Green Weddings: Installment 1
Welcome to Part I in a series we’re featuring on greening the “Big Day” – as they call it.
As a recently engaged woman this subject is becoming high on my radar. My experience thus far isn’t unique. I want the day to be exceptional, fun, beautiful and authentic to my fiance and I. But… I’d like to do what I can to keep the waste that can come along with a wedding at a minimum!
One of the steps that comes fairly early in the process is the traditional save the dates. You book your venue, hem and haw over your guest list, point out that you have no clue who 10% of the people on your significant other’s lists are and voila it’s time to get crackin’.
So, how can you make this part of the process greener?
One option is to forego tradition and go for electronic save the dates. If your Mother (ahem) won’t go for this here’s a few other ideas:
– Choose a vendor who will print on recycled paper. A few to check out : Forever Fiances, Twisted Limb Paperworks, and Of the Earth.
– Cut to the Chase: Your save the dates don’t need to be wordy. You can inform guests about details like hotel options, directions, dress, your wedding party etc. via your wedding website. (Per “wedding etiquette” it’s OK to put your website address on the save the date, but not a formal invitation.)
– Try and use a local vendor. You’ll decrease your carbon footprint by sticking close to home.
Stay tuned for more!
Posted by Beth
One of the things my friend did was for responses she had them made into postcards to save paper on those teensy envelopes to mail responses back in!
Another thing to do, although not necessarily eco-friendly, although it is re-using, is buying or using things second hand. I ended up buying my shoes on ebay and I know many brides who wore family members’ veils.
Thanks Lena, I like the postcard idea!
-Beth
Sending this over to my fiance, thanks!
I’m getting married in Pittsburgh at the Phipps Conservatory – it’s one of the greenest conservatories in the world. Because it’s a flower conservatory, I don’t need any flowers. And for my bouquet, we are probably using flowers from my Moms garden.
Our caterer there is using only local, organic food. And they compost everything!
Save-the-date magnets may be a good option becuase they can be repurposed…Even if some people don’t exactly love magnets cluttered on the fridge…