Aesthetic: Floral Conundrum

Vote for the 'Nicole & Ben' inspiration board beginning March 31st!

Wedding planning can inject a little self-doubt into even the most convicted person. I, for one, am not an OMG-we-NEED-peonies (aka one of the prettiest and most expensive blooms in current wedding floral trends) type of bride and happen to think that wedding flowers are a little over-rated. Give me a handful of carnations, I don't care. To this end, I had always figured that I would make my own bouquets. There are plenty of tutorials on the interwebs, I have a creative eye, how hard could it be? I'd go to St. Louis' floral market the day before my wedding, pick out $100 worth of whatever catches my eye, and bribe my family and bridesmaids with wine, beer, and pity to help me throw together some bouquets.

Two fatal email inquiries began changing my mind. I thought, why don't I just research a few local florists and see if anyone is especially affordable? One was, and her online reviews were pretty stellar too. She put hops in one couple's boutonnieres. She recycles vases and sources flowers from local farmers. I could pay this ultra-hip person to make me some aesthetically pleasing bouquets and use those precious hours the day before my wedding to relax with family and friends whom I only see once or twice a year (no floral tape required). Done deal if you ask me. Right? Wrong.

Blooms by the Box is one of the online wholesale flower markets I had heard was popular for brides going the DIY flower route. They ship all flower orders to their customers' door a few days in advance and have rave reviews for customer service. They also happen to be offering a contest starting next Monday, March 31st in which the person with the most 'likes' on their inspiration board will win $300 worth of flowers. As you can see from the board I made, I am really into abundant greenery paired with pretty creams. Because filler flowers are much less expensive than some of the more popular blooms, I am confident that $300 would be more than enough to create 4 maids' bouquets, a bridal bouquet, and some boutonnieres/corsages without sacrificing style (as I most certainly would have had to do if just 'winging it' the day before). I am going for it! Please help me win by following my Facebook posts for updates about when the contest begins and ends and how you can vote. 

The worst-case scenario is that I don't win and get to work with the ultra-hip florist after all. :)