A "Green" Wedding
(Or "Environmentally-Friendly" Celebrations)
I have heard of many couples looking to be more earth-friendly in their celebrations. I came across a great article about how couples can incorporate some very practical ideas while considering the environment in their celebration. Here's a summary:
Ceremony
1. Keep the ceremony small - limit the number of guests.
2. Choose a venue that uses environmentally responsible practices --- pesticide-free lawns, clean energy, etc. Look for a LEED-certified location.
3. Keep the location natural.
4. Choose an indoor venue that has lots of natural light.
5. Keep it local - less travel, and support your local economy!
6. Have the ceremony and reception in the same place or within walking distance of each other.
Reception
1. Choosing organic or locally grown can provide many environmentally friendly options.
2. A great addition to the eco-friendly favors on the tables is to pull the "green" theme into your centerpieces. Table decor can take the form of small perenials or baby bushes that can later by planted by your guests. If you are looking for a vessel for the center of your table to hold sea shells or colorful rocks, consider vases made from recycled glass or a bamboo bowl, which are renewable.
3. The number of earth-friendly products and services is growing -- it is often as simple as buying local. For instance, supporting a local artisan is much more earth friendly than having cheap trinkets shipped half way around the world. One of the more obvious eco-friendly wedding favor ideas for couples is to give something organic. There are many options if you want to give small trees, seeds, bulbs or plants.
Dresses, Tuxedos & Accessories
1. Choose a vintage or used gown.
2. Choose a dress made from organic cotton, organic silk, hemp or hemp/silk blends.
3. Rent a dress.
4. Choose a dress that can be repurposed later (cocktail dress, etc.).
5. Donate the dress after the wedding.
6. Sell the dress afterwards through eBay or a consignment store.
7. Encourage bridesmaids to choose their own dress that they can reuse later.
8. Rent a tux.
9. Avoid leather shoes.
10. Buy jewelry made from recycled precious metals and stones. And don't forget the possibilities of transforming vintage pieces into radiantly recycled classics.
For more great ideas, visit http://greatgreenwedding.com/blog/.
Happy planning!
Featured above: Tiffani with Chad & Blanca (on Samish Island)