I’ve been lucky enough to work with the lovely Charlotte from Charlotte’s Floral Design on a few occasions now and every time she surprises me by the beautiful arrangements and installations she creates.
Charlotte is also a big believer and advocate for sustainable floristry, so I thought I’d get her to share some tips for how we can have beautiful florals without the environmental impact.
Why sustainability matters
Q. Why do you believe so strongly in sustainable floristry?
“I think it isn’t well known how un-environmentally friendly the floral industry is, the impact it can have on the environment and the people who work in it. Global warming is a huge problem that we all face and moving towards being sustainable is important in a lot of industries.
I personally can’t ignore what is happening to our planet and therefore I try to make positive changes in everything I do to help reduce the impact I have.”
Q. What do you wish everyone knew about flowers?
“I wish people knew that different flowers grow in different seasons and to get a certain flower when it isn’t in season can be difficult. It normally results in them being grown in a different climate and being flown to the UK.”
Q. What can couples do to reduce the impact their wedding flowers have on the environment?
“- Finding a florist who uses seasonal British flowers only or predominantly.
– If there is a specific flower you would like then check when it is in season and plan your wedding in that month.
– Use recyclable or reusable items both in floristry and other areas. You could hire items that can be reused rather than buying new and throwing away.
– Finding a florist who doesn’t use oasis foam or ask them not to use it.
– Compost your flowers once they have wilted.”
Q. How can couples repurpose their flowers throughout their day?
“I’m a big believer in repurposing flowers, especially if you have a separate ceremony and reception area. I often advise that aisle flowers and ceremony centrepieces can be reused in the reception or bar area. For example, aisle meadows can be reused as the table centrepieces and milk churn or pedestal arrangements can be reused from the ceremony to the reception entrance or to frame the top table.
If you’ve ordered bouquets then I suggest you bring a few empty vases to put them in after the ceremony, so they have somewhere to go when you aren’t using them, this also helps to keep them fresher for longer.”
There are lots of ways we can all help to play our part in reducing the impact we have on the planet and I hope Charlotte’s floral tips have helped give you an insight into this.
If you’re looking for a florist who can help you have beautiful florals without the environmental impact, then you can check out Charlotte’s work here.
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