If you’re planning your big day and dreaming of ways to make it both beautiful and eco-friendly, you’re not alone. More couples than ever are asking how they can reduce their footprint and make conscious choices, without losing the magic of their wedding.
The good news? You don’t have to overhaul everything. Even small, thoughtful decisions can make a huge difference. So, if you’re looking for some easy and impactful sustainable wedding tips, start right here, with these 5 simple swaps that still feel luxe.
1. Go Foam-Free with Your Flowers
Floral foam might seem like a harmless tool, but it’s actually a single-use microplastic that never fully breaks down, and it’s used in most traditional wedding arrangements. 😬
The fix? Foam-free floral design! Using natural, reusable or biodegradable mechanics like chicken wire, reusable vessels, and flower frogs (Ikebana) means your flowers can still be structured and sustainable. And yes, foam-free florals look just as lush (if not more so)!
Pro tip: Ask your florist if they use foam-free methods, at Kris McKee Floral Design, we always do.
2. Choose Local & Seasonal Blooms
Flying in flowers from across the world sounds glamorous, but it’s a big hit to the planet. Instead, opt for flowers that are in season and locally grown. Not only are they fresher and more fragrant, but they support local growers and have a much smaller carbon footprint.
In Sydney, we’re lucky to have incredible seasonal varieties all year round, from delicate ranunculi, stunning fragrant roses, to the most amazing wild and textural.
Bonus: Local flowers often last longer, too, because they haven’t spent days in transit
3. Repurpose Your Florals Throughout the Day
One of the most fun and easy sustainable wedding tips? Re-use your flowers! That dreamy ceremony arch? It can frame your reception table later. The aisle flowers? They’re perfect for styling your bar, cake table or photo area.
Your flowers should work as hard as they are beautiful—and repurposing them means less waste and more value.
Pro tip: Talk to your florist about suitable designs that can be easily repurposed, and ways to move arrangements between locations with minimal fuss! But keep in mind that with repurposing comes the need to increase the time and labour for the floristry team, you may also need to pay for some “top up” flowers to refresh the designs as they are moved around your celebration spaces.
4. Choose Caterers with Sustainable Practices
Flowers aside, one of the biggest sustainability wins you can make is with your food and drink choices. Ask your caterer about their waste management, seasonal menus, and whether they source from local suppliers.
Some caterers even offer compostable packaging or leftover food donation options. Plus, a seasonal menu often tastes better (and costs less!).
Small shifts like this can have a major impact, especially with large guest numbers.
5. Skip the Plastic Décor & Go for Reusables
Think beyond single-use signage, plastic confetti, and imported party favours. Hire décor elements, use recyclable materials, and consider décor that has a second life, like potted plants guests can take home, or fabric draping you can reuse at other celebrations.
At Kris McKee Floral Design, we love styling with reusable vessels, items sourced from vintage treasure troves, and working with hire companies that share our eco ethos.
Planning a more sustainable wedding doesn’t mean giving up on elegance or beauty. With a few conscious choices, like foam-free florals, local flowers, and thoughtful suppliers, you can create a celebration that reflects both your love and your values.
Ready to make your dream wedding beautiful and planet-friendly?
Click the button below to book a consultation with us, and let’s bring your floral vision to life, sustainably, stylishly, and stress-free.
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“Kris was recommended to me by a close friend for wedding flowers and she did not disappoint. The wedding process was a bit daunting for me and Kris took the time to have a chat about styles, flower sustainability and budget. Kris was amazing to deal with throughout the whole engagement, is sustainable and super understanding and smiley to boot. Love what Kris did for us on the day and would recommend Kris to anyone looking for wedding flowers.”
