With the degradation of the world’s ecosystem, people are putting more effort into going green by practicing better ways to sustain our planet. From recycled invitations to earth-friendly receptions, many couples are planning eco-friendly weddings. A green wedding will not only help save the planet, but it can also help you save money as well.
Here are some tips to make your wedding eco-friendly:
Paper chase
Minimizing the amount of paper used in your wedding stationery can have a huge environmental impact. There are few certified green printers. However, there are many wonderful choices when it comes to paper. For wedding invitations, select paper that has a high recycled content or is made from an alternative fiber, such as cotton or bamboo. While it is acceptable to send emails or E-vites for surrounding wedding events such as the bachelor and bachelorette party, it is important to mail your guests a paper wedding invitation.
Instead of giving each guest a wedding program, print one program per couple. We also recommend placing only one or two dinner menus at the table rather than placing a menu at every plate setting.
Create an organic menu
Ask your caterer to create an organic menu to ensure your food has not been exposed to pesticides. Choosing free-range meats and fish and local organic vegetable and fruit is healthier for you and your guests, the animals, and the environment. Organic meals are a fresh, delicious and economical way to make an eco-friendly statement. Depending on the time of day, you may want to serve hor d’oeuvres at your wedding rather than a full dinner or buffet. A hor d’oeuvre reception is appropriate between 11am and 5pm or after an evening wedding.
Instead of tossing those extra entrees into the trash, ask your caterer to send leftovers to a homeless or food rescue group. Many organizations pick up fresh, uneaten food and deliver it to local shelters and families in need. If food donation is not an option, ask to have the food composted.
Faux flowers
Flowers are a major component to every wedding. Talk to your florist about local organic blooms and explore how you can enhance your bouquet with greenery, herbs, and grains like wheat and millet. For centerpieces, consider using potted flowers, plants, or even small trees, which can later be replanted in your own garden or yard.
Fruit can also make lovely wedding centerpieces. Fruit is inexpensive, aromatic, and most importantly, edible. After the reception, the fruit can be divided and given to your guests or donated to a homeless shelter. You can bring happiness to the lives of others by donating your floral arrangements to a local hospital, nursing home, women’s shelter, or any other organization that could use some brightening up.
Dim the lights
Candlelight is not only romantic, it is also energy efficient. Soy wax is a renewable and cost effective alternative to paraffin wax. Made from soybeans, soy candles come in various sizes, shapes, colors, and scents and are cleaner, longer burning, and more fragrant than regular wax candles.
The key to a stylish, eco-friendly wedding is simplicity. Choosing earth-friendly materials not only saves money, it saves resources as well.
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