Minimising Waste Without Compromising Beauty: Sustainable Weddings at Featherstone Flowers

Foam free arrangements from a June event creating a fabulous floral entrance to a marquee

Did you know that the average carbon footprint of a wedding in the UK is more than the average annual household footprint?

Each year, there are approx. 278,599 weddings in UK. We know that the average wedding emits 14,500 kgCO2eq* (or 14.5 tons CO2e), at least half of which could be reduced by making sensible, considered choices.

A basket of flowers all grown on our flower field

How to Plan a Sustainable Wedding: Low-Waste Ideas from Featherstone Flowers

Weddings are a celebration of love, but they can also leave behind a significant environmental impact. At Featherstone Flowers, we’re dedicated to helping couples plan sustainable weddings that are as kind to the planet as they are beautiful. By using eco-friendly practices, British-grown flowers, and low-waste designs, we make it possible to celebrate your special day with minimal waste.

The Environmental Impact of Wedding Waste

From packaging to single-use floral arrangements, weddings often generate a surprising amount of waste. However, with mindful planning and sustainable choices, you can reduce this waste while maintaining elegance and charm.

After the party - arrangements made into vases from the day before to be reused at home and given to the guests.

How Featherstone Flowers Minimises Wedding Waste

Using Local, Seasonal Flowers

We grow most of our flowers on-site and source others locally, eliminating the need for imported blooms. This reduces packaging waste and cuts the carbon footprint of transportation, while supporting British flower growers.

Repurposing Wedding Florals

Flowers from your ceremony can be reused to decorate your reception. After the event, we create bouquets from blooms that still have a good vase life for you and your loved ones to enjoy at home. This extends the joy of your wedding and ensures no flower is wasted.

Composting and Recycling in Floristry

At Featherstone Flowers, all spent flowers, stems, and leaves are added to our compost heap. Even packaging materials, like plain cardboard boxes, are reused in the field for mulching and weed suppression.

Floral Mechanics Without Foam

We never use floral foam, a single-use plastic that harms the environment. Instead, we rely on sustainable alternatives like moss, chicken wire, and reusable water vessels.

Minimal Waste Goals for Weddings

Meadow box arrangements can be moved to different locations to maximise their use.

We’re proud to say that at the end of most weddings, the only waste is a small ball of pot tape that fits in one hand. Everything else is composted, recycled, or repurposed.

Practical Tips for Low-Waste Weddings

• Work with florists who grow or source seasonal, British-grown flowers.

• Choose reusable decor items such as vases, candle holders, and plinths.

• Repurpose floral arrangements across different parts of your day.

• Donate leftover flowers to local care homes or hospitals to spread the joy.

Our Award-Winning Sustainable Approach

In 2024, we were honoured to win the Sustainable By Design award from the Sustainable Wedding Alliance. This prestigious accolade celebrates businesses that combine sustainable, traditional techniques with high-quality design. It recognises our dedication to creating beautiful wedding florals with sustainability at their core, and we’re proud to lead the way in environmentally friendly floristry.

Celebrate Sustainably with Featherstone Flowers

At Featherstone Flowers, we believe that beauty doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet. By embracing sustainable practices, you can celebrate your love while honouring the environment. Contact us today to discuss how we can create the perfect eco-friendly florals for your wedding.