An Event Manager’s Guide to Sustainable Event Plant Displays

January 17, 2025 Kate Higham

As an event manager, you’re probably already used to wearing multiple hats—logistics coordinator, budget manager, creative visionary… the list goes on, right?! 😅

And, with today’s increasing eco-expectations, adding “sustainability champion” to your role is no longer just another item on the to-do list—it’s become an integral part of planning an event that truly stands out.

So, how do you align your event design with sustainability goals without sacrificing style or blowing your budget?

One major way is by leveraging plant displays. Far from being a superficial decoration, plant installations are natural conversation-starters that boost the ambience while reducing environmental impact.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

Why sustainability matters more than ever in 2025
Common challenges event managers face when trying to go green
Fresh ideas for incorporating plant displays into your design
How our Event Plant Hire & Display Service can help

Why sustainable events matter (more than ever!)

Let’s start by looking at the bigger picture.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it reflects growing awareness around climate change, corporate responsibility, and community impact. By now, your attendees and clients have higher expectations for how events handle waste, energy use, and overall carbon footprints. Here’s why it’s so important:

Protecting your reputation: Organisations are under a brighter spotlight than ever before. If your event aligns with green values, you’ll gain credibility and trust—both from attendees and the public
Meeting guest expectations: Attendees notice whether an event is truly eco-conscious or merely “greenwashing.” They care about meaningful details like reduced plastic, responsible catering, and sustainable décor. When you truly deliver on these expectations, you enhance the overall experience.
Complying with policies: As regulations tighten, events are expected to follow stricter guidelines around waste management and emissions. Sustainable practices help you stay ahead of regulatory changes.
Achieving cost-effectiveness: Many eco-friendly steps can actually save money in the long run, especially when it comes to energy use and waste reduction. While sustainable solutions require some upfront planning, the return on investment can be considerable.

Ultimately, embracing sustainability isn't just about looking good—it's about doing good and setting the standard for future events.

Common challenges for event managers

Let’s be honest: balancing sustainability with everything else on your event planning to-do list can feel like climbing a mountain. You already have vendors to call, budgets to manage, and branding details to finalise—so where on earth do you fit eco-friendly thinking into the mix?

Below are some of the biggest hurdles we hear about from our clients, along with a little reassurance that you’re not alone in facing them.

⌛ Time crunch- Planning an event is already a full-time job (and then some!). Between venue negotiations, menu tastings, and last-minute changes, it’s no wonder sustainability can slip down the priority list. Finding reliable suppliers, choosing sustainable décor, and sorting out planet-friendly logistics can seem daunting when racing against the clock.

💸 Budget pressures - Sustainability can sometimes sound expensive. When people hear “sustainability,” they often picture pricey organic products or high-end, eco-certified materials. But the truth is, smart choices—like renting plants instead of buying single-use décor—can actually help stretch your budget further.

😆 Information overload - Ever fallen down the rabbit hole of zero-waste this, compostable that, and carbon offsetting the other thing? It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re trying to do right by the planet. If you’re feeling lost in a sea of “green” lingo, trust us—you’re not the only one.

🎨 Keeping on-brand - You still need your event to look and feel like “you” (or your client). Some worry that “eco-friendly” translates to earthy, rustic, or bland. In reality, with the right approach, sustainability can blend seamlessly into any brand aesthetic—from laid-back to bold & vibrant.

Yes, these challenges can be frustrating, but they don’t have to hold you back.

In the next sections, we’ll show you how thoughtfully chosen plant displays can check all these boxes—saving you time, staying within budget, cutting through the noise, and supporting your brand vision.

Why choose Plant Store Ireland for sustainable event displays?

We know firsthand how hectic event planning can get—balancing your budget, juggling timelines, and ensuring your venue looks incredible.

That’s why our Event Plant Hire & Display Service goes beyond just dropping off a few potted plants. Think of us as your eco-friendly décor partner, here to help you save time, reduce waste, and create a standout atmosphere. Here’s what we bring to the table:

Expert guidance: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We’ll help you pick the perfect plants based on your venue’s lighting, layout, and temperature, all while making sure the overall design matches your event’s theme. Whether you’re going for a high-energy burst of colour or a more relaxed festival vibe, we’ll find the best greenery to set the mood.
Eco-friendly rentals: Why buy expensive décor just to toss it afterwards? Renting plants is a smarter, greener solution. We nurture and care for our plants until your event day, then bring them back to our greenhouse once you’re done—cutting down on waste and freeing you from any extra hassle.
Professional installation & maintenance: Forget about wilting flowers or drooping ferns. Our team handles delivery, setup, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring everything stays fresh and picture-perfect throughout your event. You can focus on hosting a great experience, and we’ll handle the green thumb stuff.
Custom design options: Your event should feel uniquely yours. Whether you’re after a minimalist aesthetic or something more playful and vibrant, we’ll tailor each display to reflect your brand, theme, or colour palette. Our goal is to help you stand out in the most eco-friendly way possible.

