One of the biggest cost of a wedding can be the floral arrangements. Most brides envision large bouquets of fancy fresh cut flowers and large center pieces throughout the reception, but brides with an eco friendly approach are looking for other alternatives. Fabric flower bouquets and hair accessories is a fresh idea that is both affordable and less costly to the planet. Fresh cut flowers will barely live to see the end of the reception, but a bouquet made out of hand made fabric flowers is an eco friendly choice that will last forever. There is no need to have these bouquets freeze dried and kept in an expensive display case. They will stay beautiful and colorful for years to come. Presley Christopher Studios at Presleychristopherstudios.com pictures examples of these types of bouquets that can be created with the design of the specific bride's desire. Presley Christopher Studios works directly with the bride to create the colors and style that best fits their wedding vision. They also offer custom bride hair pieces and accessories made from recycled fabrics and pieces from the bridal parties alterations. Bouquets and accessories can be made to match any specific dress or style. So instead of carrying around a bouquet of flowers that will wither away by the end of the night, brides can custom order a bouquet that will last as long as their vows.

Great ideas! I personally have done the flowers for several different friends weddings and ended up saving them hundreds of dollars! I bought all of the flowers from the local farmers markets and then arranged them in mason jars or other vintage vases that we picked up from second hand stores. I also found one
"u-pick" sustainable flower farm in Northern Michigan and gathered a beautiful seasonal assortment that way. It takes a little extra work but it sure beats shipping flowers in from around the world.....most flowers have a much larger carbon footprint than we could imagine!

I would've thought it would be better to use freshly cut flowers than to make synthetic ones. I always assumed that the flowers would be cut or bought from a local florist and not shipped from a far away town or city. This is interesting. Its a bit early for me to be thinking about my own wedding bouquets, but I think I would go with the fresh flowers route from a local place rather than making my own because I would not use the flowers afterward but I would enjoy fresh flowers. Maybe I would even grow my own!

Sounds like fresh flowers might be a better choice for you and I love the idea of growing your own. However, the flowers that are made by Presley Christopher Studios are recycled and re-purposed fabrics, so it isn't like using created synthetic flowers. Since the flowers are made from fabric, they can be re-purposed yet again if you wish to do so. That is what I find so great about fabric bouquets and hairpieces, the fabric can be taken apart and resown into a completely new creation. I heard one person suggest using a fabric bouquet for the rehearsal and then using the flowers from the bouquet as hairpieces and gifts for the bridesmaids. The possibilities are endless. I do enjoy fresh cut flowers and will most likely have some at my wedding someday but I will try to eliminate the excessive amount that some brides indulge in. Perhaps the groomsman can have fabric boutineers.