Organic Wedding Flower Arrangements

Organic flowers may be purchased or grown in your own garden.

For the bride and groom planning an eco-friendly wedding, many natural elements can be introduced to the ceremony and reception. From birch sleeve-wrapped vases and unbleached linen tablecloths to buffets featuring locally-grown produce and a natural color palette, one of the most visible ways to stress a green theme is with the wedding flowers. Whether arranged and grown on your own or purchased from a florist, the use of organic flowers is an earth-friendly option.

Local Sources

Organic nurseries are certufued by local USDA-approved agencies.

Purchase flowers from a local, organic nursery or from a florist who supplies organic flowers. Ensure your florist or nursery is certified as an organic supplier by checking for a certification from any of the state-specific agencies listed on the web. Organic flowers are grown with non-chemical forms of pest control and naturally-occurring fertilizers.

Green and White

Wrap the calla lillies long stalksfor a simple, elegant treatment.

Bouquets, boutonnieres, hair accessories, flower baskets, sprays, table decorations and cake toppers all look fresh and natural in shades of green and white. Arrange calla lilies by themselves for an elegant bridal bouquet. Shape variegated green and white ivy for the bridesmaids' hair wreaths. Create a fresh look for the flower girl's basket by trimming the edge with moss and daisies and wrapping the handle with white satin ribbon

Just Add Berries

Berry branches add a punch of color and texture to florals.

Add a hint of delicate color by mixing berries in with simple, organic florals. Mix cottage garden annuals like ivory roses with fern fronds and a branch of berries or sprig of rosehips. Add a touch of nature with speckled guinea fowl feathers tucked in the arrangements for a surprising touch. A versatile berry branch is the hypericum because it is available in so many colors -- red, pink, peach, green, yellow, ivory, white and blends of these colors.

Chartreuse Punch

Chartreuse zinnias fit a natural, organic themed wedding ceremony.

Chartreuse or lime green flowers add a fresh touch to your organic wedding flower arrangements all year round. In winter, Lenten Rose -- helleborus orientalix -- produces chartreuse flowers. In the spring, choose snowball viburnum or the delicate stems of Lady's Mantle flower. Harvest summer cushion spurge, "Limelight" hydrangea, love-lies-bleeding -- Amaranthus viridflora -- "Green Envy" Zinnia or "Coconut Lime" perennial coneflower for a touch of chartreuse. In fall, try Autumn stonecrop -- Sedum "Citrus Twist" -- for its good foliage in addition to attractive blooms.

Make a Splash

Zinnias are a garden annual grown in many different colors.

Flowers with big heads make a big statement in wedding flower arrangements. Organically grown gerbera daisies, gladiolus, sunflowers and blue iris produce large flowers or large sprays of flowers that are available in intense color varieties.

References

• "Wedding Flowers"; Sharon Naylor; 2010
• "Organic Gardening"; Flower Power; Ethne Clarke; April/May 2011

Resources

• "Organic Weddings: Balancing Ecologic, Style and Tradition"; Michelle Kizon; 2003
• Agricultural Marketing Services: USDA Accredited Certifying Agents