How can you make sure that your wedding flowers are sustainable?
We all love weddings. And if you’re a bride-to-be looking to make your big day as special as possible, you’ll want to make sure your bouquet and flower designs perfectly match the rest of your decor. There are loads of decisions which factor into this. Colour, style, bloom, and – perhaps the most overlooked – sustainability.
If you’re conscious of the environmental impact of your flowers, there are steps you can take to ensure you’re having as minimal an effect on the world around you as possible. In this short guide, we’ll discuss four of the best approaches to take.
Pick flowers that are seasonal
Having seasonal flowers means you won’t need to ship or export them from anywhere else in the world. This reduces the overall carbon footprint of your wedding, while significantly lowering the cost. It’s a win-win. If you’re unsure what’s in season and when, Odela Rose provides a handy guide.
Source from local suppliers
Along a similar line of thought, sourcing your flowers locally will also help offset the footprint of your wedding – while simultaneously giving back to a local supplier. Just remember that local flower shops will need a lot of advanced notice, as their supplies are limited. August will be a particularly busy month for them, with 17% of all weddings taking place during the height of the summer.
Avoid single-use plastics in design
Where possible negate the need for plastic and other non-degradable materials which will end up in a landfill after the wedding is done. Avoid floral foam, and try to steer clear of artificial displays that are constructed using faux flowers. Opt instead for the real thing.
Think about dried flowers
Dried flowers give you the chance to use out-of-season blooms, without the need to export them. This is a unique stylistic choice, so be sure you know what your proposed designs look like before committing. Also avoid any flowers which have been painted, bleached, or dyed, as these won’t degrade.
Make sure to keep these practical tips in mind when thinking about sustainable floristry at your wedding. If you are looking for more ways to be sustainable at your wedding – we would love to hear about them in the comments below.
