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HOW GREEN IS YOUR WEDDING?
More and more couples are making green one of their wedding colors by having organic weddings. Organic weddings, also called “green weddings” let couples have ceremonies that are both environmentally friendly and socially responsible. There are now whole Web sites dedicated solely to this concept as well as books specifically about natural nuptials. Even bridal magazines are mentioning this topic in their gown-filled pages.
Every element of the wedding planning process can provide an opportunity to make choices that minimize waste and environmental impact. But don’t view this as an all or nothing situation. Pick those areas where alternative choices are most obtainable or of most importance. There will be trade offs so don’t feel guilty if some choices are not as socially responsible as others.
So where does a couple start? Begin with the invitations. They can be made from tree-free or recycled paper and a one piece folded design can save multiple pieces of paper and envelopes.
Things to consider when choosing a venue for the celebration include how large of a “footprint” the event will leave if held outdoors, how far guests will have to drive to get there and the possibility of supporting locally owned businesses and non-profits when choosing a site.
Food and drink play a major role at every reception and provide a great opportunity for healthy choices. Look for caterers who use organic and locally produced food items and are able to provide vegetarian or vegan items for the menu. Even the wedding cake can be made with organic ingredients. There are many locally produced wines and beers, and more organic varieties are coming to the marketplace every day. Coffee and tea can both be fair-trade and organic.
Avoid using disposable products whenever possible. Ask caterers to use real dishes, linens, cutlery and glassware or rent them if necessary. If some disposable products are used, make sure they are made from recycled paper. To make recycling easier, provide clearly marked receptacles for bottles, cans and recyclable plastics .
What is a wedding without flowers? Organic flower growers are becoming more common but may take some effort to locate. Farmers’ markets can provide access to local growers who may even be willing to grow specific flowers. When using commercial flowers from a florist, be sure to ask where they are grown. Many of today’s commercial flowers are grown in Latin America where regulations for pesticide use are much different than in the United States. Not only will the flowers be exposed to and have absorbed pesticides, but the employees in the flower fields and greenhouses may have spent hours working under hazardous conditions.
The opportunities for alternative, organic choices are extensive. Other areas for “green” decisions include wedding attire and jewelry, transportation, photography, wedding registries and even the honeymoon.
Angel & Company is a wedding planning business that specializes in green weddings. We believe that every aspect of a wedding has the potential to be a reflection not only of a couple’s style, but also of their values. Angel & Company assists couples in planning and coordinating a wedding that is beautiful as well as green. We are dedicated to finding resources and working with vendors that meet the “green challenge”. If you have a vendor in mind that is not on our green list, we can assist them in meeting your environmentally friendly wishes.
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