Fresh ideas for sustainable event displays

If you’ve ever thought that eco-friendly décor might limit your creativity, think again. Below are some innovative ways to use plants for a wow factor without leaving a big carbon footprint 👇

Living walls and green backdrops- Instead of plain banners or drapes, consider a lush vertical garden as the backdrop for your stage, photo booth, or panel discussions. These “living walls” not only look amazing in photos but also improve air quality in indoor spaces.
Potted plant centrepieces- Swap out traditional cut flowers for potted succulents, herbs, or blooming plants. They last far longer than cut flowers, can be reused for future events, or given away as eco-friendly gifts for attendees.
Plant partitions- Looking to separate sections for networking, dining, or breakout sessions? Tall potted palms, ferns, or other foliage can act as natural dividers. It’s a unique solution that doesn’t close off the space like standard partitions might.
Themed botanical zones- If you want to create a multi-experience event, use different types of plants to define each “zone.” For example, design a tropical lounge area, a minimalist succulent corner, or a bright floral section that matches your brand colours.
Branded elements- Love the idea of a statement piece? Incorporate your logo or event name into planters or pots. This not only reinforces brand identity but also cuts down on single-use banners and plastic signage.

Beyond plant displays: other ways to go green with your events

Bringing in greenery is a great start to making your event more eco-friendly, but it’s definitely not the only way to shrink your carbon footprint. If you’re looking to go the extra mile, here are a few tried-and-tested ideas to keep things sustainable:

💡 Waste management: Think beyond the standard bin. Set up clear, well-labelled stations for recycling and composting, and consider adding signs that explain what goes where. When people see that you’re making it easy to do the right thing, they’ll be more likely to pitch in.

💡 Energy efficiency: Dim the lights on wasteful energy practices. Swapping standard bulbs for LEDs can make a big difference. And if possible, choose a venue that uses renewable energy or has efficient heating and cooling systems to reduce overall power consumption.

💡 Responsible catering: Good food doesn’t have to come at a high environmental cost. Opt for local, organic dishes if you can, and ditch single-use plastics in favour of reusable or compostable utensils and dishware. Your guests—and the planet—will thank you.

💡 Paperless options: From digital invitations to QR code check-ins, technology makes it easy to cut down on paper waste. Plus, going paperless can look cutting-edge and save you money on printing costs.

💡 Green transportation: Encourage attendees to share rides, or pick a spot that’s easy to get to by bus or train. If you really want to level up, offer perks like priority parking for carpoolers or discounts for attendees who arrive by public transport.

When you layer these eco-friendly practices on top of eye-catching plant displays, you’re creating an event that’s not just visually stunning, but also aligned with the values of today’s audiences. It’s a win-win for you, your guests, and the environment.

Practical tips for implementing sustainable event displays

We’ve supported countless companies and brands across Ireland & abroad in creating beautiful, successful events. Along the way, we’ve learned a few insider tricks to help you introduce plant displays that look fantastic and tread lightly on the planet. Here’s what we recommend:

Plan early- The sooner you loop a plant hire provider into the conversation, the easier it will be to strategise placement, lighting, and plant varieties. Early planning also helps you secure the best options—especially crucial if your event falls during a busy season.
Local and seasonal matters- Choose plants that thrive in Ireland’s climate or are sourced locally. This reduces transportation emissions and often results in healthier, more vibrant plants that suit our weather conditions.
Match plants to venue conditions- Be mindful of temperature and lighting requirements. Luckily, if you’re working with us, we’ll handle the details. But it’s still good to note if your venue tends to be chilly, hot, or has limited natural light.
Coordinate reuse or donation- One major advantage of renting plants is that they won’t be tossed away at the end of your event. If you do purchase any plants, consider offering them to guests or employees to bring home or, even better, donating them to schools, community centres, or nursing homes afterwards.
Communicate your efforts- Don’t forget to share what you’re doing to be eco-friendly. Highlight the reasons behind your choice to rent plants, mention carbon offsets in your promotional materials, or include signage around the venue that explains your commitment to sustainability. When guests know the story behind your design choices, they often appreciate the event even more.

Ready to go green at your next event?

At Plant Store Ireland, we’re here to make sure you don’t have to sacrifice style, budget, or convenience while going green. We handle all the details, from picking the perfect plants to setting them up and taking them away at the end—so you can focus on the bigger picture.

For a free consultation & quote, reach out to our team today at: