At Stem, your trusted Brisbane Wedding Florist, Event Florist, and Corporate Florist, we understand that wedding flowers play a significant role in creating a captivating and memorable atmosphere. However, after your special day, you may be wondering what to do with those exquisite floral arrangements. We believe in sustainable floristry, and we’re here to share tips on how to reuse and repurpose wedding flowers while reducing waste and preserving the memories of your beautiful celebration.

Repurposing Wedding Flowers at Your Event

Before you even think about what to do with your wedding flowers after the ceremony, consider repurposing them during your event. At Stem, we encourage clients to make the most of their blooms by using them for both the ceremony and the reception. Here are some ideas for repurposing ceremony flowers at your reception:

1. Bridal Bouquet: One trendy option in 2023 is to showcase the bridal bouquet as the centrepiece at the sweetheart table. As you make your grand entrance at the reception, place the bouquet as a focal point on the table. If space is limited at the sweetheart table, consider displaying it on the welcome table for all to admire.
2. Bridesmaid Bouquets: Bridesmaid bouquets, being smaller, can be strategically placed around the reception area to add pops of colour and freshness. Your wedding party can assist in placing these bouquets at the bar, refreshment tables, near the wedding cake, or in vases near the seating arrangement sign.
3. Wedding Arch: If you have a floral wedding arch, get creative and repurpose it in your reception area. You can transport the entire arch to the reception venue (easier if ceremony and reception are on the same property) and set it up as a stunning backdrop for photos or behind the sweetheart table.
4. Ceremony Aisle Arrangements: Flowers lining the ceremony aisle are typically suitable for round reception table centrepieces. They can also be used to adorn the memory table or the sweetheart table, adding to the reception’s floral décor.

What to Do with Wedding Flowers After the Celebration

Once your wedding reception concludes, you might still have extra bouquets and arrangements. Stem, your go-to Brisbane Wedding Florist and Event Florist, offers suggestions on what to do with these flowers:

1. Gift to Guests: Offer fresh wedding flowers to your guests as party favors. Leave small vases at each table centerpiece and invite guests to select a few blooms to take home. Alternatively, make it a game by placing wrapped flowers as centerpieces and letting guests with special tickets take them home.
2. Donate: Consider donating your leftover wedding flowers to charitable organizations such as hospitals or senior living homes. Repurposing flowers in this way brings joy to those in need and extends the life of your blooms.
3. Around the House: If you’re not leaving immediately for your honeymoon, bring some of your floral arrangements home. Displaying your wedding flowers in vases throughout your house helps preserve the memories of your special day.

Repurposing Beyond Your Wedding Day

The beauty of wedding flowers doesn’t have to fade after your celebration. Stem, your sustainable Brisbane Wedding Florist, encourages you to think creatively and repurpose these blooms:

1. Dry Them: Air-drying flowers is an excellent way to preserve their colour and charm. You can dry them yourself by removing leaves, tying the stems in bunches, and hanging them upside down in a dry, dark place for a few weeks. Spray with unscented hairspray for preservation.
2. Press Them: Pressing flowers is another method to preserve their natural beauty. Place them between the pages of a heavy book, apply pressure, and leave for several weeks. Once pressed, display them in frames as décor.
3. Crafts: Repurpose your dried or pressed flowers into various crafts, such as candles or wax-dipped floral décor. These crafts can add a touch of elegance to your home.

At Stem, we believe in the magic of sustainable floristry. By repurposing and reimagining the beauty of wedding flowers, you not only reduce waste but also continue to enjoy the charm and memories they bring long after your wedding day.