For those of you recently engaged couples, or those researching their new years resolution… CONGRATULATIONS to going Green!
Now if you’re trying to find a quick checklist of sorts to start you on your green adventure, then we’re here to help. Below is a quick list of different ways you can green up your wedding and your life!
- Stationary: Choose 100 % Post Consumer Recycled Paper or send an Evite to your technologically sound friends.
- Location, Location, Location: Choose a location that is all encompassing, place where both the ceremony and reception can be accomdated
- Ethically mined Gold & Diamonds: Take a closer look at where your diamond came from and make sure it’s conflict-free!
- Flowers – Choose flowers that are fair trade or organically grown. Check out www.ecoflora.com for our favorite place!
- Bakeries -Organic & Local Breads and Desserts are the perfect place to start your sweet tooth off right!
- Favors – Why give favors when you could donate the money in the honour of your guests to a charity that is close to you and your spouse to be. Even if you feel like you need to give your guests a treat, check out your charity anyway sometimes they’re able to donate a small gift as a token of their appreciation that you can direct to your guests!
- Transportation - Let your guests know about alternative transportation, encourage car pooling and make sure your ceremony and venue are either in the same location or nearby to eachother.
- Honeymoon - Chillout and Rela at one of the fabulous eco-lodges and vacation spots around the world. For more information check out our blog about Amansala.
These are just a few of the many things you can do to quick start your green wedding. But, don’t forget the most important part - spread the Word! Making a difference is all about getting the word out. Talk to everyone you meet about your plans for a green wedding, and inform them of how easy it was for you! The more people know, the more people will look to make simple changes in their wedding plans too.
Happy Planning!
Tiffany and Amalia
Eco-friendly is revolutionary for the companies that are trying to change the world, but a wonderfully surprising off-set of this has been its obvious chic-ness. We’re not complaining.. In fact, I personally love creating any event with an elegant nature theme.
If you’ve stumbled here because you’re looking for a nature themed wedding, I offer you the following tips to keep your wedding eco-friendly and natural.
Find a gorgeous natural setting & save on decorations!
Finding the perfect spot for a nature-themed wedding can seem difficult at first, but there are probably more than a dozen locations near you that you would never think twice to use! We love using local parks, the backyards of historical sites, or even rowing clubs to do our events. My favorite place to have a wedding is on the grounds of a native museum, where your guests can take a look around while you take pictures. It’s a great way of blending culture with your theme and giving your guests an added experience they wouldn’t normally see!
Use the seasons as your guide
If you’re having a fall wedding, incorporate the colors of the leaves throughout. Add a sleigh ride and bonfire to your outdoor winter wedding. Rather than buying arrangements, use what’s around you. Sometimes the most simple centerpieces are the most breathtaking. If you must use flower arrangements, arrange with your florist to have flowers that are organic and in season. Be creative!
Nature-themed Gifts: Don’t know what to give your guests?
Let’s face it, bombonieres are old-school. People don’t want to recieve little angel figurines or cups with your faces on the side. Our tip for the perfect bomboniere is to find something affordable, thoughtful and elegant. Here are our top choices:
- A donation on behalf of your guest to the charity of your choice. See http://www.idofoundation.org/ for charity registries and invitations that raise money for different charities worldwide.
- Tree seedlings or packets of perennial seeds. Great for a spring wedding.
- Fair trade wedding favors such as Theo Chocolate or http://www.cocoavino.com/
Remember an eco-friendly lifestyle or an event isn’t an all-or-nothing commitment, you can do little things that bring awareness to your cause while still showcasing your casually elegant self!
Good luck!
Tiffany
