Sustainability Series 2 - Installations

Welcome to the second topic of my sustainability series in honor of Earth Day. Today I’m sharing how I create sustainable foam-free installations. These include ceremony arches, aisle flowers, escort card displays and sweetheart tables for weddings to installations for corporate events, branded backdrops and seasonal storefront photo moments.

I’ve always been drawn to the larger scale floral moments, they’re my jam! I love the challenge of creating something new and unique for each client in a new setting. Figuring out the mechanics of each installation and seeing it come to life keeps me inspired and is so rewarding. Installations require some serious planning, time and experience to execute. There’s math involved, measuring tape, tools, ladders and so much prep. Let me emphasize this again so much prep!

Check out the the list of materials I use below to make sure my installations are foam-free, sustainable and most importantly they look beautiful too.

Branches

Chicken Wire

Water Tubes

Buckets

Moss

Cemetery Floral Cones

Biodegradable Foam

I recommend the following when planning to install an arch;

• Schedule a site visit if you’ve never worked at a venue before

• Ask for measurements and photos if a site visit is not possible

• Check the weather and wind prior to and on your install day

• Test out your arch stability and mechanics in your studio

• On hot days bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a pop-up canopy

• Hire enough experienced hands to help design, carry items and clean

• Bring a sketch or inspiration photo to share with your design team

• Arrive as early as you can so you have plenty of time to complete your arch

Here are a few of my favorite foam-free sustainable designs from years past.

Next week I’m wrapping up this series on how I practice sustainability when I strike events. This is where my team and I come back to tear down an event or installation. I’ll share my techniques for how I reduce waste and repurpose the materials I use, including the flowers as well.

Let me know what you think, has this series inspired you to start your sustainability journey? If you are already practicing sustainability and have tips to share, please leave them in the comments below.

Photo Credits:

Jen Sosa

Loie Photography

Sanaz Photography

Sustainability Series - Production

In honor of Earth Day (celebrated on April 22nd), I’m dedicating this month to sharing my sustainability practices with you. My first topic in this series is on sustainability in production. When I prepare (which in the floral industry is called production) for an event like a wedding, I am mindful of the products I source and use while creating these florals for my events.

I started thinking seriously about how much waste is created in the florals industry and my impact 3 years ago. Which motivated me to start implementing changes into my business practices. It didn’t all happen at once and I’m still making adjustments and learning so much as I continue on this journey. The three pillars of sustainability have helped to keep me focused on the “why”; profits, planet and people.

I encourage you to sit down and take a look at how you can practice being more sustainable in your business now.

As a floral designer, I use the following products and materials to keep my event production sustainable. Below is a list of those products and where you can source them. As well as a great starter book on mechanics. I hope this encourages you to practice sustainability in your business.

Pin frogs

Handmade pottery

Chicken wire

Binding wire and twine

Moss

Biodegradable Foam

A Guide to Floral Mechanics Book

Come back next week to learn more about my sustainability practices in installations. If you have tips on how you practice sustainability in your business, I’m all ears - leave a note in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!