filed under Wedding Advice, Wedding Planning
Quick Tips for a Green Wedding
Being Green isn’t just a Kermit-the-Frog reference, it’s something we can all strive to be in this world — a world in which being eco-friendly is eco-necessary.
photo from http://www.lovetripper.com/news/uploaded_images/wildflowers-mountain-760804.jpg
There are some things you can keep in mind and some things you can do that will make your wedding just that much more eco-friendly. You might not like all of these, but if you can do just one – well, we all have to do our part.
- Start with eco-friendly invitations. In fact, make as much of your paper product usage green (eg save the dates, invitations, placecards, programs, thank you cards) either by using recycled paper (100% or partially recycled) OR by using an electronic method of communication when possible. Greatgreenwedding.com recommends Wedding Window to create a wedding website and also has recommendations for eco-friendly paper places.
- Keep the wedding ceremony and reception in the same place. And please don’t do a destination wedding.
- Make sure the venue for the reception recycles whatever you use. Something we all take for granted!
- Get a green gown. No, not literally green, but how about one that your grandmother wore? Or one from a used clothing (aka vintage) store, either in your town or online. There are a couple online retailers devoted to used wedding gowns and other formal wear: PreownedWeddingDresses.com, BridalGems.org, WoreitOnce.com and EncoreBridal.com. You can also rent a gown, have one made by a friend using sustainable materials, or have an eco-conscious designer make one. More information on each of these options is HERE.
- Use eco-friendly flowers. What does this mean? Grow ‘em yourself, use silk flowers, dried flowers, or organic fresh flowers.
- Biodegradable & otherwise eco-friendly wedding favors. Like what? A plant with a biodegradable vase or seeds that can be planted.
- Serve organic coffee with the wedding cake. For that matter, try to make sure your caterers use as many organic foods as possible!
- Regardless of whether you prefer digital or print photographs, make sure your photographer will use digital proofs so you dont waste additional paper.
- Make sure your rings are eco-friendly, not blood diamonds, and otherwise as “conflict-free.”
- Use The Wedding Lens to share guests photos instead of using disposable cameras. Your guests are taking photos (mostly digital these days) anyway; have them share them online and then you can print only the good ones!
Go Green! (Since we originally posted this blog, The Wedding Lens has created a list of 50 Green Wedding Tips here: http://www.theweddinglens.com/green-wedding-tips)
~ Natasha
Posted to » Wedding Advice, Wedding Planning
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Lenicam
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Alouise
I like the tip on not using “blood diamonds” but I talked with my jeweler and he said he honestly has no idea how to verify that. does anyone have any tips to share in this area?
Vivian – There are a few suggestions that I’ve discovered. First, the international community requires a “Certificate of Origin” and since there are known areas from where blood diamonds originate, you can get some guidance. That said, the certificates can be forged, but at least it’s a good start.
Amnesty International suggests asking four questions when you are diamond shopping. 1) ask the salespeople how you can be sure that what they are selling are non conflict diamonds. 2) ask them if they know where their diamonds come from. 3) ask for the company policy on purchasing diamonds. 4) ask if they can show you a written guarantee from their suppliers. Chances are that if they are unwilling to help you out with your questions, they might have something to hide. They might be unable to answer you simply because they themselves do not have assurances as to the nature of their goods. In such instances, Amnesty suggests that you go some place else.
source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-tell-non-conflict-diamond.html
Does anyone else have ideas?