Designing a Sustainable Wedding with Luxurious Floral Touches
Weddings are some of the most special days of our lives, and when you’re planning one, it’s only natural to want it to be both beautiful and memorable. But what if you could make it even more meaningful by ensuring your wedding is also sustainable? It’s easier than you might think to create a sustainable wedding with luxurious floral touches that still feel like an absolute dream. As a floral designer with years of experience, I’ve seen how couples can incorporate sustainability into their wedding florals while still achieving the luxurious look they desire. Let me show you how to have the best of both worlds!
But first, if you’re new around here, I’m Courtney, the owner of Soulflora Floral Design. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, contact me today to discuss how we can create the perfect floral design for your big day. Check out my portfolio for inspiration and see how we’ve helped couples create beautiful, one-of-a-kind celebrations!
Seasonal and Local Florals
One of the best (and easiest!) ways to design a sustainable wedding with luxurious floral touches is by choosing seasonal and local florals! Not only does this minimize your carbon footprint, but it also supports local farmers and keeps your flowers fresh and vibrant (plus, they’ll look so much more stunning when they’re grown right in your own region!).
When you choose flowers that are in-season and grown locally, you’re working with nature, which means fewer resources are used in growing and transporting them. And trust me, there’s nothing more luxurious than having flowers that are at the peak of their natural beauty.
For instance, in the spring, you might opt for soft and delicate tulips, ranunculus, or lilacs, while in summer, you could lean into more vibrant and abundant options like dahlias or garden roses. The key is knowing what’s available and designing around the best blooms of the season (your guests will thank you for the fresh fragrance and unique colors!).
If you’re curious about how to incorporate seasonal blooms into your New England wedding, you can dive into my blog on everything you need to know about using local and seasonal flowers in your New England wedding.
Repurpose From Ceremony to Reception
If you are planning a sustainable wedding with luxurious floral touches, why not get more mileage out of your florals by repurposing from ceremony to reception? Moving floral arrangements from one part of your wedding to another is an excellent way to be more sustainable without sacrificing luxury.
For example, after your ceremony, your stunning altar flowers can be moved to your reception space, perhaps as a backdrop for your head table or as focal points at the bar. Bouquets can also be repurposed for sweetheart tables or used in intimate corners to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. (This not only saves money but reduces waste too!)
This is a smart way to keep your wedding looking lush without needing extra flowers, which also keeps your budget in check. And trust me, your guests will never know that those gorgeous flowers started at the ceremony!
Using Plants or Plantable Elements
Using plants or plantable elements in wedding florals is a beautiful and sustainable trend that creates a lasting impact well beyond the celebration. Instead of relying solely on cut flowers, incorporating living plants into installations and other statement areas offers a unique and meaningful touch. For example, potted blooms, shrubs, and grasses can be used in ceremony backdrops, aisle decor, or arches to create lush, stunning displays. After the wedding, these plants can be replanted in the couple’s or their families’ gardens, serving as a living reminder of their special day.
In past weddings, I’ve designed plant-centric installations that later became part of the couple’s home landscape. Whether it’s delicate hydrangeas, vibrant roses, or ornamental grasses, these plantable elements not only enhance the wedding aesthetic but also contribute to a lasting legacy. This approach combines elegance with eco-consciousness, allowing couples to celebrate their love while giving back to the environment in a meaningful way.
Foam-Free Designs
As a floral designer, I know that creating a sustainable wedding with luxurious floral touches sometimes requires the support of floral foam. While traditional floral foam has long been a staple in the industry for its convenience, its plastic composition and non-biodegradable nature make it a less-than-ideal choice for sustainability-focused designs.
That’s why I use floral foam sparingly—only when it’s absolutely essential for large installations or to preserve the integrity of the design. When I do use it, it’s with intention and care, making sure that every design is both stunning and thoughtful.
More importantly, I actively embrace foam-free techniques and innovative alternatives that allow for breathtaking floral displays without compromising sustainability. Options like chicken wire provide a versatile and reusable structure, while pin frogs (or kenzans) offer a timeless, zero-waste way to stabilize arrangements.
Additionally, I will often encourage couples who value sustainability to consider something like moss, which serves as both a decorative and functional element, cushioning stems and maintaining moisture. I’ve also worked with specialized solutions like Oshun Pouches, which offer biodegradable hydration for larger installations. These methods reduce reliance on foam and elevate the artistry of sustainable floral design, proving that luxury and responsibility can bloom beautifully together.
Rent Vessels & Candlelight
If you’re dreaming of a sustainable wedding with luxurious floral touches that has all the bells and whistles (candles, vessels, you name it!), renting is an excellent solution! Instead of buying new vessels or candles that you’ll only use once, why not rent them from your florist or find unique pieces at a thrift store?
Renting things like vases, candleholders, or even bud vases for your tables is a way to have the glamorous look you want while also reducing waste. I offer a range of elegant vessels that my clients can rent, and I often encourage couples to get creative with their candlelight. Whether it’s a long, sweeping arrangement of candles down the center of your reception table or beautiful single candles lighting up the space, it creates a warm, intimate atmosphere. (And I’ll bet it will look even more breathtaking as the light flickers!)
Renting from a florist or thrift shopping for decorative items is a fantastic way to ensure you’re contributing to a more sustainable wedding while still achieving that high-end look.
Going Green with Sustainable Wedding Florals
A sustainable wedding doesn’t have to mean compromising on style. You can still have that luxurious floral aesthetic that makes your wedding unforgettable while also keeping things green. At Soulflora Floral Design,. I believe in creating something that feels authentic and stunning—whether it’s the richness of seasonal flowers or the personal touch of sustainable design elements. No matter your wedding’s vibe, there’s always room to bring in luxurious floral touches that align with your values.
If you’re ready to start planning your sustainable wedding with luxurious floral touches, I’m here to help. Follow along on instagram! And let’s chat about how to make your wedding not only luxurious but also eco-friendly and beautiful in every way. Together, we can create florals that will not only take your breath away but will also leave a lasting, positive impact on the world around us.
