How to Go Green with Your Wedding Flowers
Hi, I’m Angela! I’m a sustainable wedding planner in Pittsburgh, PA who loves helping non-traditional couples plan beautiful, meaningful weddings that are also earth-friendly.
I love me some flowers! They’re natural, pretty, and add softness and a lovely scent to a space. But after my first wedding, I remember thinking, “What happens to all of these flowers now that the wedding is over?” An awful feeling crept in, as I realized the amount of waste this one event produced.
Your wedding should give you good feelings and reflect your values, and if sustainability is one of them, then your floral choices are a great place to start. It’s hard to deny how beautiful and romantic flowers are, so if you want to include florals in your wedding day, consider eco-friendly options that are just as stunning but gentler on the planet. From working with a sustainable florist to reimagining your floral decor, here’s how to create breathtaking, eco-friendly wedding decor by using green wedding flowers while staying true to your values.
Related Post: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Wedding Decor
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Wedding Flowers?
Traditional floristry, while beautiful, can have a significant environmental impact. Many flowers are grown using pesticides, transported long distances, and arranged using floral foam—a microplastic-filled product that doesn’t break down. Choosing green wedding flowers helps reduce your carbon footprint, supports local farmers, and minimizes waste, all while creating a naturally elegant aesthetic for your wedding.
How to Achieve Green Wedding Flowers for Your Eco-friendly Wedding
Choose a Sustainable Florist
Finding the right sustainable florist is key to ensuring your wedding flowers align with your eco-friendly goals. Look for florists who:
Source organic, local, and seasonal flowers to reduce transportation emissions and pesticide use.
Avoid using floral foam, which is toxic and non-biodegradable. Instead, they might use sustainable alternatives like chicken wire, flower frogs, or Agra-wool.
Offer creative solutions to repurpose floral arrangements throughout the day, maximizing the use of each bloom.
Another great option for sourcing eco-friendly flowers is Slow Flowers, a network that connects couples with florists who prioritize local, seasonal, and sustainable blooms. Choosing a Slow Flowers-certified florist ensures that your wedding flowers support sustainable farming practices and reduce environmental impact.
Rent and Reuse Floral Arrangements
If you’re using fresh flowers, think about how they can be enjoyed beyond your ceremony:
Repurpose your ceremony flowers at the reception for centerpieces or backdrop decor.
Arrange to donate flowers after the event so they bring joy to others. In Pittsburgh, we have a volunteer program called Scent with Love that will pick up flowers and donate them for you after your event! Check your local area to see if a program like this exists.
Rent or purchase pre-used flowers from online sources like Something Borrowed Blooms.
Opt for reusable flowers made from silk or wood—these make beautiful keepsakes after the wedding. In Pittsburgh, we have a vendor (The Rustic Twist) that specializes in creating and renting wood flowers arrangements.
Use potted plants or herbs instead of cut flowers. These can be rented or gifted to guests as a meaningful, lasting memento.
For the elopement in this image below, our florist (The Copper Petal) built reusable potted plants into the broken arch arrangement to give a more lush look in a way that the greenery could keep on living!
Photo Credit: Talia Nelson Photography
Consider Non-Floral Alternatives for Your Eco-Friendly Wedding Decor
Forgoing flowers and incorporating sustainable wedding decor into your day doesn’t mean you have to compromise on beauty. Consider these non-floral alternatives to fresh wedding flowers:
Faux florals: If you choose artificial flowers, look for ones made from sustainable materials or rent them instead of purchasing new ones.
Potted greenery: Renting unique plants adds character to your decor and is often more cost-effective than buying cut florals.
Non-floral elements: Lanterns, dried flowers, sustainable candles, vintage vases, or even seasonal fruits and gourds can add just as much beauty and charm to your wedding decor.
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Final Thoughts
Sustainability and romance go hand in hand when it comes to your wedding flowers. By working with a sustainable florist, reusing floral arrangements, and incorporating eco-friendly wedding decor, you can celebrate your love in a way that’s both beautiful and environmentally responsible. Thoughtful choices—whether renting plants, repurposing floral arrangements, or opting for faux florals made from sustainable materials—help create a wedding that honors both your commitment to each other and to the planet.
Related Post: Why You Should Work with an Eco-Friendly Wedding Planner
As an eco-friendly planner and someone who eloped (for her second wedding), I totally understand the desire to have a wedding that reflects your unique values. I specialize in designing weddings and events around Pittsburgh for those who are laid-back, less traditional, and at least a little eco-conscious. Whether you're looking to add just a touch of green or "go green" all the way, I can help you create an exquisite, sustainable event. Learn more about my offerings here!
Hi!
I’m Angela, the founder and lead planner behind Eco + Ivory. I believe that weddings should be as beautiful for the planet as they are for the couple celebrating their love. That’s why I specialize in helping laid-back, non-traditional couples create stunning, sustainable weddings that reflect their values without sacrificing style.
When I’m not designing eco-conscious events, you can usually find me spending time with my husband and kids, eating my way through Pittsburgh, or enjoying a cup of coffee. If you're dreaming of a wedding that’s both breathtaking and environmentally responsible, I’d love to help bring your vision to life! Learn more at Eco & Ivory Events.
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission should you choose to make a purchase through the link. But this comes at no extra cost to you, and I only recommend products I believe in.