“Share the Love” through Wedding Flower Donations
A thoughtful and convenient way for brides and grooms to make the most of their wedding day flowers
Have you ever wondered what happens to all of the flowers after the reception?
This is something that we had been curious about too. When we began servicing weddings and events, it was heartbreaking to learn that the vast majority of florists just toss these flowers into the trash. The unfortunate truth is that most everything from the arch to the centerpieces end up in a landfill after just one day of enjoyment.
With Waverly Flower Co, brides and grooms can instead opt to “share the love” from their big day with local folks who could use a little extra joy. We’ve partnered with senior living facilities, hospitals, women’s shelters, and cancer centers across Greater Philadelphia and, in most cases, our wedding clients can elect where to send their blooms. “Unusable” flowers (for example, if a few stems are looking tired after a hot day) will be composted and feed the garden for years to come.
A little about our process
Brides and grooms will have the choice to donate a portion* of their wedding flowers, but we’re quick to note that there’s never any pressure to do so! During our final meeting, usually about a month prior to the big day, we’ll review the options and, if a couple elects to donate their blooms, we’ll talk a bit more about the way it works and our non-profit partners. In most cases, brides and grooms can select which organization they’d like to receive their flowers. This year, we’re proud to be working with seven organizations across Greater Philadelphia.
For your wedding day, we provide petite and elegant table cards that can be quietly displayed underneath centerpieces, if requested by the couple, that mention flowers will be donated to a local non-profit organization. This is a nice way to share your intentions - and ensure that Aunt Patti doesn’t swipe a centerpiece at the end of the evening :)
Following the reception, the Waverly Flower Co. team will collect most vases and vessels as agreed upon in the contract. (We leave one or two for the couple or family as a keepsake, though, and brides and grooms always retain all personal flowers!).
The following morning, we’ll repurpose the lush, cascading centerpieces into smaller arrangements more suitable for the folks who will be receiving them. They’ll then be transported to the non-profit organization later that day.
Sometimes not every stem will be suitable for donation. This is especially true with the more delicate varieties that get stressed during transport, high heat, or being without a water source. Flowers and foliages that are towards the end of their vase life will be composted and eventually fertilize future wedding flowers; no trash created!
*Please note that we never collect or donate any “personal” flowers, like the bridal bouquet or boutonniere. We always encourage our brides and grooms to keep these extra special pieces, and ideally enjoy them forever through the use of a preservation artist (we’re happy to connect you to one, if you’d like!). Additionally, we always reserve at least one or two centerpieces for our brides and grooms as a special keepsake.
Does your organization wish to receive donated flowers?
It’s our pleasure to partner with local businesses serving folks who could use a little joy in the form of flowers. We are also happy to consider donations to direct support staff (e.g. nurses, social workers, counselors). Please kindly note that priority will be given to non-profit organizations.