Last updated on October 24th, 2023 at 09:03 pm
Planning a wedding is an exciting yet often budget-challenging endeavor. It’s not uncommon for couples to experience sticker shock when they receive quotes from florists. The good news is that you can create stunning floral arrangements for your wedding without breaking the bank by growing or sourcing your own blooms. What’s even better is that you can make it a sustainable choice by going local. Here’s a story from a Reddit user who decided to grow their own wedding flowers, and how you can get started too.
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The Reddit User’s Experience:
In a world where extravagant wedding costs can make you pick your jaw up off the floor, one Reddit user shared an inspiring alternative. They discovered that you don’t have to empty your wallet on professional florists when you can cultivate your wedding flowers or source them locally. This choice not only provides significant cost savings but also supports sustainability.
The Reddit user’s journey began with a startling revelation – that approximately 80% of flowers sold in the United States travel over 3000 miles, often covered in pesticides that you wouldn’t want near your family and friends on your special day. This information became a turning point, leading them to embark on their flower-farming adventure, one that prioritized organic and sustainable practices.
Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/gardening/comments/17da4vc/grow_your_own_wedding_flowers/
Advantages of Growing Your Own Wedding Flowers:
- Cost Savings: One of the most apparent benefits of growing your own wedding flowers is the significant cost savings. Professional florists can charge exorbitant prices for their services, which can quickly add up in your wedding budget. By taking on the role of the florist or working with local growers, you can reduce your floral expenses considerably.
- Sustainability: Opting to grow or source wedding flowers locally is an environmentally conscious choice. As the Reddit user pointed out, the conventional flower industry involves long-distance transportation and the use of pesticides. By going local, you not only reduce carbon emissions but also support sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.
- Personal Touch: When you grow your wedding flowers, you add a unique and personal touch to your big day. These blooms are a reflection of your effort and care, making your wedding even more special and memorable.
- Seasonal Variety: Choosing to work with locally grown flowers means you’re limited to seasonal blooms, which can be a positive aspect. Seasonal flowers are often at their peak in terms of freshness and availability, adding a natural charm to your wedding decor.
Getting Started with Growing Wedding Flowers:
- Research and Planning: Begin by researching the types of flowers you want for your wedding and their growing requirements. Plan your garden space and consider factors like sunlight, soil quality, and local climate.
- Seed Selection: Choose flower varieties that are relatively easy to grow and suit your wedding theme. Common choices include zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos.
- Prepare and Plant: Prepare your garden beds or containers, enrich the soil, and sow the seeds or plant young flower starts. Be sure to follow the recommended planting times based on your location and the flower varieties.
- Care and Maintenance: Regularly tend to your flowers by providing water, nutrients, and protection from pests or diseases. Proper care will ensure your blooms thrive.
- Harvest and Arrangement: As the wedding day approaches, harvest your flowers at their peak. Create beautiful bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral arrangements.
By growing your own wedding flowers or sourcing them locally, you can create a beautiful, sustainable, and budget-friendly celebration that reflects your values and style. It’s a journey that not only saves your wallet but also contributes to a greener and more eco-friendly wedding day.