Wedding Flowers that Make a Difference

'Green' weddings have been a hot trend in weddings for years and now Knoxville brides have it easy... Knoxville-based charitable organization Random Acts of Flowers and their Founder Larsen Jay, helps brides do just this.  By taking their donated flowers (that normally end up in the garbage) and volunteers deconstruct your flowers, rearranging them into a new arrangement.  These are then delivered to patients in need of a little cheer.

So how does it work? Simply, contact Random Acts of Flowers either on the website or via phone (865-633-9082), with a little information about your event, and they take it from there. Larsen and the volunteers coordinate with your venue afterwards to pick up the flowers. Larsen jokingly says, “You’ve already said ‘yes’ to your future husband…why not say ‘yes’ again to Random Acts of Flowers?” He went on to explain, “It literally takes just two steps for the bride. First, say yes. Last, give us a little information. We don’t add to the bride’s list of to-dos!”

Flowers never sit in the facility for more than 24 hours, and it costs nothing to participate. “You spend so much time, money, and effort for your special day, and this is a great way to make sure that the celebration lives on through a random act of flowers. Each vase produced by your donation represents a life touched,” states Larsen. In fact, large weddings can create between 30 and 50 gifted arrangements.

Beyond flowers, the organization always seeks volunteers and resources to keep creating the arrangements. On Tuesday, January 10, 2012, Random Acts of Flowers made its 10,000^th delivery using many of the flowers from vendors featured at the latest Knoxville Pink Bride Show. “You get to see others touched continuously. It warms your heart,” says Robyn, a Random Acts of Flowers volunteer since September 2011. Volunteers recycle everything – from the vases to the plastic picks and stands.

Whether you’re planning a green wedding or looking for new ways to reach out in your community, Random Acts of Flowers can help. You’ll cherish the memory – and so will up to 50 other individuals who could really use it.  Be sure to check out their website!

How are you being 'green' on wedding day?  Is RAOF on the list?  Leave a comment below!