Green Bride
| Published: 11th June 2008 16:21 |
Green Bride
With so much talk recently about global warming, it is becoming
popular for brides to source their wedding flowers locally and ethically.
But before you make the step to leave a smaller carbon footprint, here are
a few points to make your decision easier:
UK GrownI
f you are concerned about ‘flower miles', you can try to source your flowers
from UK growers. You can get a wealth of flowers grown in the UK like
narcissi, pinks, chrysanthemum, lisianthus, alstroemeria, delphinium, roses,
sweet peas, foliage and freesia. They will be available during their natura
l growing season, which means there is more choice in the summer months
than in winter. Ask your local florist for more details about which products
they stock.
Fairtrade
Fairtrade goods ensure that each person along the line of producing the
product has been treated fairly and received a good price for their services.
The scheme operates in developing countries and helps tackle poverty through
guaranteed trade and revenues. It does not mean organic product.
Fairtrade and worldwide grown flowers
Several companies now offer Fairtrade flowers, including Waitrose and
Marks and Spencer and many online companies like Arena Flowers and
Bunches Florapost. The most readily available products are roses, which
are produced in farms worldwide. Although the roses are transported to
the UK by air, they often arrive in the cargo hold of passenger planes. It is
often more environmentally friendly to grow the flowers in natural conditions
in developing nations and freight them to the UK than it is for flowers to be
grown under glass in Europe using additional heating and lighting.
Organic flowersIf you are concerned about the effects of pollution, you can source organic
flowers from Flowers & Plants Association members. Organic flowers are
grown around the world according to the country of origin's standards.
Organic roses can be eaten if they are guaranteed to be chemical-free,
so could make an interesting chocolate-dipped starter for your wedding
feast! Growers are always looking to reduce chemical use. 100% organic
flowers may take a little effort to find; but many flowers are grown in "green"
ways without having an official organic label.
Variety and quality
For year-round quality and variety to satisfy every modern bride's demands,
your flowers will come from the flower centre of the world, Holland. The industry
is huge in Holland, and growers worldwide send their products to Holland for sale.
If your heart is set on a particular flower, you can guarantee Holland will have it.
You will even be able to source out of season flowers. Most florists stock Dutch
flowers because of their reliability and quality. From Holland you will find the most
varied selection of flower types, so you can be sure to match the specific colour
of the material you have chosen for your bridesmaid's dresses!
Confetti
Use natural rose petals for a beautiful, 100% biodegradable alternative to confetti.
they stock. They will be more than happy to assist you in getting exactly
what you want and working with your theme. Tell your florist your concerns
and they will be able to source the most appropriate items for you. They
offer a bespoke service which ensures no two weddings are the same, to
tailor make a bouquet and reception display as unique as you are.
www.flowers.org.uk
