Ideas for a Green Wedding

If you are like a great many brides today, you are considering ways to “green” up your wedding. In light of the already high cost of hosting a wedding, going totally green could send your special day over the top. However, incorporating several ideas from the following list of environmentally conscious suggestions will allow you to remain environmentally friendly and spread awareness of green causes to your family and friends.

First and foremost – the ring. If you and your betrothed have not yet chosen an engagement ring, you may wish to consider using heirloom jewelry for your ring and wedding bands. If you choose to purchase new, you should review the following with your diamond retailers:

• Ask to review their official written policy on conflict-free diamonds. If the retailer does not have any information, find another jeweler. (Conflict free diamonds are free from violence and human rights abuses and are produced with minimal impact to the environment.)
• Gold mining is one of the most ecologically destructive of all mining industries. Find out if your retailer provides gold and platinum wedding jewelry from recycled and reclaimed metals. (Recycled and reclaimed gold and platinum are of identical quality to newly mined metals.)

Choose eco-friendly catering. Look for a caterer that offers:

• Organic and natural foods, locally grown, whenever possible.
• Reusable linens, plates and glasses. Plastic ware should be replaced with biodegradable disposables or china.
• Substitutions for bottled water. One festive solution is to fill large glass containers with ice and tap water flavored with fresh fruit, such as oranges, apples, lemons and limes. They look appealing and your guests will love the fresh flavors. You might have someone on hand to dispense glasses of water or allow guests to help themselves.
• Soy or beeswax candles rather than petroleum-based candles.
• All leftover food to local soup kitchens.

Consider having your wedding and reception in the same location. This will result in conserving natural resources as well as simplifying the day for your guests.

Choose an invitation stationery designer that uses only recycled and recyclable papers. Many recycled paper stocks are beautiful to the eye and luxurious to the touch. A talented stationery designer will help you make the most of these superior choices.

• Avoid shiny, metallic or heavily coated papers, as they are difficult or impossible to recycle.
• Rethink some of the typical wedding stationery extras – monogrammed napkins, matchbooks, table menus and place cards. Although you will still need to number your tables and create a seating chart or list, for an elegant touch, consider allowing your ushers escort guests to their assigned tables.

Consider wearing a pre-owned gown – perhaps your mother’s, grandmother’s or one from your groom’s family. Alterations abound today and not only can a good tailor resize your gown but he or she can also update it beautifully and make it “your own”.

Rather than having favors for all your guests, think about sending a strong personal message as to your concern for our vanishing environment. Demonstrate your commitment to planet earth by:

• Having a tree planted for each guest in attendance.
• Creating favors that include bulbs or seeds to be planted.

You can make a significant statement for the environment with your choice of a florist. Keep the following considerations in mind:

• Consider a florist that makes use of in-season, locally grown, organic flowers.
• Reuse the ceremony flowers as centerpieces at your reception.
• Use potted plants for ceremony and reception decorations. Invite your family and friends to take them following the day’s events.
• Display the bridal party bouquets as additional decorations at your reception. Following the party, donate your flowers to a hospital.

Forego the disposable cameras and ask your family and friends to use their digital cameras to capture candid moments and email their favorites to you. You can then post an online wedding album for all to enjoy.

You may also have your own ideas on how to embrace going green for your wedding. Whatever you choose to do, your actions will convey a clear message as to the values and issues you care about as a couple.