Weddings are one of the most important events in a person’s life, and having beautiful flowers to match the occasion only adds to the experience. Once the special day is over and the happy couple have tied the knot, what happens to the flowers? Do they get thrown away or repurposed? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the common ways people use and dispose of wedding flowers.
Donate to Hospitals or Nursing Homes
One of the ways to repurpose wedding flowers is to donate them to hospitals or nursing homes. Flowers have a therapeutic effect on individuals and can help improve their mental state, which is especially important for those who may be feeling lonely or isolated. Donating wedding flowers to hospitals and nursing homes can uplift the spirits of many patients and brighten up their day.
Several organizations help in the distribution of wedding flowers to hospitals. One such initiative is the Nonprofit Random Acts of Flowers, which repurposes donated flowers and delivers them to patients in hospitals and nursing homes across the United States. By giving away the flowers, it’s possible to spread love and happiness among those who need it most.
Composting
One of the most environmentally friendly ways to dispose of wedding flowers is through composting. Flowers contain a lot of organic matter that can be broken down into compost, which is excellent for plants. If you have a garden or a backyard, then composting the flowers is one of the best options. You can place the flowers in a compost bin and let them decompose for several weeks. You can then use the compost to feed your plants or vegetables.
Preserving Flowers
Wedding flowers are often preserved as a memento of the special day, and there are several ways to do it. One of the popular methods is by drying or pressing the flowers. This process involves carefully separating the flowers and leaving them to dry in a cool and dry place. Once the flowers are completely dry and brittle, they can be arranged and put in a frame or a shadow box.
Another way to preserve wedding flowers is by freeze-drying them. This process involves removing the moisture from the flowers and preserving their shape and color. Freeze-drying is a popular option because it enables the flowers to look fresh and unchanged for many years. Preserving flowers can be a great way to keep memories of the wedding day alive.
Upcycling Flowers
Upcycling is another popular way to repurpose wedding flowers. Flowers can be used for a wide range of DIY projects, including making potpourri, sachets, and wreaths. Wedding flowers can also be used to create a lovely dinner centerpieces, a candle holder flowers, or an impressive floral wall hanging designs.
Upcycling wedding flowers are an excellent way to turn them into something new, beautiful, and sustainable. With just a little creativity, wedding flowers can be converted into something that can be reused, enjoyed, and appreciated for many years to come.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, there are many creative and eco-friendly ways to repurpose or dispose of wedding flowers. By donating, composting, preserving, or upcycling them, we can prolong the life of flowers, minimize waste, and spread happiness. It’s essential to choose a method that aligns with one’s values and preferences. Remember, wedding flowers are not just decorations – they can serve a higher purpose if we dispose of them thoughtfully.
FAQ
Does the bride keep the bouquet after throwing it?
Traditionally, the bride would keep her bouquet as a keepsake from her wedding day. However, this practice has evolved over time and it is now entirely up to preference. When the bride throws the bouquet, it is typically caught by one of her unmarried female guests, who is believed to be the next to get married.
If the person who catches the bouquet wants to keep it, and the bride wants to give it up, they totally can. In this case, the lucky lady can take the bouquet home and preserve it as a memory of the wedding.
On the other hand, if the person who catches the bouquet does not want to keep it or the bride would like to keep her bouquet, there are other options. For instance, many newlyweds opt to either give their arrangements to guests as favors or donate the flowers to a charity the next day.
It is important to keep in mind that the tradition of throwing the bouquet is a fun and light-hearted tradition that is not meant to be taken too seriously. Whether the bride decides to keep her bouquet or give it up to a lucky guest is entirely up to her and there is no right or wrong answer.
How soon do you need to preserve wedding flowers?
When it comes to preserving wedding flowers, timing is everything. According to Stefanie Kitcher, a floral preserver and artist at Old City’s Hana Willow Design, the best plan is to get the bouquet to whoever is preserving it as soon as possible after the wedding–within about four days, to be exact.
You might be wondering why timing is so important when preserving flowers. The answer lies in the process of flower preservation. Flowers are delicate and prone to wilting, withering, and losing their color when they’re exposed to air and sunlight. To preserve their beauty and keep them looking fresh, the flowers need to be carefully dehydrated, treated with a special solution, and placed in a controlled environment. The longer you wait to preserve the flowers, the more difficult it becomes to prevent them from deteriorating.
So, if you want to preserve your wedding flowers, it’s important to act quickly. As soon as the festivities are over, you should place your bouquet in a vase or container with water and keep it in a cool, dark place until you can get it to a professional preservationist. If you’re going on your honeymoon, ask a trusted friend or family member to take care of the bouquet in the meantime.
Keep in mind that different types of flowers have different requirements for preservation. For example, some flowers, such as roses and dahlias, are hardier and can last longer without wilting, while others, such as peonies and hydrangeas, are more delicate and require more careful handling. A professional preservationist will be able to advise you on the best way to preserve your specific bouquet.
If you want to preserve your wedding flowers, it’s essential to act quickly. Getting your bouquet to a professional preservationist within four days of your wedding is the best plan to ensure that your flowers will be beautifully preserved for years to come.
How long can you keep flowers before giving them to someone?
When it comes to giving flowers to someone, it’s important to consider how long you can keep them before they start to lose their freshness and beauty. The lifespan of cut flowers varies depending on the type of flower, the conditions they are stored in, and how they are cared for. Typically, most cut flowers can last for anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks, though some varieties may last longer than others.
If you are planning to give flowers as a gift, it’s best not to wait until the last minute to purchase them. Ideally, you should buy them a few days before the occasion so that you have time to care for them properly. When you bring your flowers home, you should immediately trim the stems at an angle and place them in a vase filled with fresh water. It’s important to change the water and trim the stems every other day to help keep the flowers fresh and hydrated.
If you are worried about your flowers wilting before you can give them to your recipient, there are a few things you can do to help extend their life. First, consider choosing flowers that are known for their longevity, such as carnations, chrysanthemums, and alstroemeria. These flowers are hardy and can last for up to two weeks with proper care.
Second, be sure to store your flowers in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to heat and light can cause flowers to wilt and fade more quickly. Finally, consider using flower food or preservatives to help extend the life of your blooms. These products can help keep the water and nutrients flowing through the stem, which can help prolong the life of the flower.
The lifespan of cut flowers can vary depending on a number of factors, but with proper care and attention, most flowers can last for at least a few days to a couple of weeks. If you are planning to give flowers as a gift, it’s important to take steps to care for them properly and choose flowers that are known for their longevity to ensure that they are fresh and beautiful when you present them to your recipient.
