This may seem like dumb question.... but I got to ask.

[Deleted User]

I have a very strange/dumb question for you all.  What happens after the reception/ceremony with all the flowers, and decorations, centerpieces etc??? Can these be donated or given away to guests or simply thrown away?  What are you guys planning to do with them all?? I would hate to think that after spending all that money on making a gorgeous venue, to throw the decorations away. Any sugesstions??

paprika28

Our ceremony flowers will be donated to the church for their decorations as we're using Poinsettias and christmas trees. The christmas tree @ the yacht club will be given to them to use as decoration if they'd like it, if not, we'll be keeping it for us. Most of the reception flowers will either be donated to the local nursing homes for decoration, or given to family. (we're using roses... nothing too fancy)

dibsontop

Our church said we do not need to leave them behind (many require you to leave the flowers), so we'll be taking the two altar pieces to the reception and probably put them in front of the head table.  Then, afte the reception, more than likely they'll go home with my mom (at least one of them) and she'll care for them until they die.

We're not doing flower centerpieces, but it's pretty common in my circle for guests to take them at the end of the night.

Other, non-flower decorations and accessories will most likely go home with me until I find a way to sell/donate/throw away the various pieces of them.

chemistry2000

I won't be having a lot of flowers at my wedding, but I think what I do have my family will take home or I will donate them to a local nursing home or hospital. 

mlg209

I've been to weddings where they offer to give the flowers and centerpieces away at the end.  My mom took a centerpiece home from my best friend's wedding and it actually lasted for a long time on her kitchen table, it was great!

Ms.BriarRose

Our altar flowers are actually the flowers for the weekend of our wedding, so they will be left at the church for Sunday's service.

For the table centerpieces, since the vases the flowers come in are not ours to keep and we don't want to be charged for them, we will be getting vases at the dollar store and putting them on each table at the end of the night to transfer the flowers to from the venue vases.  We haven't decided if we will let the longest married at each table take them, the oldest person, or if we will donate them all.

If you do decide to donate them, make sure to contact the place you are donating to first.  Some places, like nursing homes, limit the amount of flowers brought in.  Other places, like the hospital, will actually help coordinate getting the flowers to the hospital.  Also, talk to your florist about this.  Many florists will actually work with you at the end of the night to help get your flowers to those who will appreciate it most.

Santorini2011

For us:
Flowers at ceremony are left at the church
Flowers at reception will go to the guests
Other items...ugg...most likely stored until I stop procristinating and sell them

Sometimes this is why it is better to rent linens and stuff...it's your preference

[Deleted User]

Thanks everyone!