By: Holly Perrier of Perrier Planning
Do you ask your clients about potential plans for disposing of their flowers after the wedding celebrations end? If not, this is the time to start. Most clients don’t even know that flower recycling is an option, so let’s spread the word and help lead the wedding industry down a more sustainable path by giving wedding flowers a second life with floral recycling.
Photo: Michael Gladkey
What flowers can be donated?
All wedding and event flowers can be given a second life, except for boutonnieres. This includes arch installations, ceremony flowers, bouquets, centerpieces, bud vases and various other flower installations.
Where can you donate your flowers?
In Canada there are three different flower recycling groups/non-profits I recommend –
Their mantra is “All Joy. No Waste”. ReBLOOM takes florals that would otherwise end up being thrown out and converts them into little bouquets of happiness donating them to a charity of your choice, in your name. You can book on their website, and they are available across Canada.
At Petals For Hope their mission is to recycle wedding and corporate event floral waste and put these twice-loved flowers into the hands of those who need them the most. They are available across North America. You can book on their website.
A non-profit organization that repurposes flowers to promote sustainability and lengthen the joy that nature brings to our communities! This student run organization is only available in the greater Vancouver area. You can email Yolanda at repeatfloral@gmail.com to arrange a pickup.
Photo: Michael Gladkey
Do flower donations come with a fee?
Usually, depending on the company. Repeat Floral is the one company that provides their tear down, pickup and donation service for free!!
Both, ReBLOOM and Petals For Hope, have fees based on the size and scale of your event. These fees cover the coordination, re-design, and execution of the donation process. At Petals For Hope they provide you with a receipt that count’s as a tax-deductible donation.
What happens to the vessels the flowers or arrangements are in?
All donation companies will bring their own buckets and boxes to the event to take the flowers away in. They will leave all your décor and vessels behind for the décor company to pick up.
Where do the flowers end up?
Destinations range from senior homes, hospices, cancer treatment centers, mental health facilities, domestic abuse, homeless shelters and even therapeutic workshops for at-risk youth, grief support, sex trafficking victims, homeless children, and more.
Holly Perrier, WPICC, CWD
Holly is the owner of Perrier Planning Inc. – an eco-conscious wedding and event planning company – that has branch locations in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Perrier Planning aims to make the most important events in their clients’ lives as memorable and enjoyable as possible while taking the time to drastically lower their event’s carbon footprint. Holly currently lives in Alberta with her fiancé and two dogs, and travels to Toronto and Vancouver several times a year.
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