Perhaps one of the biggest expenses you’ll have on your wedding day is flowers, from your bouquet to boutonnieres to the many centerpieces that will adorn your reception tables, your gorgeous arrangements will cost plenty of time and money. After all that soul-searching to find the perfect setting, it’s heartbreaking to think that most of these blooms will find their way into the trash bin. But you don’t have to let that happen!
There are more options than ever to recycle your wedding flowers, to not only cut down on waste but to ensure that they give someone the same joy that they brought you. Whether you’re looking to create a more sustainable wedding day or simply can’t bear the thought of your flowers being disposed of, there are ways that you can give these accents new life! Here are a few great services and recycling ideas to keep in mind after your wedding comes to a close.
Random Acts of Flowers
This organization has been in existence since 2007 and is a green recycling nonprofit that utilizes dedicated volunteer team that recycles wedding flowers and repurpose them to bring joy to individuals in healthcare facilities, retirement homes, and hospice facilities. This organization is currently available in Chicago, Knoxville, Pinellas and Silicon Valley, but they also have an extended network of local affiliates that may be able to help as well. As an added bonus for your efforts, your gift will be tax-deductible!
Rebloom
Currently available in New York City and Boston with plans to expand in the near future, Rebloom lets you be charitable and put your efforts towards a charity or cause you believe in! The organization will accept your wedding flowers that will be sold for delivery the day after. The proceeds can then be donated to the charity of your choice so you can turn your investment into something lasting. The company is much like a flash sale service, which takes flowers that would have otherwise ended up in the trash and given them new life in a different context.
Re-Gifting!
Last but not least, if you’d like to share your floral creations on your own, make it a policy at the end of your festivities to allow your friends and family members to take your flowers with them so they can enjoy them long after the celebration. This will still give you the opportunity to hold onto a few of the more important floral arrangements you may want to save (bouquets, boutonnieres, etc.) while still helping serve your overall goal of cutting down on waste after your special day.
Community Gifting
Last but not least, you can always take it upon yourself to donate your used wedding flowers to local hospitals, churches and retirement homes where they can shine long after your special day. This is a wonderful way to spread joy in the area you call home while ensuring that your wedding flowers will be a monumental investment that keeps making people smile.
