Traditions are the cornerstone of wedding celebrations. They are what make the day so special and create happy memories to look back on years down the road. While these traditions vary between families and cultures, one of the most widespread is for the bride to carry a bouquet.

Design trends for bridal bouquets have varied over the years, ranging from large, ornate arrangements to small and simple. After the wedding day is over, the bride has to decide what to do with her bouquet (and all the other flower arrangements). Some brides have their bouquets specially preserved to last forever, while others keep them for a few days until they die. However, one organization offers another solution…

Petals For Hope is a nationwide nonprofit that takes flower donations from weddings and other events, restyles them, and gives them to communities in need. These include nursing homes, cancer treatment facilities, homeless shelters, schools, and more. The flowers are also used in floral arrangement workshops held at similar venues to help brighten the days of people who may be struggling. When the flowers eventually die, Petals For Hope collects and composts them. Who could say no to giving back to the community and the planet?!