Planning an Eco Friendly Wedding
Sure, green weddings are all the rage, but you'll need to go the extra mile to make yours stand apart from the rest. The overarching theme here should be simplification. There are eco-friendly versions of most wedding products, but the best option is usually to forego the items altogether. Reuse wherever possible - and save not only resources, but cash too.
That said, some items you just can't live without, and usually the green version is more expensive than the original. You'll need to factor this into your wedding budget. To keep your budget in check, determine which areas you're willing to spend more on for a good cause and where you can save to make up for that added expense.
Many new companies have entered the growing green weddings market. Before booking your vendors, check out businesses that claim to provide green services and confirm that they really do. One green turn deserves another. Let your guests know the steps you've taken to plan your green wedding, and show them that an elegant event doesn't have to be harmful to the environment. Who knows, many of your guests may be inspired to do the same.
When it comes to invitations and stationary, use ones made from recycled paper or paper made from alternative fiber - such as hemp or bamboo. Consider renting for a cause - find a venue that will benefit from your site rental fee - such as a museum, gallery or other cultural organization.
For your dcor, use candlelight. Candles are not only energy efficient, they also create a soft romantic glow for an elegant reception. Better yet, look for soy candles - they're cleaner and longer burning since they're made from a renewable resource. Think double duty - invite your ceremony arrangements to the reception! You can use them to decorate your cake or gift table - you'll waste less and save money doing it.
When it comes to the flowers, try to buy organic, locally grown blooms - organic flowers are grown in an environmentally friendly way, without pesticides. You can even skip cut flowers altogether - top your tables with potted arrangements for guests to take and plant in their yards after the wedding.
For the menu, think organic - ensure that you, your guests and the staff won't be exposed to pesticides. Many caterers specialize in organic foods, and almost any caterer can provide an organic menu if you ask them. What about your cake? Have your baker use organic sugar, flour, butter and eggs. Some bakers even specialize in organic cakes.
Buy green or eco friendly wedding favors. Alternatively, you can donate to a charity in the name of your guests. Make the effort to limit long distance travel - have the wedding in a location where few guests will have to fly to get there.
The truth is - no matter how great your green intentions are, most weddings have a huge environmental impact from the fuel used transporting the guests - via car or plane - to the wedding site. Since this is extremely difficult to avoid, the "greenest" brides are purchasing carbon offsets to reduce their wedding's footprint.
That said, some items you just can't live without, and usually the green version is more expensive than the original. You'll need to factor this into your wedding budget. To keep your budget in check, determine which areas you're willing to spend more on for a good cause and where you can save to make up for that added expense.
Many new companies have entered the growing green weddings market. Before booking your vendors, check out businesses that claim to provide green services and confirm that they really do. One green turn deserves another. Let your guests know the steps you've taken to plan your green wedding, and show them that an elegant event doesn't have to be harmful to the environment. Who knows, many of your guests may be inspired to do the same.
When it comes to invitations and stationary, use ones made from recycled paper or paper made from alternative fiber - such as hemp or bamboo. Consider renting for a cause - find a venue that will benefit from your site rental fee - such as a museum, gallery or other cultural organization.
For your dcor, use candlelight. Candles are not only energy efficient, they also create a soft romantic glow for an elegant reception. Better yet, look for soy candles - they're cleaner and longer burning since they're made from a renewable resource. Think double duty - invite your ceremony arrangements to the reception! You can use them to decorate your cake or gift table - you'll waste less and save money doing it.
When it comes to the flowers, try to buy organic, locally grown blooms - organic flowers are grown in an environmentally friendly way, without pesticides. You can even skip cut flowers altogether - top your tables with potted arrangements for guests to take and plant in their yards after the wedding.
For the menu, think organic - ensure that you, your guests and the staff won't be exposed to pesticides. Many caterers specialize in organic foods, and almost any caterer can provide an organic menu if you ask them. What about your cake? Have your baker use organic sugar, flour, butter and eggs. Some bakers even specialize in organic cakes.
Buy green or eco friendly wedding favors. Alternatively, you can donate to a charity in the name of your guests. Make the effort to limit long distance travel - have the wedding in a location where few guests will have to fly to get there.
The truth is - no matter how great your green intentions are, most weddings have a huge environmental impact from the fuel used transporting the guests - via car or plane - to the wedding site. Since this is extremely difficult to avoid, the "greenest" brides are purchasing carbon offsets to reduce their wedding's footprint.
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