Top Tips To Ensure The Flowers For Your Wedding Are As Sustainable As Possible
At a time where the environmental impact of your special day is on most couples’ minds, what can you do to ensure, without compromising on impact, that your wedding florals are as eco-friendly as possible?
One of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of your wedding flowers is to choose seasonal and locally grown flowers. You should work alongside your florist and use their expertise in what will be in season and available for your wedding date. Try not to get fixated on one type of flower and trust that they will be able to find the best florals for your budget and style. They may also be able to work with local growers to reduce the carbon footprint of your flowers. Choosing seasonal flowers can also help to keep the costs down!
One of our team members Millie at a workshop with London florist Bloom and Burn.
Why not think about using dried flowers and grasses in your arrangements? Not only do they help to create a beautiful bohemian aesthetic, it is a really sustainable way of using flowers in your wedding. Your florist can buy pre-dried items or they can dry them themselves and create unusual and amazing arrangements, which as long as they are cared for, can be reused again and again, helping massively to cut down on waste.
A pampas filled moongate created by our team.
A firm favourite of ours is pampas, which can be used simply on its own or with fresh flowers and foliage to achieve the desired look. We have included pampas in lots of weddings in the last year, from including it in bouquets and aisle arrangements, to much larger installations. It’s creamy colour and fluffy texture helps to soften arrangements and give them a whimsical feel.
If you don't think this is quite the right style for your day why not try making your own confetti and drying petals at home? This not only means your confetti will be natural and not provide any waste, but it will also be unique to you and your wedding. Confetti making is certainly one fun couple activity that can further add to the excitement in the weeks and months running up to your unforgettable day.
That all important confetti shot, captured by Ben Minnaar Photography, at The Granary Estates. Flowers and Styling by our team.
Another idea to help reduce waste is the use of potted plants instead of cut flowers and foliage. These could be used to decorate the venue and stage an area. By including plants in a lounge area they can help to soften an complete the look.
You could also think about using potted plants as centrepieces instead of the more traditional bowl or vase arrangements. They can give a similar impact as cut flower arrangements and can be reused after the event, or even taken home by the couple or guests as a memento of the day.
Potted table arrangements at The Holkham Hall Showcase by Constance Rose, captured by Tatum Reid Photography. Tables styled by our team, crockery and glassware from CMA hire.
Our final tip is to reuse your florals through out the day, so as to help reduce your waste and give maximum impact. There are lots of ways you can reuse flowers and give them multiple purposes, which can ensure they continue to be seen and decorate your venue. This helps to save on waste and is also really cost effective!
You could think about reusing a ceremony back drop after the service, such as placing it behind the top table, or as a unique photo booth backdrop. You could also arrange your bouquets into vases and further decorate the venue. Why not use your centrepieces as an alternative to gift bouquets so they continue to be enjoyed after the wedding.
N & M’s beautiful ceremony backdrop was used as a photo booth backdrop later in the day, accessorised with a peacock chair and neon sign from our prop shop. Flowers and styling by our team, captured by Dan & Olivia Photography.
If you would like to talk to a member of our floristry team about how you can help ensure your wedding flowers are as sustainable as possible, get in touch now.
