Hold An Eco-wedding

Weddings are a multi-billion dollar industry. In the U.S. alone; nearly 2.5 billion people get married each year. They are often unnecessarily costly on a personal level as well as an environmental one. When you start planning your eco-wedding, think of creative ways to make good use of the earth's resources.

Green-wedding Tips:

Programs and Invitations:

When the time comes to create invitations, consider printing them on recycled or recyclable paper, or on paper made without trees. A budget-friendly green alternative to paper invitations is to email or telephone guests. You can also create a website with details about your wedding-directions, hotels, other weekend events, to avoid having to print this information out for everyone.

Flowers:

One way to consider your environment is to select an organic flower source. Consider growing your own bouquets or even renting flowers. When your eco-wedding has ended, recycle plants and flowers by giving them to your bridesmaids, friends, family members, or local hospices. Another sustainable choice is to use potted plants and herbs in place of cut flowers for centerpieces. These can then be given as gifts or enjoyed in your new home together.

The Ring:

Diamonds may no longer be a girl’s best friend. Many diamonds come from Angola or Sierra Leone where rebel military groups terrorize the people and profit from mining operations. Buying a vintage diamond is another option. If your heart is not set on the precious gem, forget the diamond altogether and opt for a simple band or other type of ring that has value to you. There are many environmentally and budget-friendly gems that will serve as refreshing green alternatives to diamonds.

The Dress:

Look for a wedding dress made of organic materials or buy a previously-owned gown. Some boutiques have obliged by actually designing wedding gowns in hemp and other light-on-the-earth fabrics. Other brides take great satisfaction in giving their mother's gown a second run. Why not scrap the traditional wedding dress idea altogether? A big white gown may not suit your personal style anyway. Wear something that you feel gorgeous in - and comfortable!

After the Ceremony:

When the ceremony has come to a close, give away as much as possible: donate flowers to a local hospital, send leftover food to a homeless shelter, take your dress to a re-sale shop, etc. When planning the honeymoon, consider staying at a “green hotel” in a “green locale.” In creating your new life together, practice making sustainable choices in your daily life. Be ingenious. Create your own traditions. It’s certainly worth it!

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