Weddings are celebrations of love, commitment, and the beginning of a new chapter. But amidst the joy and excitement, it’s easy to overlook the environmental impact of this often extravagant event. The good news is that celebrating sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing style or romance. In fact, embracing eco-conscious practices can infuse your wedding with a deeper sense of meaning and connection, aligning perfectly with the values championed at events like the Kinder Wedding Conference in Victoria, BC, which I had the pleasure of attending a few weeks ago.

The Kinder Wedding Conference, a beacon of positive change in the wedding industry, highlights the importance of bringing belonging and connection into every aspect of your special day. It emphasizes prioritizing joy and emotion over perfection, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the growing movement towards sustainable weddings. Events, they argue, should feel as good as they look – and a sustainable approach can help ensure both.

In this blog, I want to explore how to create a wedding that is beautiful, memorable, and kind to the planet, focusing specifically on the often-overlooked environmental impact of wedding flowers. We’ll delve into the benefits of locally sourced blooms, explore ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and offer practical steps to make your wedding truly sustainable.

The Unsustainable Truth About Wedding Flowers

Traditionally, wedding flowers are a significant source of waste and environmental impact. Many blooms are flown in from across the globe, contributing to a considerable carbon footprint. The use of pesticides and herbici

des in their cultivation further harms the environment, impacting biodiversity and soil health. Post-ceremony, the vast majority of flowers end up in landfills, contributing to methane emissions.

This is where conscious choices come into play. By embracing sustainability, couples can minimize their impact and create a wedding that reflects their values. We, at Foxgloves are trying to do our part in making wedding florals as eco conscious as we can. We grow as many blooms here on our land as we can , employing spray free and earth friendly practices such as compost tea, vermiculture and drip irrigation to cut down on water usage. We embrace the “GROWN NOT FLOWN” mentality.

Choosing Locally Sourced Flowers: A Petal-Perfect Choice

One of the most impactful changes you can make is choosing locally sourced flowers. Supporting local florists means reducing the transportation miles associated with imported blooms. This significantly decreases your carbon footprint and helps support local businesses and economies, which is so important in these challenging economic times.

Furthermore, locally grown flowers are often more sustainable in their cultivation practices. Local florists are more likely to employ environmentally friendly methods, minimizing the use of harmful chemicals and prioritizing soil health. They also often work with seasonal varieties, ensuring that your flowers are at their peak beauty and reducing the need for forced blooms.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint: Beyond Local Blooms

Minimizing your floral carbon footprint goes beyond just sourcing locally. Consider these additional steps:

• Rent, Don’t Buy: Consider renting arches, vases and containers for your ceremony and reception, reducing waste and cost. Many florists offer this service, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful arrangements without contributing to unnecessary disposal.
• Choose Sustainable Packaging: Opt for biodegradable or compostable packaging for your flowers. Avoid excessive plastic wrapping and ribbons.
• Repurpose and Compost:  Don’t let your beautiful flowers go to waste. Work with your florist to donate arrangements to hospitals, nursing homes, or shelters. Alternatively, compost your flowers after the event to enrich your garden or a local community garden.
• Incorporate Alternatives: Consider supplementing or even replacing traditional cut flowers with sustainable alternatives, such as potted plants that guests can take home as favors. This reduces waste and provides a lasting memento. Even incorporating fresh produce such as radicchio is a fun way to showcase local product.

The Power of the Green Wedding Swaps Guide

Resources like the Green Wedding Swaps Guide provide invaluable support and information for couples committed to creating an eco-conscious wedding. They offer a wealth of advice, vendor listings, and tips for planning a sustainable and stylish celebration. The guide serves as a definitive resource for navigating the world of sustainable wedding planning, simplifying a task that can seem overwhelming.

Using an Eco Wedding Calculator

Various online tools, such as this eco wedding calculator from Mindfully Wed , can help quantify your wedding’s environmental impact. By inputting details about your venue, transportation, food choices, and flowers, you can get a clearer picture of your carbon footprint and identify areas for improvement. These calculators are important step in making informed decisions about your unique event.

Embracing Imperfection, Prioritizing Joy

The Kinder Wedding Conference powerfully emphasizes the importance of prioritizing joy and emotion over perfection. A perfectly curated, flawlessly executed wedding is less important than a celebration that resonates with your values, feels authentic, and reflects the love you share. Sustainable choices often align with this philosophy. Focusing on the essence of your union rather than adhering to unrealistic aesthetic standards ultimately leads to a more meaningful and memorable day.

A sustainable wedding needn’t be complicated or less beautiful. It’s about making conscious choices that reflect your values and minimize your environmental impact while celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic and joyful. Sourcing flowers locally, minimizing waste, and prioritizing experiences over material possessions will not only reduce your carbon footprint but will also contribute to a wedding that is uniquely yours and deeply resonant.

Beyond the Flowers: A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

While this blog post focuses on flowers, sustainability extends to all aspects of your wedding. Consider these broader factors:

• Venue: Choose a venue with sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly energy sources and waste reduction programs.
• Food: Opt for locally sourced, seasonal food and minimize food miles.
• Transportation: Encourage guests to carpool or use public transportation.
• Favors: Choose eco-friendly favors, such as plants, seeds, or handmade items.
• Stationery: Use recycled or plantable paper for invitations and other stationery.

By taking a holistic approach to sustainability, you can create a wedding that not only looks beautiful but also feels good, reflecting your commitment to environmental responsibility and creating a celebration that is truly unforgettable. The journey to a sustainable wedding may require more research and planning, but the reward—a beautiful, meaningful event that aligns with your values and benefits the planet—is invaluable. Embrace the journey, embrace the joy, and create a wedding that you, your guests, and the planet will cherish.