When we set up Blooming Green in 2007 / 2008 an eco-friendly and sustainable ethos was behind everything we did. As far as we are concerned there is no other option though, we were also very aware that we didn’t want to come across as ‘holier than thou’ or preachy. Our aim was to educate, gently, and slowly bring our customers round to an alternative and sustainable (regenerative even) approach to floristry. And what a change we have seen in the 15 years we’ve been in business!
It’s now much easier to be eco-friendly and sustainable when it comes to flowers
So, where to start? You’ll be pleased to hear that these days the Internet is a godsend when it comes to planning your sustainable wedding. One of our favourite ‘wedsites’ is Hitched, who recently published a blog on ‘eco-friendly wedding ideas which you can check you here There’s also The Natural Wedding Company, who we have been listed with for many years as well as Green Union.
Keep it as local as possible
‘Think global, act local’ as the saying used to go. We now have a wealth of local suppliers that we work with and are always happy to recommend great suppliers in Kent or Sussex. We only attend one wedding fair, The Rustic Kent Wedding Fair (twice a year) and manage to link up with like-minde, sustainable businesses by doing so. So, when you go for your first few consultations — whether that’s at the wedding venue or with the florist — ask them who they would recommend. By using local suppliers, you immediate reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing road miles.
Think about waste: reuse, recyle, re-purpose
We always encourage our brides to re-use there flowers in other parts of the venue if they can… so carry pew end through from the ceremony area to use at the reception, or put your bouquets in jars to stand on the top table instead of having more flowers. You must think we’re mad, doing ourselves out of more business but we fell very strongly about saving the pennies and saving the planet. Table flowers we often supply in jars which can then be given away as wedding favours at the end of the day, so nothing goes to waste and the flower are appreciated for days to come. We use recycled tines, re-usable jars, second-hand vases… and never use plastic or floral-foam.
A few suppliers we’d like to mention…
Here’s to a little shout-out for companies we love, who you will find on the Natural Wedding Company’s site… or visit their sites to find out more:
Confetti: The Real Flower Petal Confetti Company
Photography: Freckle Photography
Wedding planner: TogetherNess Weddings
Cakes: Little Button Bakery
Dress: Indiebride London