Here at Gathered Garden Floral, we believe in maximizing every couple’s budget. The easiest way to do this is to repurpose their wedding flowers, using them both at the ceremony and at the reception. It takes some coordination, but it is so worth it as it creates two beautiful spaces using the same flowers.
When it comes to repurposing wedding flowers, it can take a lot of imagination and ingenuity.
Let’s Talk: Bouquets
When looking at wedding bouquets, one may think they would make great centerpieces, and they can if they are created with this in mind. Many bouquets are too tall to make a great centerpiece and can obstruct the interaction of guests as they cannot see across the table to engage in conversation, especially the bridal bouquet.
When we design our Bride’s Bouquet, we make sure the stems are on the shorter side. This allows her to tip it forward while holding it. This ensures the most beautiful portion of the bouquet is seen in pictures and by the guests. This will also help with repurposing the bouquet. There are multiple ways to display the bridal bouquet. It may be placed in a vase at the head table or a specialty table, such as a gift, memorial, or guest book table. Another way to display the bridal bouquet is to simply lay it on the head table during dinner; this way, the guests can see the beautiful blooms and the gorgeous couple. After dinner, you will want to return it to a vase to help it last longer.
Bridesmaid Bouquets are great to use on the head table as well, either in a vase or flat. You will want your day of coordinator to place them the length of the table. Many brides add a small charm to these bouquets to indicate whose bouquet is whose is so they can bring them home and enjoy them over the next week. Bridesmaids’ bouquets are also great as centerpieces. Keep in mind that if they are designed with a flat back, you would need 2 to create a 360 centerpiece. Another great place to use bridesmaids’ bouquets is at your specialty tables.
Next Up: Your Ceremony Area
Many brides opt for large, lush flowers at the ceremony site, many include Floral Pillars, Altar Flowers, and Arbor Sprays. Many of these arrangements are perfect for creating a gorgeous reception. We love to place floral pillars and altar flowers behind the head table framing our special couple, but they can also be placed in front of the head table, as a feature piece by the buffet table, entryway, or specialty table.
Arbor sprays are a bit trickier to repurpose, but possible. Our favorite way to use these arrangements twice is by creating them to fit in the middle of a large harvest head table, where they can be displayed as a centerpiece. Other places would be in front of the head table or on a large specialty table.
Last Stop: Aisle Flowers
Ground Aisle Arrangements are probably my most favorite item to repurpose. They make the perfect centerpiece for round or rectangular guest tables and can be placed directly on the table for a low centerpiece or elevated on a stand, or a combination of both to create the dramatic reception you have always dreamed about.
Chair Markers are small but can make a great impact when repurposing. They are just so cute and sweet that they can be used almost anywhere. You can add them to the bar or cocktail table where guests will be hanging out until the wee hours of the night. You can also use them at your specialty tables. Decorate your memorial, dessert, or welcome table. These little cuties are so easy to decorate any space to make it just a little more special.
Remember: Your Welcome Sign
There are so many great options that your Welcome Sign can be moved after your ceremony. Use it again to welcome your guests into the reception, either at the reception entrance or near the seating chart. If you are doing a photo booth, that is another great option or even near the bar or a lounge area to create an inviting atmosphere.
There you have it – create the most beautiful spaces by thoughtfully repurposing your ceremony florals for your reception. Creating the magic twice for the most beautiful reception while staying on budget. You can have your cake and eat it, too.
