Unfortunately the floral industry in another one of those bad boys, dizzying us with chemical clouds. But organic growers, sustainable ideas, creative bridal bouquet ideas and living plants rush to the rescue.

Ten tips to make it work:

1. Ask your florist to source organic flowers where they can

2. Hold the floral foam, which contains formaldehyde

3. Integrate succulents, which can be planted in the garden or air plants which are amazingly decorative

4. Mix and match cut flowers and potted flowers

5. Make your center pieces your favors

6. Use vintage re-usable flower containers

7. Donate your center pieces to retirement homes

8. Be creative with natural elements, sticks and stones, moss and bark..

9. Collect cool containers over the planning process

10. Visit Thrift stores for container inspiration

11. Mix and match fresh and dried flowers

12. Use dried flowers, that last for a long time

13. Grow your own wild flowers if you have a garden, lavender for example is an easy one

14. Use potted plants big enough for your balcony or garden decor later

15. If you don’t find organic, stay with local growers

16. Play with lots of re-usable and vintage containers and minimal flowers

A great example of a floral designer: Tara from By the Bloom, who drives her cool flower truck around LA : She mixes and matches many of the above sustainable practices.

It’s rare that we can be 100% but with creativity and the right people your flowers can be a delight for your guests and light’n easy on the planet.

Bernadette and Fabien made their own containers from wine crates of their wine business.

Collecting jars for over a year and get reports from Deb&Beau’s lavender garden, finding terracotta pots for Claire&Chris or the perfect vintage bottles in hundred different Thrift stores with Olivia was wedding planner fun.

Photos via Wedding Flowers Albany, By the Bloom, studio fleurette, Toast, Angelica Weihs