Repurposing Floral Arrangements - Getting the Most out of Your Wedding Flowers

When planning your wedding, one of the most beautiful aspects is the floral arrangements. From the moment you walk down the aisle to the final dance at the reception, flowers play a vital role in setting the tone and atmosphere of your big day. However, floral arrangements are an investment, and many couples wonder how they can make the most of their blooms. The answer? Repurposing your wedding flowers! Here at Nina Isobel Florals, we love working with couples to come up with creative and adaptable designs so that your flowers can be put to use throughout your whole day!

1. Ceremony Aisle Arrangements to Reception Tables

One of the easiest ways to repurpose your wedding flowers is by transitioning the aisle arrangements from the ceremony to the reception. Aisle flowers can be easily relocated and used as centrepieces or table decor. For example, aisle ends like meadow floral arrangements can be placed in front of tables, decorate your cake or drinks table, or even as accents around the reception space.

2. Signing table to Top Table Decor

We always recommend a long, low arrangement to elevate your registry or signing table - it is where you legally become married after all and deserves celebration! After the ceremony, these arrangements can be moved to the reception space and used to decorate the sweetheart table or the top table.

3. Ceremony Arch to Reception Backdrop

If you have a floral arch or other statement piece at your ceremony, don’t let it go to waste after the “I dos.” Most arches can be moved by your florist and could be used as a backdrop for your sweetheart table or top table. This not only adds a stunning visual element to your reception but also creates a cohesive look throughout your wedding day.

4. Plinth Arrangements to Cake Display

Plinths used in your ceremony can be moved to the reception area and

make a beautiful display for your cake. Ask your florist to add an extra plinth for the cake to sit on, add some draping and you've got yourself a beautiful set up!

5. Welcome Sign Florals to Reception Entrance

The flowers that adorned your welcome sign at the ceremony can easily be transferred to the entrance of your reception venue. This not only reuses the flowers but also helps in guiding guests to the next part of the celebration while maintaining a consistent aesthetic.

Things to Consider When Repurposing

When it comes to repurposing your florals, theres a few factors to consider, and some occasions when it's not always practical or appropriate.

1. Mechanics & Transporting

Large floral installations require a lot of thought and preparation, and are made using different sorts of mechanics, which can be large and difficult to move without damaging. Lots of installations are made on site in position, and can sometimes not be moved without breaking. Or if attached to a permanent structure risk being damaged if de-attached. If you want your florist to move large installations, you also have to consider access to the venue, taking in to consideration stairs or other obstacles.

2. Weather

You may have just had your dream outdoor ceremony, with the sun beating down on you and not a cloud in the sky. Perfect! Now you want to move these flowers inside for your reception? Flowers do not do well in lots of different weather conditions. Sun, heat, wind and rain can have a huge impact on your flowers, decreasing their lifespan and reducing the quality and look. Your florist will ensure they are prepped and cared for to last, but generally flowers thrive in cool areas without direct sunlight, so it's important to consider this when thinking about your ceremony area and flowers.

3. Bouquets as Centrepieces

Although it might seem like a good idea to reuse bridesmaids bouquets as centrepieces, the reality is it can often end up looking poor. Aside from being designed to be held and made completely different to table centrepieces, bridesmaid bouquets go through a lot before ending up in a vase in the centre of your beautifully decorated tables. Usually, they are out of water for hours during your ceremony and photographs, have quite likely been laid down, dropped or bruised at some point, and by the time they end up as centrepieces they may have seen better days! It also means when your photographer goes to get pictures of the reception area just before/after the ceremony, theres no flowers in any of the pictures! We like popping vases of water next to where your bridesmaids will be sitting for them to then take home, or they look lovely in vases on a windowsill in the venue.

Conclusion

When appropriate, repurposing wedding florals is a great way of getting the most out of your floral investment. At Nina Isobel Florals, we specialise in helping couples design floral arrangements that are as versatile as they are stunning. We will always stay around until after your ceremony to move your floral arrangements ourselves to ensure they stay in perfect condition.