Everyone is going green so why not make your wedding eco-friendly too? Using organic food, working with vendors who do their part for the environment, and using fair trade foods/items are just some of the ways a bride can have the day of her dreams and be environmentally conscious at the same time.
Having a sustainable, ethical wedding sounds expensive and time consuming, doesn’t it? Not necessarily. And no bride can go completely green for her wedding IMHO, however, she can pick and choose what works for her. Every little bit helps. Websites like Ethical Weddings , My Ethical Wedding and Great Green Weddings are some places that help the bride looking to be socially conscious.
For now, here are just a few ideas:
Find a caterer/supplier who is environmentally friendly. Do a search online for local vendors/suppliers.
For wedding-related events/parties, etc., use foods that are local and abundant during your celebrations.
Used recycled paper for invitations.
Something old, something new, something borrowed…Yes, borrow what you can. This will give special meaning to your wedding as it lets others participate indirectly by loaning you those antique pearls, earrings, cuff links, etc. It also creates more memories for these lovely pieces. This not only cuts down on cost, you are reusing items, which puts less stress on the environment. Get your family and friends involved. From wedding décor to formal wares (like a chafing dish or coffee urn for the bridal shower) let them know what you are looking for and perhaps they have that item and can loan it to you. (Keep an inventory of who loaned what!)
Purchase a recycled gown. Or rent a gown from places like Rent A Bridal Gown or a similar boutique near you. Do a website search for Bridal Gown Rentals. Or you can find them locally at boutiques providing such a service. It’s a great way to purchase that dream designer wedding gown at a more reasonable price. Also visit consignment shops for top notch dresses. The environment and your wallet will thank you.
Reuse/remount existing family jewelry or heirlooms or melt down existing gold items just sitting in your jewelry box to turn them into wedding bands. This adds history and meaning to the items.
Support World Fair Trade Day. This is celebrated around the second Saturday of May. (How convenient! At the start of wedding season!) Many states in the U.S. host festivals and events on this day (not to mention events worldwide, of course!). Contact them on how you can incorporate this endeavor into your wedding plans. It could be as simple as using only fair-trade coffee at your functions or giving out unusual gifts to your wedding party that are unique and specially made by artisans who are supported by fair trade groups.
For an example of an ethical wedding, check out the bridal couple Brian and Caitlin, who serve as an example of how one bride and groom went green and had a terrific wedding day doing so.
My next wedding-related posting will offer tips on what to do with the wedding gown after the big day, so be on the lookout!
So, what about you? Do you have a wedding or wedding-related event coming up and wish to share some ideas on how you made it green? Or intend to make your upcoming bridal event green? Share it in the comments section now.
Buh-bye! –Diva Kimbling
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