Wedding Blog

I love flowers. My grandparents owned and operated their own small flower shop in Wisconsin. My aunt and uncle took over the shop when my grandparents retired, but I spent many visits running through the greenhouse or watching my aunt and uncle assemble beautiful centerpieces. The smell of fresh flowers always gives me warm fuzzies and brings back great memories.

My mom and grandma in front of the flower shop circa 1969.

There are many ways to make your flowers and centerpieces eco-friendly.

I think the most eco-friendly flower option is to use locally grown flowers, and for centerpieces, using a non-flower recycled, reusable or edible display such as potted plants that guests can take home, or fruits for guests to eat after the reception. Another great idea is to use your favors as a centerpiece, or cakes that will be served for dessert. Mrs. Pineapple recently did a great post about non-floral centerpiece options.

I love the photos and the river rocks and candles! Despite so many awesome non-floral choices, my personal attachment to flowers had me decide to stick with fresh cut flowers. When looking for a florist, we sent emails to the vendors that our site coordinator recommended. One vendor stood out far from the rest: Susan Garden, owner of Garden Party. She quickly responded to our inquiry, sent us a detailed list of questions (theme/feel of wedding, number of attendants, centerpieces, etc.). She used this questionnaire to put together a detailed quote with descriptions for each item. She also responded to our interest in making the event as eco-friendly as possible, given our budget. Her eco-friendly work has even been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle (in 2005 and 2006).

The flowers for our event will be fall colors with deep reds and oranges. We are aiming for a fall, rustic, and romantic feeling. My flowers won’t all be organic or local but I feel a little better knowing that I am supporting an independent vendor that has eco-friendly and sustainable business practices.

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For a bride looking for alternatives to flowers, Susan also rents many centerpieces and decorative elements such as potted olive trees and grape vines, topiary, candelabras, and much more. You can check out all the details and pictures at her website http://www.gardenpartynapa.com/.

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All of the vases for our wedding are being rented, so she will come pick them up after the event is over. I asked what happened to flowers after the event since I was hoping to find a local hospital or charity to donate them to. I beyond thrilled when she replied that, unless the bride would like for the guests to take the flowers, all the flowers are recycled—either to the old folks home in a nearby town, or to use at a charity function if one is on the same weekend as the wedding. That was great news!! If you or your guests won’t be taking the flowers with you, then it would be a great idea if you ask your florist about donation options. There is no reason to let your beautiful centerpieces go to waste!

In what ways will your centerpieces go to use after the wedding?