Sustainability is not only a topic for work, news or politicians – it is something we can be mindful of and care about in all aspects of our life. For engaged couples planning their Melbourne wedding, there are many ways to consider sustainability too, especially from a eco-conscious perspective for wedding flowers. In this blog post, we will explore how to incorporate eco-friendly considerations for your wedding flowers and provide additional tips on making other aspects of the wedding more sustainable. Bituin is a Melbourne wedding, events and daily deliveries florist focusing in creative and sustainable design. Let's discover how we can help you can create a wedding that is not only beautiful but also mindful of our planet.
Choosing Locally Sourced and Seasonal Flowers
One of the key principles of sustainable wedding flowers is prioritising locally sourced and seasonal blooms. When you enquire about wedding flowers with your florist, you can ask to prioritise the use of local and seasonal flowers. We always recommend that you’re not too specific with flowers and let the expert florist help you source the most beautiful and fresh local blooms. By choosing flowers grown nearby, couples can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation associated with imported flowers. We’re very lucky because Melbourne offers a vibrant and amazing selection of native and seasonal flowers, allowing couples to embrace the beauty of their surroundings. Local flower farms and sustainable florists, like us at Bituin, prioritise sourcing from local growers, supporting the local economy and reducing environmental impact.
Repurposing Floral Arrangements
To minimise waste, talk to your florist about which items can be repurposed – a tip is your ceremony flowers can often be reused for the reception, especially if they’re in the same venue. Ceremony flowers can be repurposed as welcome flowers or stunning centrepieces for the reception. Bridal bouquets can be transformed into charming tabletop decor or given to loved ones as special gifts. Discuss these options with your florist to ensure a seamless transition and maximise the use of your beautiful blooms. Repurposing arrangements not only reduces waste but also adds a touch of continuity, thoughtfulness and elegance to your wedding celebration.
Embracing Biodegradable and Reusable Materials
Incorporating biodegradable and reusable materials into your floral design is another eco-friendly choice. This is something that relies on you choosing a florist that focuses on sustainability as materials other than flowers is often related to the mechanics behind the beautiful arrangements. For example, a sustainable florist might opt for natural, biodegradable materials for floral wraps and packaging rather than single-use plastics or use reusable containers and vases for your floral arrangements. For large installations, ask whether the florist uses floral foam and if they have alternative, sustainable options. A sustainably minded florist, such as Bituin, will not use floral foam due to its toxicity and as it is a single-use plastic. These sustainable alternatives add a touch of charm and reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
Less Wasteful or Living Plant Favours
At Bituin, we love suggesting and encouraging guests or even yourself to take home the flowers home after at the day. This allows the flowers to continue to bring beauty to the world and reduces the waste at the end of your event. You can work with your florist to determine whether guests can bring the flowers home with the vase, or whether they need to be taken out (if the vases are hired). Another wonderful way to incorporate sustainability into your wedding is by gifting living plant favours to your guests. Instead of traditional wedding favours that often go unused or end up in the landfill, provide small potted plants or seedlings that guests can take home and nurture. This not only adds a touch of greenery to their lives but also promotes environmental consciousness. A tip is to choose plants that are native to Melbourne or Australia, require minimal maintenance, and easy to care for.
Creating a sustainable wedding in Melbourne is a beautiful way to honour your love for each other and the planet. By embracing eco-friendly practices in your floral choices, such as opting for locally sourced and seasonal blooms, repurposing arrangements, and incorporating biodegradable and reusable materials, you can be conscious of your environmental impact without compromising on style. At Bituin, we are a Melbourne florist passionate about sustainable and creative design. We can help you bring your wedding vision to life. Together, let's create unforgettable moments while caring for the world we share. Enquire now to explore how we can you create unforgettable and sustainable wedding flowers.