The question on what to do with the flowers after the event is almost never addressed. So, here are few tips and ideas to discuss with your florist or designer:
Can the floral centerpieces be taken home by your guests?
Some floral vases are considered rentals and the floral studio will return and pick them up. You may be charged if all of the vases are not there. So, make sure that the floral staged on top of these vases are portable.
What to do with the flowers?
You can decide to give centerpieces to your immediate family, or friends, who may have been a great asset in planning your wedding. You might want to take a couple of them to your honeymoon suite, or at least have your parents enjoy them at their homes.
How about donating them to local hospitals?
Each hospital, senior center, charity or school will most likely have a policy about floral donations. It is best to check with them to see if they can accept your floral pieces. If they are willing to accept your generous donation, keep in mind you will be responsible for delivering them. In that case, you might want to ask your venue if it is okay to leave the floral overnight. In the morning you will need to assign someone to pick them up from the ballroom and deliver them to your charity of choice.
Still have more?
If you still have floral left after distributing as much as you can, what happens? The unfortunate truth is, they will be trashed. If you want them recycled, check with your florist or designer to see if they offer recycling service. If they do not, contact your local recycling company to see if it is something they can accommodate.
I hope this helps you in planning the end of your floral journey. Your floral vision will live in perpetuity in your wedding pictures and video. Enjoy them for as long as you can.
BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia
I really like this topic. As a young Certified Meeting Planner, I took pains with my wedding (23 years ago) to buy my own vases and provide them to the florist, so I owned the arrangements afterwards. We took these with us to our honeymoon suite and enjoyed them for about a week at home. I think the idea of donating your floral pieces to hospitals, to hospices, to nursing homes or assisted living homes, are all excellent ways to brighten up others' lives and extend the beauty of your day to others.
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