One of the biggest challenges when it comes to both budget and sustainability is creating amazing décor for your prom. As with all of the other areas of planning, it's essential to work with vendors who are excited about making your prom green, and who have experience and resources in these areas.
FLOWERS
For floral centerpieces and arrangements to be placed throughout the space, think local and think organic. Seasonal, local flowers are the best as they allow you to support local farms, will be reasonably priced and need not be shipped across the country or the world, thereby avoiding the emissions associated with that transport. If local flowers are not an option, then go for certified organic ones. Make sure your florist uses no floral foam and uses vases made from natural or recycled elements that can be reused at a future event.
flowerbud.com
organicbouquet.com
NYC
gardeniaorganic.com
SEATTLE
terrabellaflowers.com
LA
labotanicals.com
SF
sillapere.com
Check for recycled glass items at West Elm, Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn.
PIN ONE ON
As with the centerpieces, aim for local and/or organic for your boutonniere and corsage. Or, maybe take a creative approach to this classic and try making or buying a felt or paper boutonniere for your date.
etsy.com
CANDLES
If candlelight is in the décor plan, go for 100% soy or beeswax candles rather than standard paraffin-based ones as the latter are made from crude oil (yuch!). Another great option is to purchase reusable LED battery-operated candles. These are a bigger investment but can be stored and reused by your school year after year.
bigdipperwaxworks.com
santafecandle.com
acolyteled.com
BALLOONS
Balloons provide an easy way to create fun, festive décor. Just make sure that they are 100% latex and that you choose biodegradable ribbons. Because latex is made of natural tree rubber, your balloons can (and must!) be sent to compost, along with their ribbons, after the party.
bulkballoons.com
creamcityribbon.com
DIY
Prom is about you and your classmates, right? So how about infusing the party with your personal touch by designing the décor yourselves? This is not only an opportunity to bring the class together for one last project, but also a great way to cut costs. Make paper flowers, salvage used or vintage fabric to make draping, collect cool glass bottles to be used for centerpieces, just get creative and have fun doing it!
NYC
mfta.com
usedeventstuff.com
SF
scrap-sf.org
ireuse.com
ROSEVILLE, CA
recreate.org
PORTLAND, OR
scrapaction.com
CHICAGO
resourcecenterchicago.org
PLAY FAIR
There are also great Fair Trade options for cool tabletop décor, such as unique tablecloths or vessels for flowers. Certified Fair Trade products empower laborers to lift themselves out of poverty by ensuring fair wages, healthy working conditions and environmental sustainability. It's true that budget may become an issue here, but that's definitely not always the case, so it's worth checking out your options. You might also be able to find truly unique and memorable substitutes for those cheesy glass vase party favors.
fairtradefederation.org
globalexchange.com
worldofgood.com
transfairusa.org
tenthousandvillages.com
macys.com/shopforabetterworld.com
DONATION
If you will have centerpieces and other décor at the prom, prearrange to have them donated (perhaps to a nursing home, hospital or soup kitchen) at the end of the evening. This can be done with the help of your parents and teachers, your hired florist, or thru a company that focuses on donations of this type.
NYC & LA
flowerpowerfoundation.org
PRE-/AFTER-PARTIES
Try to enlist mom or dad to transport your décor from your pre-party to your after-party. Or, use small plants that can double as guest gifts as the décor for the pre-party. Another great idea is to decorate the space with framed pictures of you and your friends.
THE GREEN PARTY
Check out my dinner party video for extra inspiration…
