Photo (above, f.l.t.r.): Flowers: Florist - Photographer: Valeriya Maltsava / Flowers: VIVA Blooming - Photographer: LUX Visual Storytellers / Flowers: Floralux Events - Photographer: LUX Visual Storytellers
Did you know that the whole business around cut flowers often doesn't have such a good impact on the climate? This is the case when flowers are flown in from faraway, warm countries, grown in potting soil or in heated and lit greenhouses with high CO2 emissions. For a sustainable bridal bouquet, you want to avoid these things as much as possible. Check with your florist and pay attention to indicators such as pesticides and water use. Read the tips below if you too would like to choose a sustainable bridal bouquet!
1. Bridal bouquet with organic flowers
Sometimes flowers are grown in soil full of toxic chemicals. But organic flowers are always grown in healthy soil and in a natural way. In recent years, organic flowers have been on the rise. You can definitely ask your flower shop which flowers are grown organically. In this case, the flower growers have a 'Skal' organic certificate.
2. Local and seasonal flowers
Buying flowers locally - thus keeping transport to a minimum - is not only more sustainable; it also ensures that your flowers survive longer. The shorter the distance from the field to you, the fresher your flowers are and stay. There is also less chance of damage during transport. Florists can therefore, for instance, choose to work only with flowers from their own fields.
For your sustainable flowers, also take into account the season. Is your wedding planned in spring? Then tulips, magnolias, poppies and daisies, among others, are in full bloom. In summer, sunflowers are beautiful, as are roses, dahlias, carnations and so much more! Getting married in winter or autumn? Then, unfortunately, fewer flowers are in bloom; from November onwards, organic flowers are also often no longer an option. Your florist will certainly be able to advise you on this and list the most sustainable options.
3. Bridal bouquet of dried flowers
In autumn and winter - and actually in any season - dried flowers are the perfect alternative to organic flowers! They are not only sustainable, but also hip and trendy. Nowadays, almost every florist offers dried flowers in all colours, shapes and sizes.
Can it be something more? You can paint dried flowers, 'frost' them - so that they look covered in ice crystals - and add scents and glitter. Your bridal bouquet of dried flowers will last for years to come. So you can enjoy it for a long time!
4. Sustainable care
Do you opt for fresh (organic) flowers? Then follow these tips to take good care of your bridal bouquet. You will make it last longer and you can enjoy it to the full.
Cut the stems of your bridal bouquet at an angle to allow the flowers to absorb water more easily;
If you put the flowers in a vase, make sure the water is always fresh and clean. You can do this by changing it (almost) daily.
Prefer not to place your flowers next to a fruit bowl; fruit produces ethylene, which can be harmful to the flowers.
Be sure to follow your florist' s care tips and advice.
5. Enjoying your bridal bouquet
After your party, you can still choose to turn your bridal bouquet into a bouquet of dried flowers to enjoy for a long time. Florist David from Chou Fleur explains how to do this: "First of all, you start the drying process by hanging the flowers upside down in a moisture-free room where wind can pass through. This allows it to dry completely."
Best you let this process happen as naturally as possible. Diederik from VIVA Blooming comments: "It is important to let your bouquet dry in a dark room so that the colours are not affected by the sun. An old attic or garden shed are ideal spaces for this." Finally, check every few days for any signs of mould. If so? Then cut it out of your flower immediately to prevent further mould growth.
You can also dry your bridal bouquet using a press. Afterwards, you can choose to have it turned into a unique and personal work of art. This way, you can cherish the memories of your beautiful day foreve
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