Even a simple wedding can leave disastrous impact on the environment, not to mention, quite costly. Going green on one's wedding day does not only leave little or no carbon footprint on Mother Earth, but also puts more savings in the couple's pocket and give their celebration a deeper meaning. Following the green path doesn't mean couples have to compromise their vision for a stylish and fun celebration. Here are some tips on how to create a personal and eco-friendly wedding celebration.
Green wedding invitations: Go tree-free
Invitations are the best way to build up an eco-wedding, but if one leaves a paper-trail in the process, then that's compromising Mother Earth. Go treeless. Send digital cards and save a forest. If the couple prefers paper invites, 100% recycled paper, partially recycled paper, or paper made of non-tree materials (such hemp, organic cotton, banana stalks) are eco-friendly alternatives. Print the invitations using soy- or vegetable-based inks.
Consider also the above options to create other party items such as menu cards, bachelor/ette invitations, and place cards.
Green wedding transportation: Limit travel
Limit travel impacts by choosing a location within close proximity of guests. The couple should note in the invitation they would appreciate it if guests carpool or arrive in bike or public transportation. The couple can arrive in style without being tough on the environment – rent a hybrid car, electronic car, carriage, or rickshaw. Minimize travel further by holding the ceremony and the reception in the same location.
Green wedding venue: Go natural
Take the wedding outside. With Mother Nature providing a beautiful backdrop, there's little need for decorations. Add dashes of color here and there – strategically place cut-out organic flowers or flowering potted plants around the wedding venue. Schedule the wedding during the day to take advantage of natural light and cut on on energy use.
Green wedding dress: Go vintage
When it comes to outfitting the bridal party, re-use is the eco-friendliest option. Rent secondhand bridal gowns or borrow from a friend. If the couple prefers new ones, choose wedding clothes made of eco-fabric such as hemp, cotton, or bamboo. After the wedding, donate the clothes to a charity.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but if they're “blood diamonds,” it's time to rethink the old maxim. (Blood diamonds are mined in war zones to fund conflicts).Lab-created diamonds are the eco-friendly alternatives as well as vintage rings (an heirloom or antique find) and old gold jewels recast into wedding bands.
Green wedding menu: Go organic
Serve organic or pesticide-free dishes. Source things locally: buy your ingredients from local farmers than have them ship from elsewhere. Use recycled or re-usable linen and china. If hiring a caterer is the option, look for organic restaurants. Donate leftovers to a charity instead of throwing them out.
Green wedding gifts and favors: Go green
The couple can note in the invitation that they would prefer their guests to bring eco-gifts such as organic linens, solar rice cooker, or bamboo yoga mats. Another option is to ask guests to give donations to an organization that the couple supports. In the same manner, the couple should give green wedding favors such as burlap bags or seeds in organic container.
A traditional wedding party can leave irreversible carbon footprints on the environment. With proper green wedding planning, however, the couple can celebrate a moving and personal wedding that will everyone will remember for years to come.
To learn more about alternative ways to create a stylish green wedding, Mireya Navarro's "Green Wedding" shares many wonderful tips.
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