Green Weddings
By Stephanie Avent
Here are a few easy ways to honor Mother Earth on your special day!
Invitations and Paper
Use vegetable-or soy-based inks on recycled paper products, or treeless paper products such as hemp or bamboo, for invitations and other stationery needs. Print the least amount of items possible (i.e. one program per family).
Email save-the-dates, directions, maps, rehearsal information, etc., and start an online wedding page or blog that will keep guests aware of new information—without the paper trail!
Venue and Travel
A lovely outdoor setting can maximize the use of natural light and minimize the need for excessive décor. A spot that is convenient for guests to travel to will conserve fuel and reduce emissions. Better yet, arrange carpools, or supply a van or bus to deliver guests to the venue as a group. By having the reception and ceremony at the same location, even more fuel can be conserved.
Best of all, you can have your wedding celebration at a venue who is worthy of your monetary support, such as a botanical garden, an arboretum, a green building, or an environmental center.
Flowers
Use flowers that are in season, locally sourced, and organic. Have your floral decorations do double duty by using the same arrangements at the ceremony and reception sites. Also consider decorating with branches, berries, greens, topiaries, or live potted plants—which can be taken home or given as gifts to your guests. Another option is to donate your flowers to a nearby nursing home or hospital.
Feast and Merriment
Ask your caterer to base your menu around local, seasonal, organic foods. Seek out vendors who use cruelty-free meats and sustainable fish. Use real plate- and glassware rather than disposable, and be sure that the venue you choose recycles.
Gifts
Set up a green wedding registry, filled with environmentally friendly products that you’d like, or ask for gift certificates for trees or plants (or ask to have some planted in your names). In lieu of gifts, ask that donations be made to your favorite environmental group or charity.