By Flour LA's Carly Cylinder for GalTime.com
When you're getting married or throwing a party, ask your florist for these options. In any case, these tips are good to know for any time of the year!
This year there was freezing weather in Ecuador where most roses are imported from, and prices skyrocketed at the wholesale level by nearly double due to availability. Buying local and seasonal will save you money, and the planet. Be open to using substitutions to achieve the same look, as getting stuck on one type of flower may cost you more money in the long run.
Dry Them Out- There are some varieties that look exactly the same when they dry as they do alive, and I'm not talking about potpourri looking ones that you'd find in a country Bed-and-Breakfast. These are my personal favorites that will give you a lively look- only you'll know that they're dried!
- Wildflower - Statice (purple, white, yellow)
- Modern - Crespedia (Billy Balls)
- Exotic - Coxcomb (yellow, magenta, orange, burgundy)
- Tropical - Sunset Safari (red)
Related: 10 Tips to Make Your Flowers Last Longer
Buy Green - When you are buying flowers, look on the wrapper for a label- any label, and you'll be off to a greener start. While certification labels have become controversial due to looser standards, and green-washing, it can still be better than nothing. Look for these certifications:
- Veriflora
- CA Grown (if you live in CA)
- USDA Organic
- Fair Trade (One World Flowers provides these, although they're not readily available in most markets)
- Rainforest Alliance
- Farmer's Markets - Ask about their farm location and growing standards.
- Eufloria Flowers - This vendor sells wholesale to florists. The roses are grown in coconut fiber, in California and the workers are given fair wages!
Related: Top 10 Green Design Trends
Get Creative - Cooking up a storm for a holiday? Preparing a bridal shower brunch for a friend? Use leftover produce as the main centerpieces! Have a great plant outside? Use it inside!
- Use whole or sliced fruits and vegetables such as lemons, beets, parsnips, potatoes, and lentils to fill as vase up. Decorate with long-lasting orchids, such as dendrobiams or cymbidiums, by changing out the water in the water tube they come with.
- Having coconut cocktails? Use the emptied coconuts as vessels for your flowers. Cut off a few blooms from a branch outdoors.
- Do you live by some great foliage? Use shot glasses or candle votives as vases and place greens inside for a tropical look!
I always say, find inspiration in everything, whether it's a dress a bridesmaid is wearing, your favorite food, or a style of architecture that strikes your fancy. Use these as inspirations for your centerpieces, and you'll find ways to cut back on florals, or ways to incorporate them in a fun and unique way. Above all, be cognizant of the flowers you're buying. Buy green - they'll also last a lot longer.
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- Feeding Your Plants, Au Natural
- It's Time to Buy Your Seeds!
- Green Cleaning Solutions You Can Make!
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