How to Have an Eco-Friendly Wedding

'Going green' has become a popular trend lately. More and more wedding vendors have been taking steps to have less of an impact on our earth. Now many couples are implementing these eco-friendly steps into their wedding. Many wedding vendors are familiar with these eco-friendly practices so be sure to ask them how you can contribute. Here are some ways in which you can minimize your impact on Mother Nature.

-Invitations:  Use recycled paper for you invitations. This is, of course, going to cost more than normal invitations. Ask your wedding vendor that is doing your invites for ideas to minimize the impact as well. There may be different printing options to help with this, such as chlorine-free papers. You can also send your invitations out online or through your wedding website. Include in your invitations to your guests that this is an eco-friendly wedding and include options for eco-friendly transportations, hotels, etc.

-Location: Choose a convenient location for most guests, one that is close in distance to make the travel shorter. Hire local wedding vendors to make their travel distance shorter as well. Also, have the ceremony and reception location close together, or in the same area. Pick a site that won't require a lot of decoration. A natural setting, such as a garden or vineyard, is pretty much decorated for you. Make sure the venue recycles and better yet, practices composting.

-Florist: This wedding vendor can really help you with the natural decor. Find a florist that makes it a priority to recycle packaging and uses locally grown flowers. First, ask for the option of choosing organic flowers. Again, this will cost more. Ask your florist, or a family member, to re-use the flowers for the reception and have them transported there. After the wedding, donate the flowers to an organization that can use them.

-Catering:  Ask the wedding vendor at your reception venue if they know of any organic caterers, or organic restaurants that do catering. Have the caterer help you pick out foods that are in season and consider vegetarian selections, or meats from free-range organic farms. It is rare to find a wedding vendor that doesn't know about organic food options.

-Favors/Decor:  Give guests organic chocolates or other organic food items. You can also give out plants, natural soap/candles, a donation to charity in each guests name, or potpourri.

           

Check with every wedding vendor for eco-friendly options. If they don't provide any, have them refer you to another wedding vendor who can help you. The best wedding vendor to ask about green options is a wedding planner, as they cover all aspects of weddings and usually have a lot of experience.