Sustainable, local british blooms

"In the modern wedding industry, sustainability is increasingly recognised as a global pursuit," says Jacqui Owen from Jacqui O (www.jacquio.co.uk). "Couples are more aware of the environmental impact of their floral choices and are embracing sustainable flowers, with a focus on three key pillars: environmental, social and economic responsibility. This drive for sustainability leads many to seek traceability in their floral sourcing, opting for British-grown flowers or ethically sourced blooms from international suppliers."

Indeed, more and more couples are focusing on local suppliers and using sustainable British blooms. "Using locally grown, seasonal flowers can reduce the carbon impact by up to 90 per cent," explains Sarah from North and Flower (www.northandflower.co.uk).

Jacqui continues, "At Jacqui O, as a proud member of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, we believe that a greener wedding industry can make a profound difference. Our commitment to eco-conscious growers ensures that every floral arrangement we create is not only stunning but also kind to the planet. By choosing seasonal and locally sourced flowers, couples can enjoy beautiful blooms with a reduced carbon footprint. British favourites like sweet peas, cornflowers, and dahlias connect us to the seasons, while sustainable floral choices offer memorable keepsakes, like dried wedding flowers or blooms donated to care homes and hospitals, spreading joy and sustainability."

Quite apart from the eco-conscious reasons for choosing domestic blooms, there's further benefit to going local. Sarah says, "As a flower farmer and a florist, I select the flowers that are looking their best for your special day, which means you get amazing flowers while being kind to the environment."

Butterfly Road's Diane Barker (www.butterflyroad.co.uk) is in agreement: "British flowers have the most beautiful details, curving stems, glorious heady scents and delicate textures and colours. They make a wonderful choice for your wedding day since they celebrate the importance of our natural world to you as a couple.

"Using sustainable British flowers is a magical way to create a statement while knowing that your flowers were lovingly grown near to the place you're to marry and celebrating the exact time and season of your wedding day. No uneasy thoughts about where your flowers came from or how they were grown, just the most natural, traditional and utterly beautiful fresh blooms.

"We're incredibly lucky with our choice of local growers in Cheshire, so be sure to ask your florist about this if choosing sustainable British blooms is important to you. The demand for British flowers continues to grow as more couples choose British only, incorporating them for their enchanting movement and delicate touch. This is definitely something to sort out sooner rather than later in your wedding planning."

For more floral trends and inspiration, download the May/Jun25 issue, free at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download