It may be a little too late to ship Mom a gift (although an e-gift card is still possible ) for Mother’s Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create something beautiful on your own. At Havenly, we’re big believers in the power of the grocery-store flower. With a little ingenuity and elbow-grease, you can create a gorgeous bouquet that rivals even the fanciest florists. Here’s how:

The easiest way to fake an expensive bouquet is to choose a very narrow color scheme. Ditch the clashing look of the pre-made bouquets and stick with a monochromatic or nearly monochromatic look. All white, white and pink, or green and purple are good options. You can purchase bundles of flowers separately and combine them into your bouquet for a much more custom look.

Grocery store bouquets are all cut to the same length. Instead, create an arrangement with texture by trimming stems for a layered look. Choose a few statement flowers to stand taller, and let the filler cluster organically around them. It feels deliberate and evokes a natural, organic feeling rather than the regimented vibe of a same-height bouquet.

The more lusher, the fancier it will look. While buying tons of blooms can add up, green filler is usually the cheapest available solution. Eucalyptus, magnolia, or even baby’s breath will really fill out your arrangement without breaking the bank.

Finish off your gift by choosing a pretty way to package your bouquet! A simple mason jar can be beautiful, or you could choose a vase that matches her decor. If you know she has a favorite vase already, you can wrap the arrangement in crisp brown paper (leave a gap to allow the flowers to spill out) and fasten with ribbon or twine.