Go Green {with the knot}


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.

Healthy Competition








The 7th Annual Trends in Wedding Table Design Competition was held on February 5th at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. This annual NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) competition is something the Atlanta event industry looks forward to each year. It is an opportunity for the best catering, event design houses, florists, linen companies, event spaces, etc! to compete to catch the eye of the judges- their peers! The categories are "Fantasy"- defined as a table with a total production cost of over $250 and "Reality "– defined as a table with a total production cost of less than $250. Above is a peek at a few of our favs. And the winners are {drumroll please}...
Fantasy
1st – Tulip
2nd – Perfect Petals
3rd – Chair Covers and Linens

Reality
1st – BBJ Linen
2nd – Buckhead Club
3rd – A Legendary Event