Planning a Green Wedding
Posted by The Flair Team
A Green Wedding or an eco-friendly wedding is any wedding where the couple tries to decrease the impact of their event on the planet. Couples plan their weddings by integrating eco-friendly alternatives, such as eco-friendly invitations, flowers, dress, menus and more.
If you are an environmentally and socially conscious couple, why not try planning a Green Wedding?
It is, after all, possible to “go green” when planning a wedding and still maintain the elegance and sophistication many expect from such an important event.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Rings
*Use recycled gold. Diamond mining has negative environmental consequences.
Invitations
*Use recycled paper or paper made from alternative fiber – such as hemp or bamboo.
*If you have time, you could even make your own paper, incorporating pressed petals.
*Use a calligrapher to write your invites instead of a printer – this saves on inks, toners, solvents and chemicals involved in printing.
*If paper invites aren’t your thing, why not email your invites – this is probably the most green that you will get.
Decor
*Use candlelight – not only are candles energy efficient, they also create a soft romantic glow for an elegant reception.
*Use bamboo or sticks. These are both eco-friendly décor options with an organic, modern feel.
Flowers
*Buy organic, locally grown flowers – organic flowers are grown in an environmentally friendly way, without pesticides.
* If you’re not a big flower fan, why not leave flowers out altogether – top your tables with potted arrangements for guests to take and plant in their gardens after the wedding
Favours
*Instead of favours, let your guests know in the program that you have or they can donate R10 per guest to your favourite environmental organization.
Attire
*Recycleor rent your wedding clothes. You will wear these clothes once, so why not consider renting a dressor suit? You could even recycle a friend or family member’s wedding clothing. This could be your ‘something borrowed’.
*Use recycled gold. Diamond mining has negative environmental consequences.
Venue
*Rent for a cause – find a venue that will benefit from your venue rental fee – such as a museum, gallery or other cultural organization. Confirm how that venue will use your fee.
*A beach, forest or gardens all make an ideal setting for a green wedding, as long as you leave it the way you found it.
Menu & Catering
*Ask your caterer for an organic option
*Support your local farmers and stick with locally grown foods, which will help to save on fuel costs
*Donate any leftovers
*Avoid disposable items. Use utensils and plates that can be washed.
Who knows, by planning your wedding with green in mind, many of your guests may be inspired to do the same.
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