Like most industries, there is a growing trend from florists, wedding planners, and couples looking to make their weddings more sustainable. The big question is, where do you start? According to Kris McKee of Kris McKee Floral Design, to go down the sustainable route, you need to make ethical choices in the flowers and construction techniques you use to make your creations. The good news is you don’t have to break the bank or sacrifice beauty to be successful.
Kris McKee is a former nurse, and an independent florist with a strong focus on creating designs that are beautiful, original, full of personality, unique, and, most importantly, bring joy. She is also committed to creating florals with a sustainable focus that prioritises the negative impact on our environment.
In this chat, we discuss:
- Why Kris became a florist
- How a nursing career shaped how Kris runs her flower business
- The sentimental value of flowers
- Understanding the language of flowers
- How to make sustainable flower choices for your wedding
- How bad is floral foam for the environment?
- Ways to reduce the environmental impact of your wedding
- How to have a wonderful flower display and still keep to your budget
- Tips for choosing a florist for your wedding
- Great ways to donate flowers after a wedding
Here are some tips from Kris for choosing sustainable wedding flowers:
- First, consider locally-grown flowers. Local flowers require less transportation, which reduces their carbon footprint. This also means supporting local farmers and florists while ensuring you get fresher and longer-lasting flowers.
- Choose organic flowers. Conventional flowers are often treated with pesticides and other chemicals that harm the environment and can be dangerous for those working with them. Organic flowers, on the other hand, are grown without these harmful chemicals, making them a more sustainable option.
- Go for flowers that are in season. Flowers that are out of season require more energy to grow and transport. By choosing flowers that are in season, you’ll reduce their carbon footprint and support the natural growing cycle.
- Consider using potted plants instead of cut flowers. Potted plants can be used as decor and then taken home by your guests, so they’re both beautiful and practical. Plus, they can be replanted and enjoyed for years to come.
- Finally, consider donating your flowers after the wedding. You can donate them to a hospital or nursing home, or even compost them. This ensures that your flowers don’t go to waste and can continue to benefit the environment.
Links & Vendors Mentioned:
Find Kris:
On her website: Kris McKee Floral Design
On Polka Dot Wedding: Kris McKee Floral Design
Kris on Instagram: @kris.floraldesign
Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:
On Instagram: @polkadotwedding
On the website: polkadotwedding.com
This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.
The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.
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