like this), monogrammed tissue, or linen wraps add an elegant touch. You can even stamp them with the date of your event or a fun floral-inspired quote for an extra special detail.

Incorporate Unique Filler Options

Beyond traditional greenery, add unexpected fillers like dried lavender or wheat stalks for texture and variety. This allows guests to create bouquets with more depth and visual interest. Plus, dried elements can make their arrangements last longer! Here are a few of my favorites–

• Dried Lavender– Adds a fragrant, rustic touch while complementing both fresh and dried flowers beautifully. Buy it in bulk on Amazon!
• Dried Wheat Stalks– Brings a natural, textured element that pairs well with both soft florals and bold greenery. Another one you can buy in bulk on Amazon!
• Wax Flower–  These tiny blooms add a delicate, romantic touch and come in soft pastel shades, perfect for spring arrangements.
• Statice–  Available in a variety of colors, statice adds both volume and a subtle wildflower feel to bouquets.
• Solidago (Goldenrod)–  A budget-friendly filler that brings a cheerful pop of yellow and pairs beautifully with fresh greenery.
• Chamomile Flowers– These dainty, daisy-like blooms add a whimsical, garden-inspired touch to any bouquet.
• Limonium (Sea Lavender)– With its airy, cloud-like clusters, limonium adds softness and texture while also drying beautifully.
• Thistle– For a bit of unexpected edge, blue or purple thistles provide striking contrast and a modern, organic feel.

Incorporating a mix of fresh and dried fillers will give guests more creative options and ensure their bouquets have depth, texture, and lasting beauty!

Add a Ribbon Station

Set up a small station with an assortment of satin, lace, or velvet ribbons in complementary colors. Guests can tie off their bouquets with a pretty hand-selected bow for a polished and professional look.

I probably sound like a broken record, but I also recommend having pre-filled water tubes nearby to keep blooms hydrated, especially if guests aren’t heading straight home. You can even display them in a stylish container or basket to make them an eye-catching part of the bouquet bar setup.

Create a Matching Cocktail or Refreshment Bar

This may sound extra extra, but hear me out– pair your DIY flower bar with a themed cocktail or refreshment station! A floral-infused lemonade, hibiscus tea, or a signature botanical cocktail (like my go-to rose margarita) will keep the event cohesive while offering guests something fun to sip on as they arrange their blooms.

I was working with a tighter budget, so I kept things simple. Still, watch my Instagram Reel below for a quick before-and-after look at how my DIY flower bar came together!

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A post shared by Steph | Diary of a Debutante (@stephanieziajka)

More Galentine’s Day Ideas

A bouquet bar is a gorgeous and creative way to celebrate, but it’s not for everyone– and that’s totally okay! Whether you’re working with a different budget, a smaller space, or just want something a little different, there are plenty of other fun ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day (or a bridal shower—the two practically go hand in hand). Here are a few easy and festive ideas to consider–

• Heart-Shaped Waffle Bar– Brunch never disappoints, so why not set up a make-your-own waffle station? I created one for Galentine’s Day using this adorable mini waffle iron to make heart-shaped waffles, and it was such a hit! Just add toppings like berries, whipped cream, sprinkles, and syrup for variety. I also recommend serving some bacon, eggs, or yogurt for protein, as well! 
• Fondue Dessert Bar– Melted chocolate, fresh fruit, marshmallows… need I say more? A fondue bar is a fun and delicious way to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth! Plus, it’s a great option for healthy eaters, too, since you can easily forgo the chocolate. 
• Mimosa Bar– No matter the time, place, or occasion, a mimosa bar is always a good idea. Whether you go all out with a full mimosa station or simply set up a tray with champagne and fruit juice, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Candy Buffet Bar– Love the idea of a bouquet bar but want something simpler? A candy bar is a fun (and much easier) alternative. It’s budget-friendly, requires zero upkeep, and doubles as a take-home treat for guests. Just grab an assortment of candies in pinks, reds, and pastels to match the Galentine’s Day theme!

What do you think? Would you go for a food or drink bar, or is a flower bar more your style? It’s a tough call, but I already can’t wait for an excuse to create another DIY bouquet bar– so I think my choice is pretty clear!

P.S. If you’re looking for more Galentine’s Day inspiration, check out these fun Galentine’s Day bar cart ideas! And if you still need the perfect gift for your BFF, sister, or any special lady in your life, don’t miss these adorable Valentine’s gifts under $50. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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