Going green is definitely the new trend, be it redecorating your house, making a fashion statement or even planning a wedding. Eco-weddings have gained huge popularity over the last couple of years and with more and more couples opting for an environment friendly wedding, the practice is only gaining more leverage and improving awareness. Having your dream wedding with an eco friendly theme in mind is easy. Listed below are 10 steps to go green on your wedding day.
1. Venue
One way to go green is to select the venue wisely. Go for an outdoor location which would match the theme perfectly well. It would also mean less lighting used and less decoration as the natural beauty in itself would play the part. Also, conducting the wedding and reception in the same place, easily accessible by all, would not only reduce costs but also reduce environmental impact caused by travelling.
2. Invitations
Invitations set the tone for a wedding and going green is the best way to stress it. Creating e-invites and emailing it out to your guests would be the best way to do this. But if you insist on having hand held invitations then go for eco-friendly products like paper made with organic cotton, bamboo, hemp etc. and use vegetable based dyes instead of fancy ink for writing. You could also do a post card invite to save paper on envelopes and maybe even use innovative rags and burlap materials to create invites.
3. Attire
While your wedding day is all about looking good, you do not need to spend a fortune on it to do so. By wearing your mom’s or grandmom’s gown not only brings forth the emotional aspect of it, but also reduces cost and helps with the going green aspect. Vintage gowns are in style these days and going to a charity store to scout around for those would be a great idea as well. Men can hire a tux or even wear suits made out of eco-friendly products like hemp for instance. But if you are completely adamant on getting a new gown made, and then do so with organic materials
4. Jewelry
Diamond is definitely a girl’s best friend, but you could be all creative and wear something different instead, like rings with a wooden touch or thread based jewelry. If you are adamant about diamonds then at least make sure they are conflict-free. Considering using antique or heirloom jewelry is also a great way to go green. You could use jewelry handed down in your family, which will only increase the sentimental value attached to it. That said if you are not the type who is emotionally attached to your jewelry, and then recycling it would be a great idea.
5. Wedding decor
Using potted plants and shrubs with flowers are a great way to go green on your wedding day. If you are hell bent on using flowers then go for the organic ones which are pesticide free and are grown locally. Avoid transporting exotic flowers from faraway destinations, which would only add to the carbon footprint. Use the same flowers and arrangements for both the wedding and reception and once you are done with it, give it off to another couple for them to use or donate to a hospital instead of just throwing them away at the end of the day. DIY wedding ideas are available in plenty. Get your friends together and make all the decorations by hand.
6. Food and drinks
The first and foremost thing to remember is to use local, organic and seasonal food for the event. If you can source them from a nearby farmers market then it tops the purpose as it reduced carbon emission from travel completely. If you are getting a caterer take care of such details, make sure you give instructions to send off excess food to a food bank or homeless shelter instead of just discarding them. Try and avoid alcohol and serve organic juices instead. And remember, renting table ware, cutlery and such is always better than buying disposable ones.
7. Photography
Arrange for a professional photographer who works with digital copies which would save a lot of paper and chemicals. Instead of having individual disposable cameras on each table, ask guests to bring their own cameras and then request them to post the pictures they took on a photo sharing website for all to see.
8. Wedding favors
Instead of giving wedding favors you could donate that money to a charitable organization and explain to the guests the purpose behind it. If you are adamant on giving something, then perhaps a seedling or small pots with herbs in them, organic chocolates etc. can be given.
9. Gifts
Get gifts that are organic and environment friendly instead of large gift wrapped gifts. Gifts made out of recycled products, handmade gifts that support a small business or local talent, homemade candles and cosmetics, an organic spa date etc. are some of the options.
10. Honeymoon
Of course every couple needs to go on a honeymoon and you could do that in the greenest possible way as well. For starters, decide to go to a nearby location which would help reduce carbon footprint drastically. Then, select an eco friendly resort to stay in and engage in activities that require less travelling around. Hire a bike and cycle around the place, use public transport or even better walk hand in hand and take in the beauty of the place.
Keeping all these factors in mind will help you attain that perfect wedding you have been dreaming of, in a greener and much healthier environment. The fact that you are able to do something for mother earth, while tying the knot, is a feeling you would cherish for the rest of your lives.
About the author: Alia Haley is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside this she is fond of cell phones and bags. She recently added two Burberry Handbags to her collection. These days she is busy in writing an article on LED Bulbs.
