GREEN is the new BLACK

In the Wedding Industry it’s becoming the norm to have “Green Options” while planning your wedding.  Without going over board you can make a difference without sacrifice and still have a beautiful Green Wedding:

INVITATIONS

Print your invitations on recycled card stock and have the printer use environmentally friendly vegetable ink. By using recycled cards, you are making an impact to saving trees.Send out electronic invitations to those who have an email address and are Internet savvy. On-line services are available that can design creative and personal invitations to your specifications. The service will send your designated guest list via email the invitation and even keep track of who will be attending. Not only will this make your invites economical, efficient and stress free but Eco-friendly too.

CEREMONY/RECEPTION

Arrange to have the ceremony and reception at the same place to celebrate your special day. A second location means more autos on the road and will only add to CO2 emissions. Encourage your guests to carpool by requesting this on your invitations. If you do have your heart set on using two locations, organize a shuttle bus to and from the sites. Also, consider using the shuttle for your guests from reception to their hotel where they may be staying. This alleviates any worries about drinking and driving.

FLOWERS**

Buy locally:  Packaging and transportation can significantly increase the cost of goods.  Buying local, seasonal flowers can save you as much as 40%.

Repurposing: flowers are thrifty and sustainable.  Display your bridal bouquet in a thematic container to dress up your couple’s table.

Less is More: Choose large, full flower heads, like the hydrangea, for centerpieces.  Fewer large-headed flowers will produce the same wow effect of a dozen or more smaller blooms.

DRESS**

Recycled: Buying a pre-owned dress is a great way to think sustainably and save money.

Eco-Friendly: Eco-conscious designers are on the rise, sustainable materials are getting more attention.  Dresses are available in everything from hemp blends to recycled plastics!

Post-Wedding: Let’s face it, the styles your mother wore aren’t popular now, and yours won’t be when your daughter is ready to get married either.  So why not give your dress new life with a new bride?  Selling your dress is a great way to recoup some of your money, or by donating you can bless another bride-to-be with a beautiful gown.

FAVORS***

Things that grow: Tuck bulbs in an attractively textured bag [try unbleached muslin, hand-dyed jute or burlap, and stencil a monogram or picture of the flower in front].

Potted Flowers: Find clay pots or small containers. Cultivate easy-to-grow flowers for your wedding [poppies, morning glories, shasta daisies, marigolds].  These gorgeous blooms will beautify your reception and make for irresistible favors!

Suited to a tea: A small bag of organic tea in a cute paper tea-cover makes a fragrant and picturesque gift.

Whatever you do to Green your Wedding, make sure you tell people about it.  If you can create a wonderful, magical celebration that treads a little lighter on the planet, then people will remember it!!

** Idofoundation.org

***favorideas.com