Eco Friendly Weddings

Happy Earth Day!! I know that in yesterday's post I had said that I would be discussing Seasonal Themed Weddings but in light of today being Earth Day, I decided it would be best to have a look at Eco Friendly Weddings!! So, from the ring to the reception, say “I do” to a green celebration.


You are already living an eco-conscious lifestyle, so it’s no surprise that you want your wedding to be a reflection of that. Luckily, there's a movement towards helping new brides and grooms find the support and alternative items they need. A great place to start is by reading a book by New York Times writer Mireya Navarro called "Green Wedding".

"It all stems from a want to avoid waste and excess,” says Navarro. “Being green keeps couples in check as far as not overspending and not overdoing it.” The key is to follow the principles of the three Rs—reduce, reuse, recycle and apply that to every aspect of your wedding."

Engagement:

Go for recycled gold, which is not fresh-mined. It may take a little searching but there are companies out there that work exclusively with recycled gold. Looking for something more sentimental? Collect old rings from family and friends, and have them melted down into one, incredibly meaningful piece of jewelry. Or ask your grandmother or mother if they have a vintage ring you can use as your own. And lastly, when purchasing a diamond, always ensure it’s mined without conflict. All Canadian-mined diamonds are conflict-free.

Invitations:

To keep things personal, Navarro stops short of suggesting electronic invitations. “Etiquette experts agree you should still send paper invitations,” she explains. Luckily, there’s an entire market of recycled invitations out there. And, for all your stationery needs beyond invites and thank you cards, she suggests creating a wedding website. A simple website with a personal URL can be set up for less than $100 for the year and everything from RSVPs to directions can be posted there.

Ceremony:

Want to save on the cost of flowers? Say “I do” at a botanical garden or outdoor park and let the venue’s natural backdrop act as your free decor.

Reception:

"Try to bring the wedding to your guests", suggests Navarro. Reduce travel by holding your wedding in a city or venue that’s easily accessible for the majority of your guest list. “You don’t want your guests to travel far,” she explains. “Transportation has a huge impact and leaves a huge carbon footprint.”

Wedding Favours:

Favours are more optional than ever, in fact, many couples are deciding against them altogether. But if you are going to hand out favours at your wedding, ensure it’s something that won’t go to waste, such as an edible treat, homemade jam or chocolate, or tree seedlings that may be planted. Many forward-thinking couples are also opting to donate to a green cause on behalf of their guests in lieu of favours.

Wedding Dress:

Though this should be one of the easiest ways to be green, it’s often the hardest. “Many women have a very specific idea of what they want to look like on their wedding day,” Navarro says. Perhaps the simplest way to green your gown is to buy something you’ll wear again, such as this dress to the left which can be altered by shortening it into a lovely evening dress for future wear. If you look at it honestly, it’s a total waste of resources to spend thousands of dollars on something you will only wear once. Another option is to buy your dress second hand. If the thought of buying something pre-loved doesn’t sit right with you, borrow one from a friend who is already married. Finally, if you must buy brand new, ensure your dress has a second life. Donate it to an organization that takes wedding dresses or sell it yourself. “Just be sure to keep it moving along,” says Navarro.

Honeymoon:

Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice luxury to enjoy earth-friendly travel. In fact, there’s a whole industry built around eco-tourism. When planning your honeymoon, choose natural destinations, places where the people and the environment will benefit from your visit. And always ensure you’re being a responsible tourist by making sure the products and services you purchase will benefit the local economy; for example, ensuring the souvenirs you buy weren’t made in China – unless, of course, you’re honeymooning in China.

If you need help getting started? Consult the Green Living Guides’ “Green Events & Weddings” section to find a sustainably-minded planner right in your own city. Having an Eco-Friendly wedding shows your guests you care about our Earth and that in itself can make your special day that much more so.

Thanks for logging in and be sure to check back with me tomorrow where I will continue with Seasonal Themed Weddings.

Cheers and Blessings,