Making the Wedding flower budget go further
Flowers, though gorgeous and life-affirming – are essentially a luxury item and in terms of sustainability should perhaps be enjoyed for longer than just the wedding service. The average bridal bouquet has traveled over 4,000 miles, requiring lots of irrigation, possibly grown in peat, often sprayed in chemicals banned in the EU, using tonnes of carbon in distribution fuel, wrapped in excessive plastic packaging, dipped in flower food containing bleach and sometimes even dyed. But wedding flowers don’t have to cost the earth.
So what are the alternatives to imported flowers, which would appeal more to eco-conscious couples and also won’t blow the flower budget? British-grown, seasonal flowers. We have become more conscious about what we eat and where it comes from. Since the lockdown, we are looking for more local solutions and there are nearly 1,000 artisan flower growers across the UK, many working towards sustainable principles. Have a look at Flowers from the Farm online and on social media, where you’ll find the nearest florist farmers to your venue or at least someone who could supply ethically sourced flowers to your chosen florist (make sure they are floral foam free – as this contains microplastics).
Keep control of the budget
Once you have chosen your flower source, why not think about employing the groomsmen or friends to help move a few arrangements from the ceremony to the venue? At Wye Valley Flowers we really encourage this ‘recycling’ of flowers to make a budget go much further, but it also ensures the flowers are enjoyed for much longer and reduces waste.
Jam jars are a simple way to create impact as table centres, they can be hung on the pew ends or line an aisle for an outdoor wedding and can also act as ‘flower favours’ for guests to enjoy at home – much better than throwing the bouquet. They also make the perfect gift for anyone unable to attend.
As well as offering full floristry services, our DIY wedding buckets are also really popular. They are perfect for a creative bridal party, especially if a few friends and family are gathered at the venue the night before to assemble – preferably over a catch-up and a bottle of fizz. This allows everyone to get involved and really personalise the flowers and maximise the budget.
Similarly, a ‘broken arch’ can be designed to stand behind the couple for vows, but also be transported to work as an entrance to a reception marquee. Last year we had several ‘festival weddings’ who took the flowers from the entrance of the church, to put in the reception tipis for a really boho vibe.
Choosing locally grown, seasonal British flowers from is one of the easiest ways to make your wedding bouquet more sustainable. You are also supporting a local business too!
Email us to disscuss your flower budget, or arrange an informal chat to discuss ideas info@wyevalleyflowers.com and follow us on social media @wyevalleyflowers
