Blooming Sustainably: Rethinking Event Florals with the Planet in Mind

In the events world, florals are a key component. Whether adorning tables at a corporate gathering or forming bouquets at a wedding, flowers lend a sense of natural beauty and elevate any occasion. However, traditionally, event florals generate a significant amount of waste and often contribute to a high carbon footprint due to the necessity of temperature-controlled environments for transport, both internationally and domestically, as well as the greenhouse gases they emit when decomposing in a landfill. (Ideas.Ted.com & TheStar.com) 

In fact, “the average cost of wedding flowers in 2022 was $2400” (TheKnot.com). Couple that with around 2.1 million weddings occurring globally each year between 2009-2019 (NewYorkTimes.com) and that’s about $5.04 billion in flowers annually that may end up in landfills!

However, being fans of reinventing all aspects of wedding and event planning, we're excited to introduce you to the world of sustainable florals, where the beauty of flowers and responsibility towards the planet come together.

The Problem with Floral Foam

Historically, floral foam has been the go-to base for arrangements. It's convenient, cheap, and holds stems firmly, but there's a dirty secret: it's incredibly harmful to our environment. Made from toxic phenol-formaldehyde, floral foam doesn't biodegrade and frequently ends up in landfills, wreaking havoc on our wildlife. It's high time we break up with floral foam.

Welcoming Eco-friendly Alternatives

Embracing a greener event ethos calls for alternatives to conventional practices. Enter chicken wire, Agra-wool, and flower frogs! Not only are these materials eco-friendly, but they offer a sturdy base for beautiful floral arrangements. They are effective, efficient, and, most importantly, kind to our planet. Chicken wire and flower frogs have been used for centuries, whereas Agra-wool and Oshun pouches are relatively newer products. The Oshun pouch is an innovative, compostable solution for hydration and stem support. All of these options are great alternatives to floral foam.

Natural Materials and Sustainability

Synthetic materials, often prevalent in traditional event décor, take hundreds of years to decompose. Switching to natural alternatives is not only kinder to the environment, but can also add a unique aesthetic to your arrangements. Opt for ribbons made from natural materials such as raffia, jute, or cotton instead of synthetic ones. These materials are biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and add rustic charm to any arrangement.

Be Mindful of Dyed, Dried, Glittered, or Glued Florals

In our role as event organizers, it can be tempting to be drawn to vibrant dyed and dried blossoms, petals adorned with paint or shimmering specks, or cacti decked out with glued-on faux floral embellishments. However, ethically, we must consider the environmental implications of these choices. 

Chemicals used in dyes and preservation can render otherwise compostable flowers as landfill waste. Accents like glitter and glue can have the same impact. Instead, opt for florists who use eco-friendly dyes or natural preservation, or choose plant-based glitter and natural fibres or eco-friendly adhesives for decoration. By making more conscious choices, we can create a balance between event aesthetics and our dedication to preserving our planet. In doing so, we can ensure that our floral displays strike a balance between visual appeal and sustainable practices.

Consider Potted Plants Over Cut Flowers

Although perhaps less conventional, potted plants also make stunning table centrepieces and venue decorations. They can be rented or purchased and gifted to special guests or donated post-event. Succulents can also make for gorgeous, unusual bouquets.

Photo Credit: Jen + Brian, Photo & Film

The Joy of Local and In-Season Blooms

'Sustainable blooms' equate to sourcing locally and seasonally. Importing exotic flowers from across the world significantly increases carbon emissions due to long-haul transport, temperature-controlled environments, and excess packaging. Instead, guide clients to think of florals in terms of theme and colours, rather than specific flowers. This approach leaves room for more unique, creative arrangements while supporting local businesses and reducing carbon footprint. It also brings fresher, more vibrant blooms that haven't been stressed by lengthy travel.

Staying True to Values

As event planners, our work reflects our values. As our very own Natasha wisely points out, being flexible with the types of blooms and allowing the florist to work within a colour palette creates a unique and beautiful floral composition while staying eco-friendly. If your client has their heart set on a specific flower, consider planning the event during that flower's natural blooming season, thus reducing the need for long-distance transportation, and increasing the event’s sustainability. 

The Art of Repurposing

Another core aspect of sustainability are the concepts of reusing and repurposing. If clients are investing in a grand floral installation for a ceremony, brainstorm on ways to reuse it - perhaps as a backdrop for the head table, lounge area, or for photo sessions. How about repurposing the centrepieces as aisle decorations for the ceremony? By doing so, we're not only cutting down on waste, but also crafting creative and memorable event settings.

The Journey Beyond the Event

We all love the aesthetic of a room adorned with flowers and greenery, but have you ever wondered about their journey post-event? With proper planning, event florals can spread joy even after the main event. Encourage guests to take the flowers home or consider donating them to a care facility, where they can brighten someone's day. This act of kindness gives wedding and event florals a second life and reduces waste. 

Collaborating with Eco-Conscious Vendors

Building a network of eco-conscious vendors can be a game-changer for green event planning. Collaborating with local farmers, florists, and small businesses who prioritize sustainability can make a significant difference. Consider companies like Bloomerent in New York, which repurposes event florals, and Reflower Project in Boston, which picks up event flowers and donates them to care facilities. In Toronto, ReBLOOM collects event flowers, recreates new arrangements, and donates them to local organizations. In Vancouver, Bloomiér supports eco-friendly practices, sources blooms and staging materials sustainably, and donates florals post-event. These companies are redefining the event industry's relationship with florals to be more intentional and sustainable.

Blooming Sustainably

Embracing sustainability in event planning is more than just a trend; it's a necessary change. Every step towards eco-friendly practices, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on our planet. As eco-conscious event planners, we have a unique opportunity to lead this change and make a difference.

Remember, it's all about aligning with the values that matter most to your clients. Focus on those first, and think creatively about how to turn their dream florals into a reality that's as earth-kind as possible.

We're thrilled to support businesses that provide top-quality, ethically-sourced products and services while minimizing environmental impact. 

We invite you to join the conversation by sharing your tips and experiences with sustainable wedding and event florals in the comments below.