Sustainability is a key word these days in weddings, and for good reason! If you think about the footprint left behind from millions of weddings a year, the impact on our environment is undeniable.
So, how can you make your wedding more sustainable?
One of the easiest ways is to work with vendors who use sustainable practices.
A great place to start is with your flowers! And this week, our very own Colorado wedding florist Four Seasons Custom Florals is here as our guest to share with us everything we need to know about seeking out florists who are committed to eco-friendly products and practices.
So, what does that look like?
Sustainable floristry comes in plenty of shades and types! And we are here to make it more clear for you.
1. Ordering from local farms whenever possible.
Flowers grown across the world must be cold chain shipped which has a significant carbon footprint. From trucks to planes to warehouses it adds up quickly.
2. Little to no use of floral foam.
Traditional floral foam is loaded with micro-plastics and chemicals such as formaldehyde which leech into our ground water and don’t break down. Look for florists using products such as Agrawool or Oshun pouches as an eco-friendly alternative to foam.
3. Limited use of single use plastics.
For example, using cardboard corsage boxes instead of plastic. This little step can take you far in planning a more sustainable wedding!
4. Reusing vases and vessels.
This cuts down on the need to purchase everything new for every wedding, and can bring a cute vintage touch to you wedding details.
5. Buying flowers from farms that align with sustainable values.
Using organic farming techniques with no pesticides; the planet and your guests will thank you!
6. Avoiding spray paints, sheens and other chemicals.
Chemicals and spray paints can be harmful to the environment. Avoiding them will ensure a healthier ecosystem and a healthier you!
Many couples ask about alternative options such as silk or wood flowers. Lets look at the pros and cons of each type of flower.
Fresh Flowers
Pros:
- Photograph beautifully
- Smell nice
- Biodegradable
Cons:
- Frequently require overseas shipping
- Pesticide use
- Can cause allergies and attract bugs
- Can wilt or die, especially in hot or cold environments
- Needs refrigeration and careful transportation
- Cost! Out of season, exotic and unusual flowers can be quite expensive
Silk/Faux Flowers
Pros:
- No water or refrigeration needed
- Can be reused, repurposed or sold to another couple
- Does not cause allergies
- Can get any season flowers anytime. Peonies in January? Yes, please!
- Weather does not effect them, no wilting or freezing
- Last forever making a great keepsake
- Can be less expensive than fresh flowers, especially for exotic flowers
- Easier to transport without worry of breakage
- Are lighter weight making them a good option for overhead installations and arches.
Cons:
- Can look and feel unrealistic, though today’s silk flowers are much better than the past
- Cost: high quality silk flowers are frequently more expensive than fresh
- Typically not biodegradable
- Don’t photograph as well as fresh unless very high quality
- No scent
Sola Wood Flowers
Pros:
- Will not wilt or die
- Can be reused, repurposed or sold to another couple
- Can be dyed any color under the sun to match any wedding colors
- When treated with softener are very durable
- No allergies
- Can be scented to smell like fresh flowers
- A great sustainable option. Made from the root of a plant these are the most eco-friendly option as they biodegrade easily
- Cost- typically the least expensive option
Cons:
- Can be fragile and break if not treated with softener
- The least realistic option. While beautiful in their own right, they don’t always look real
- Can be quite time-consuming to prepare. The dyeing process can take multiple coats with dry time in between
- Stems must be added to every flower, a tedious process
- Have limited options of flower types
When choosing your flowers, take into account what is most important to you. If cost and sustainability are most important to you, Sola Wood flowers might be your best bet. If you want your flowers to smell amazing and photograph well, fresh flowers are your go-to. If you’re worried about your flowers wilting or freezing in the elements, silk flowers are ideal.
So, now you know what kind of flowers you want! But how do you choose your florist?! Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Budget: do they have a minimum? What is the average amount spent by other couples.
- Do they design with flower type you are looking for? Fresh, silk or sola wood. Many florists only offer one type.
- Style: many florists have a set style whether that be garden-inspired, boho or avant garde, make sure they align with what you’re looking for.
- Creativity: your wedding is unique and your flowers should be too. Find a florist who will give you innovative designs instead of a cookie cutter wedding.
- Trust: florists are professionals. You should click with your florist and feel complete trust that they will execute your flowers perfectly.
- Location: hiring a local florist will typically cost less than someone requiring travel fees, however, many excellent florists travel anywhere so if you are in love with a particular florist, consider driving or flying them out to give you the flowers you really want.
- Reviews: make sure to read reviews and see photos of previous weddings for any florist you’re considering.
- Sustainability: if this is important to you make sure you ask about what practices they employ to be more environmentally friendly.
Lessen your weddings footprint by choosing flowers and a florist that practices sustainability and feel good that you’ve done your part! Contact Lauren at Four Seasons Custom Floral to get started!
