Green Your Choices for Flowers and Decorations
Many brides insist on fresh cut flowers for their wedding. They are a sign of nature, a fresh new life and can cheer up any room. Unfortunately, using cut flowers results in a lot of waste. They only last a few days and the growth process consumes a lot of water, fertilizers, pesticides, spray-on scents, and energy for special equipment to provide light and maintain temperature and humidity conditions.
You don't have to completely cut flowers out of your wedding to go green. Here are some ideas to think about:
- Decide which flowers are absolutely necessary and reuse the floral arrangements from the ceremony at the reception.
- Find out what flowers, berries, ferns and trees are local and in season so they don't have to be transported very far.
- Choose locally grown organic floral arrangements. They have a shorter distance to travel, they arrive fresh and support the local economy. Organically grown flowers have not been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides and don't have to be sprayed with a chemical scent to smell like they are supposed to.
- If you want special floral arrangements that require flowers not grown locally, ask for fair trade flowers. "Fair Trade" means that consideration of the worker's conditions is taken into account.
- When you are done with the floral arrangements they can be donated to hospices, hospitals, or nursing homes.
- Consider choosing reusable centerpieces made from flower-free materials, such as pebbles or ceramics.
- Look for creative centerpieces that don’t waste fresh cut flowers.
- Think about non-flower centerpieces. These can be great alternatives for people with allergies.
- Think about live decorations, such as potted plants or small trees that can be transplanted into a yard or garden. They can be a constant living reminder of your special day.
- If your centerpieces are reusable, let your guests take them home.
- A yummy alternative to consider is using confectionary centerpieces, tiered trays of appetizers, snacks, breads, or other locally sourced food.
- Avoid the harmful fumes produced by paraffin wax or petroleum based candles. Also avoid older candles that might have been made with wicks containing lead. Consider using 100% natural soy or beeswax candles and reusable glass votives from local candle makers, or make your own candles using environmentally friendly materials.
- Avoid the green foam some florists use to secure flower arrangements. They are wasteful, and are not reusable or recyclable. Use nuts, shells, stones, or other materials to secure the floral arrangement.
- Some ideas for party favors include organic chocolates and sweets, locally grown organic fruit, soy candles, and organic soaps.
New ideas on how to make eco-friendly wedding choices emerge regularly.
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