Wrapping up our 3 day Green feature, today I will cover how to have green wedding goodies. There are plenty of details you can “go green” for, such as food, favors, accommodation and pre and post wedding stuff. Here are some ideas. The best part about a Green wedding is not only that you are giving something back, but you’re also saving money!
Invitations & Cards: To help eliminate paper waste all together, send ecards for your “save the date” and “Thank you” cards. You can keep all the creativity and work with a digital designer to create your invites without all the waste.
If you’re set on paper, go with recycled paper and envelopes with natural ink.
Making Memories: When you choose your photographer, be sure they are shooting digitally. Preview your pictures and share via a computer, and have your pictures burned to a CD. If you prefer film, be sure they recycle materials and don’t use so many chemicals in the development process.
For photo albums, there are plenty of companies that have green options for printing and binding your wedding album, without any loss of style and chic design.
Choose eatable! The best idea for green wedding favors for guests are tasty goodies. If things are 100% eatable, there is no waste. Bake some homemade cookies or chocolate, or even make jam from homegrown fruits. If you need a wrapper for baked goods, used recycled products and those that are easily degradable, or save your glass food jars and refill them with goods. You can also give some free-trade products such as coffee (read up on what free-trade means here) or natural beeswax candles or home made soaps.
For the reception meal, treat your guests to locally grown food that is pesticide free. If you can’t go 100% organic, choose meats that are acquired sustainably and seafood that is low in mercury.
Other DIY gifts can include live potted plants, fabric bags, and other things that can be around for a long time. How clever is this Banana bread that is baked directly inside a reusable terra cotta plant pot from Style Me Pretty?
Don’t buy disposable. For the reception, use real dishes and glasses, that can be washed and reused. Use fabric napkins and table clothes that can also be washed and reused.
Find Eco Friendly hotels in the area, here is a good resource for “green” hotels in America: GreenHotels.com and Canada: Hotel Association.
Phew that was a lot of research. I hope you’re inspired to have an Eco Friendly wedding!
Credits: Succulent gifts, Homemade Bread, Soap, & Potted Bread.
Read up on Stylish ways to Go Green:
Green Wedding @ Amazon
Green Bride Guide @ Amazon (Budget Friendly)
Eco-Chic Weddings @ Amazon
