Last night I had the pleasure of attending the knot's "Go Green" event at the ballroom at TWELVE Atlantic Station where the theme was ideas for creating an eco-friendly wedding. Green weddings have been the buzz for quite sometime now, but it is not always feasible to have a completely environmentally friendly event. Here are some great suggestions for incorporating one or more doable eco-friendly idea into your big day:
Refuse: Just say "no" to excessive elements to minimize your event's carbon footprint
-Incorporate locally grown, organic flowers into your centerpieces
-Create a wedding website to update guests on wedding plans, accomodations, dates/times and more
-Look for recycled paper and soy-based inks when choosing invites {Earthly Affair has a great selection}
-Hand calligraphy for invitation envelopes, escort cards and more reduces the use of chemical-based ink found in printers
Reuse: Get creative and recycle existing materials in a stylish way
-Use floral arrangements from your ceremony at the reception
-Reuse wedding centerpieces at your post-wedding brunch
-Deliver centerpieces to a local nursing home or hospital the day after the wedding
-Donate the bridesmaids dresses to underprivileged youth to be worn as prom dresses
-Talk with your caterer about donating leftover food to a local shelter or food bank
Reduce: Let your design choices be driven by Earth-friendly style
-Give favors like soy candles, plantable trees or a donation to an environmental charity in your guests' names
-Pick a caterer who offers local produce and seasonal or organic foods
-Choose a venue or location that benefits from your event such as a museum, cultural organization or art gallery
-Partner with local vendors to avoid unnecessary transportation
Reinvent: Add a green spin to a wedding day "necessity"
-Make centerpieces out of existing containers (ie: antique glass jars and vases) and accent with soy candles
-Alter your Mom's veil or wedding dress to suit your personal style
Remember: "Going green" is about incorporating one or more eco-friendly idea into an event. Don't worry if you can't create a totally environmentally friendly event-- every little but counts!
And keep an eye on sites like Portovert and Eco-Chic Weddings for green wedding suggestions, ideas and inspiration.
