Stunning, Sustainable Weddings
We are huge fans of a sustainable wedding around here. It just makes poetic sense to start off your marriage without generating an enormous footprint of waste. And there is no reason you can't have a big, luxe celebration while remaining focused on sustainability!
Choosing the right florals and floral designer is one way to keep your celebration a little more eco-friendly. Whether your heart is set on a lush garden look or a modern minimalist vibe, sustainable florals can be as luxurious and elegant as they are responsible.
Here are a few thoughtful ways to bring eco-friendly choices into your wedding florals, all while creating the atmosphere you envision for your day.
1. Embrace Local and Seasonal Blooms
Choosing locally grown flowers in season is one of the most impactful ways to reduce your floral footprint. When flowers are grown close to home, they require less transportation, which means fewer emissions and fresher blooms for your big day. Seasonal blooms like tulips and peonies in spring, garden roses and dahlias in summer, or heirloom chrysanthemums in autumn are not only objectively beautiful, but align beautifully with the natural rhythm of the year.
Pro Tip: Ask your florist about local flower farms or flower markets in your area. They may also offer blooms that aren’t typically available from large distributors, adding a truly unique touch to your arrangements.
2. Sustainable Floral Foam Alternatives
Traditional floral foam, a single-use plastic, is far from eco-friendly. I'll spare you the dissertation because wedding flowers are supposed to be fun! Fortunately, there are sustainable alternatives that deliver the same support and hydration without harming the environment. We *only* use sustainable, foam-free mechanics in oir designs, including chicken wire, reusable pin frogs, and a few incredible, compostable products that have been developed recently to mimic the support of traditional flower foam.
For larger installations, such as archways or statement centerpieces, you can count on eco-friendly mechanics. Floral design existed long before plastic did!
3. Choose Reusable and Repurposable Containers
At Diadem Flower Co., we exclusively use reusable containers that add elegance and sustainability to your wedding decor. Any vessel in our collection is available for use for your event, and if there's something specific you'd like to see, we're always looking to expand the library. All of our vessels are returned to stock and some of them have been there to celebrate with dozens of couples over the last 8 years. Taking care of our things so that they last a long time is important to us.
Pro Tip: Consider a mix-and-match approach with vintage or upcycled containers to create a unique and stylish tablescape. Look for items with a story or significance to add a personal touch to your decor.
4. Go Green with Potted Plants
For those who adore the look of lush, green foliage, potted plants are an ideal solution. Small trees, ferns, or succulents can create a stunning visual impact and continue to grow long after your wedding day. Potted plants are versatile; they can line your aisle, form part of your centerpieces, or even act as favors for guests to take home.
Pro Tip: Consider herbs like lavender, rosemary, or basil for table decorations. These plants add gentle fragrance, beauty, and can be replanted, enjoyed, or even used in the kitchen afterward!
5. Repurpose Florals Throughout the Day
One effective way to minimize waste is by repurposing your florals from ceremony to reception. There are some beautiful ways to reuse your florals throughout the ceremony and reception so that you can enjoy them as long as possible. We usually suggest it in our consultations so that we can talk through a few particulars (not using flowers that have been on the ground on your guest tables, for example), so don't be shy about asking when we're chatting!
Pro Tip: Coordinate with your florist or wedding planner to create a floral “reuse plan” so the transitions are seamless and stylish.
6. Donate or Compost Post-Wedding Florals
Once the celebrations come to a close, the journey of your flowers doesn’t have to end. Donating arrangements to local hospitals, care homes, or community centers can bring joy to others and extend the life of your florals. Any flowers that are collected at the end of the night return to our studio and get composted here at the farm to become next year's flowers!
With a bit of mindful planning, you can have the sustainable wedding of your dreams, one where the florals echo your love story *and* your values.
If you haven't figured it out by now, we’re passionate about designing floral arrangements that are as responsible as they are beautiful. Whether you envision modern and bold or a soft and romantic, we’re here to help you bring your eco-friendly floral dreams to life.
