4 Tips for Sustainable Wedding Flowers
It’s important to find a florist who prioritizes sustainable wedding flowers! Flowers wield significant environmental impact, and the rapid and episodic nature of the flower trade amplifies its carbon footprint. Paired with traditional floristry practices that generate substantial amounts of plastic waste, flowers can sneakily be the most environmentally impactful aspect of any event.
Locally sourced blooms not only reduce the environmental impact of your special event but also infuse it with a unique sense of place and authenticity. At Urban Desert Flora, we support locally grown flowers because their freshness cannot be beat! Locally grown flowers spend less time in transit, allowing us to pass on better quality and longer-lasting blooms to our clients.
When we support local flowers, we know that we are supporting farming practices that protect biodiversity and local pollinators. Preserving biodiversity and protecting our native ecosystems is essential for healthy growth. We believe that supporting locally grown flowers is not only environmentally conscious but also a celebration of the beauty in our region.
1. Foam-Free Floral Design
A once revolutionary floral mechanic, floral foam is now a heavily relied upon single-use plastic convenience product. Floral foam breaks down into tiny pieces that never fully biodegrade and can be ingested by freshwater and marine organisms. At Urban Desert Flora, we do not use floral foam. Instead, we utilize compostable or reusable materials. If you are not already working with a sustainable florist, you can request foam-free designs from any florist!
2. Support Local Flower Collectives
Each state’s flower collectives operate differently—some are solely wholesale while others offer retail as well. Inquire with your florist about supporting your local flower collectives for your event! Local flower collectives that offer retail sales are also great places to source blooms if you plan to DIY your floral decor.
3. Choose Seasonal Flowers
Working within the flower season means that many eco-conscious floral designers will not provide springtime blooms for wintertime events. If flowers are a top priority, make sure your event date is set when your favorite flowers are in bloom! A sustainable florist will be able to assist you in choosing local and seasonal flowers.
4. Mindful Flower Aftercare
Mindful flower aftercare is key to completing the life cycle of event flowers. Even if you plan to delay floral disposal through donation or keeping your flowers after the event, eventually they will need to be disposed of. Check out local businesses and community gardens in your area to see if they would accept your organic material for composting.
The Importance of True Sustainability
Sustainability is the pressing issue for the flower industry today. There are many florists who are speaking out about this issue and making changes to their practices, which is encouraging! However, we often tell clients to order “seasonal flowers” to create more cost-effective designs without explaining how. The key is not through traditional flower avenues but by supporting your local farms and flower collectives. To achieve the most sustainable designs, we must support local farms and flower collectives.
At Urban Desert Flora, we are committed to educating our clients about the broader aspects of sustainability and helping them make informed choices that align with their values. By choosing us for your event, you are not only getting beautiful, high-quality floral designs but also supporting practices that are better for the environment. Our dedication to sustainability ensures that your event is not only visually stunning but also eco-conscious.
