When you are planning your wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and do everything in an over-the-top way. However, with just a little forethought and focus, you can lessen the impact of your big day on Mother Earth.
Nearly all aspects of our lives today have the potential for saving energy or some other natural resource, and weddings are no exception. An additional benefit is that being environmentally friendly can often help save you money on your wedding as well. Here are a few tips you can start with, but surely, you’ll think of many more along the way.
Cut out Paper Waste
Your wedding announcements and invitations can be printed on 100% recycled paper, paper that is partially recycled, or even completely tree free paper.
Some eco-friendly brides are cutting out the printed invitations altogether and communicating solely by electronic means. It might seem informal, but it is definitely environmentally friendly, practical, and inexpensive. There are online sites where you can create a personal wedding website. They are easy to build, and you do not need to know programming language. Put all of your information on the website and direct your guests there. After the event, you can put up pictures for all to see as well.
Flower Power
Sometimes, just buying your flowers locally can be the best for the environment, rather than having them shipped. Organically grown local flowers are the best choice. You might even pick up some beautiful bouquets at the local farmer’s market or nursery. This prevents buying from places which import flowers from developing nations. Such growers often use lots of pesticides and pay low wages for very harsh labor conditions.
Also consider dried or silk flowers, and you’ll be able to re-purpose them later on. On your wedding day, consider reusing the ceremony flowers by fashioning them into decorations for the reception-hall tables, or using them to jazz up the dance floor area. Have your guests take them home after the party or donate them to a hospital or nursing home.
Beach weddings are beautiful and make good use of natural light
Use the Daylight Hours
You might opt to have both your wedding and reception during daylight hours to minimize use of electricity. Beach weddings lend themselves perfectly to this idea.
Transportation Options
Stick close to home to lessen the driving time and fuel consumption for guests. If bride and groom are from different areas, look at the most convenient area for everybody involved before deciding on a venue.
Instead of rolling up to the church and leaving the reception in a stretch limousine, consider instead an elegant horse-drawn carriage. Another fuel-saving option is a pedicab, which is a human-powered bicycle setup with a carriage type seating area.
Green Wedding Gowns
Color wise, they are still the same, but these gowns don’t affect the environment. Consider using your mother’s or another relative’s wedding gown. You can have it altered or even redesigned into something completely different that suits your style.
Natural Favors
Earth friendly products are growing daily because so many have embraced the environment. The number one rule is to buy local when that is possible. Think of local artisans for craft ideas, local nurseries for small trees, packets of flower seeds, plants and bulbs when out of season.
This article written by Sammie Clemmons. She suggests that young married couples, and married couples to be– put best quality stainless steel cookware on the wish list for gifts that will last as long as their marriage does.
Authors bio is coming up shortly.
