Articles
We are lucky these days to have many green options in terms of wedding ideas. We will feature articles from like-minded businesses with tips on how to green up your wedding.
Check out our Green Wedding Planning Ideas and Eco-friendly Check-list.
Check out our Green Wedding Planning Ideas and Eco-friendly Check-list.
article from Dream Green Weddings
http://www.green-wedding.net/
Planning an Eco Wedding: Why Green is so Beautiful
Green Choices for an Eco-elegant & Sustainable Wedding
There are many reasons why a sustainable, eco wedding is a good idea:
1. Save energy, conserve resources and decrease carbon emissions.
2. Reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint.
3. Limit waste produced by traditional weddings.
4. Educate and inspire others to make greener choices.
5. Champion green businesses.
6. Support charitable organizations.
7. Make a difference with one green wedding yours!
Have the wedding of your dreams, while sharing your green values with your friends and family. What could be more memorable and special?
Green Choices for an Eco-elegant & Sustainable Wedding
The great thing about planning a green wedding is you can make a few eco-friendly choices, or you can go all out and “green” all aspects of your wedding. Either way, you are making a big difference on your big day!
1. Invitations and stationery:
Choose from tree free papers, letterpress, 100% PCW recycled paper, seeded invitations, and look for vegetable or soy-based inks.
2. Green wedding favors:
Look for tree favors that your guests can plant in your honor. Seeded wedding favors are a beautiful and renewable option. Bamboo favors are symbolic of good luck, and are good for the earth!
3. Green decorations:
Create a romantic setting with candles that are made from natural soy or natural beeswax. Avoid using paraffin candles as they are made from petroleum (which can increase the CO2 level in the atmosphere).
4. Fair trade wedding gifts & jewelry:
When you are considering gifts for the wedding party and special guests, look for Fair Trade organizations that provide fair wages and create safer working conditions for people in developing countries. Encourage your guests to do the same!
5. Organic beauty products:
Treat yourself and your bridesmaids to organic bath and body products.
6. Think local:
Pick a location that is close to home to save on carbon emissions. Try to have your ceremony and reception at the same location to avoid additional transportation requirements and to reduce carbon emissions.
7. Green cuisine:
Look for local, eco-conscious caterers who offer organic menus, and use locally-grown foods from local farmers. Ask them to deliver the leftovers to a charity.
8. Love in full bloom:
Avoid flowers that are imported, as they are generally grown with toxic chemicals and pesticides. Insist on locally grown flowers that are in season, and/or organically grown flowers.
9. Wearing green:
You can find beautiful vintage wedding dresses, or new wedding dresses made from organic materials such as recycled cotton or silk.
10. Arrive in green style:
Consider renting a FlexFuel vehicle or hybrid. They have become more widely available at national rental companies. Ask about a carbon offset program!
11. Support green businesses:
Look for vendors who are environmentally and socially responsible. Support these green wedding suppliers whenever possible.
Thanks for the article Heather!
Check list of your wedding plans from Brides.com
Eco-wedding Check list
12months
Select and reserve your ceremony and reception sites. If you are celebrating your wedding outdoors, look into tent rentals.
Choose and book an officiant who will work an eco-friendly message into your wedding ceremony.
Meet with florists who work with local, organic farms.
Meet with caterers and choose one who is knowledgeable about local and organic fare, and who is willing to provide vegetarian options.
Register for gifts at housewares shops that focus on sustainable design.
10 months
Shop for a vintage dress, one made from natural fibers, like hemp-silk, or find a simple gown that can be altered, accessorized and worn again.
Choose a florist and pick out bouquets and arrangements made with local, seasonal flowers.
Plan your honeymoon at an eco-resort.
Meet with organic bakers to discuss your wedding cake.
Start researching wedding favors, even if you're planning on giving fruit or plant items that will be purchased right before the wedding.
6 months
Save paper by sending save-the-date announcements via e-mail or by calling out of town guests.
Start planning your rehearsal dinner, and if it's going to be a picnic, start researching disposable dishes and flatware that's biodegradable.
Choose wedding cosmetics that are cruelty-free and made from organic ingredients.
Select an organic baker and order your wedding cake.
Arrange wedding transportation, and consider using a shuttle bus to bring guests from the ceremony to the reception.
Order 100 percent recycled stationery for programs and invitations.
Purchase wedding rings made from recycled metals or wood.
3 months
Discuss your wedding menu with your caterer.
Meet with your officiant and discuss all the earth-friendly aspects of your wedding so that these ideas can be shared during ceremony.
Mail your wedding invitations.
Decide what your guests will be throwing instead of rice, which can be harmful to birds•wildflower seeds, flower petals or bubbles are better options.
1 month
Write and print your wedding program on 100 percent recycled paper.
Choose thank-you cards made of recycled paper and begin to write them as you receive wedding gifts.
2•7 days
Choose a member of the wedding party to distribute the wildflower seeds, flower petals or bubbles that guests will be throwing instead of rice after the ceremony.
Choose a family member or friend to collect the leftover wedding programs and recycle them.
Eco-wedding Check list
12months
Select and reserve your ceremony and reception sites. If you are celebrating your wedding outdoors, look into tent rentals.
Choose and book an officiant who will work an eco-friendly message into your wedding ceremony.
Meet with florists who work with local, organic farms.
Meet with caterers and choose one who is knowledgeable about local and organic fare, and who is willing to provide vegetarian options.
Register for gifts at housewares shops that focus on sustainable design.
10 months
Shop for a vintage dress, one made from natural fibers, like hemp-silk, or find a simple gown that can be altered, accessorized and worn again.
Choose a florist and pick out bouquets and arrangements made with local, seasonal flowers.
Plan your honeymoon at an eco-resort.
Meet with organic bakers to discuss your wedding cake.
Start researching wedding favors, even if you're planning on giving fruit or plant items that will be purchased right before the wedding.
6 months
Save paper by sending save-the-date announcements via e-mail or by calling out of town guests.
Start planning your rehearsal dinner, and if it's going to be a picnic, start researching disposable dishes and flatware that's biodegradable.
Choose wedding cosmetics that are cruelty-free and made from organic ingredients.
Select an organic baker and order your wedding cake.
Arrange wedding transportation, and consider using a shuttle bus to bring guests from the ceremony to the reception.
Order 100 percent recycled stationery for programs and invitations.
Purchase wedding rings made from recycled metals or wood.
3 months
Discuss your wedding menu with your caterer.
Meet with your officiant and discuss all the earth-friendly aspects of your wedding so that these ideas can be shared during ceremony.
Mail your wedding invitations.
Decide what your guests will be throwing instead of rice, which can be harmful to birds•wildflower seeds, flower petals or bubbles are better options.
1 month
Write and print your wedding program on 100 percent recycled paper.
Choose thank-you cards made of recycled paper and begin to write them as you receive wedding gifts.
2•7 days
Choose a member of the wedding party to distribute the wildflower seeds, flower petals or bubbles that guests will be throwing instead of rice after the ceremony.
Choose a family member or friend to collect the leftover wedding programs and recycle them.