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How To Create A "Green" Wedding

While we want your wedding to be elegant, over the top, and everything you have ever dreamed of, we don’t see a reason why it can’t also be eco-friendly! We encourage you to keep this list in the back of your mind, and share it future brides-to-be.

Invitations – Over the years invitations have grown bigger, fancier and include a lot more information than they used to. In order to cut back on the amount of paper you are sending, opt for smaller invitations that only include necessary information. Also, go for recycled paper! Most stationary companies, such as Bella Figura, offer this option, and it’s a great way to stay eco-friendly. Another option, if you are having a less formal wedding, is to go paperless. Companies such as Paperless Post offer great alternatives to the traditional wedding invitation.

Photo Credit: Paper Doll Romance

Favors – Too often I see couples giving away little trinkets (candles, personalized glassware, paraboles, etc) that end up trashed at the end of the night. Why not say thank you with an eco-friendly container with seeds or a small plant your guests can grow? You can even include the catch phrase “Watch our love grow.” Another option is to opt out of giving favors and donate to a charity on your guests behalf.

via Etsy

Rings – Have you considered antique rings? Antique, or vintage, jewelry is all the rage right now and will eliminate the need to have brand new one created. If you use rings that are family heirlooms they will also provide additional sediment value! Not a fan of vintage jewelry? No problem! Companies such as Green Karat will create custom rings out of recycled gold.

Photo Credit: www.weddingbands.org

Wedding Dress – While most brides love the idea of wearing a brand new dress, don’t rule out a family worn or consignment dress. There are so many talented fashion designers and tailors that can alter a dress to make it more your style. Another option is Threadhead Creations. They create dresses solely out of natural material, therefore making your brand new dress eco-friendly!

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Flowers / Centerpieces – When it comes to flowers be sure to use local flowers that are in season. They may not be the exact flower you have always dreamed of, but you will still be able to find similar flowers in similar colors. I promise your wedding will still have the same ambiance! Another thought is to use succulents. Succulents can make gorgeous centerpieces and can be replanted after the wedding. For any other vases, frames, etc that you may need, go through a rental company. This way these items will not just go to waste after the wedding.

Photo Credit: Weddings by Lily

Registry – Be sure to register for “green” items such as organic cotton sheets or bamboo dishware, or register at a local family owned business. This may not be as convenient for guests, but is great for the community! Lastly, forgo gifts all together and ask your guests to donated money to your favorite charity!

Photography – Be sure to find a photographer that will provide you will a digital copy of all your wedding photos. This way you won’t waste paper on photos you aren’t crazy about.

Catering – Find a caterer that uses local and organic ingredients. This way, the product does not have to be shipped in and won’t have been doused with harmful chemicals. These caterers will typically also use recycled materials for napkins, paper plates, etc.

Photo Credit: www.magnetstreet.com

Location – Choose a venue that is close to all of your guests. It’s simple, the less your guests travel, the better the outcome on the environment.

Get Away Vehicle – Forgo a high end limo or old fashioned car and try something for eco-friendly! Horse drawn carriages, pedicabs and gondolas are all “green” fun alternatives.