Weddings can put a huge dent in your wallet, but also in the environment. So much goes into these important events, that the environment sometimes falls to the wayside on the list of peoples' priorities. The good news? There are SO many ways to make your wedding 'green' yet elegant. Here are a few that I love.
Potted plants, rather than flower arrangements, make mother earth so happy! Going this route allows you to either rent the flowers and plants for the day, or you can buy them and enjoy them in your home long after the wedding is over.
Images from One & Only Productions' Pinterest page
Another way to think green with your flowers is to go for flowers that are in season locally. Many flowers need to be shipped, if they are not in season, from tropical areas. I can't tell you what kind of impact this has on the environment. Ouch!
Really love flower arrangements? Me too. There are a number of great companies that repurpose your wedding flowers the day after your big day by using the blooms to create new arrangements to be given to patients in healthcare facilities. I can't tell you how many (heartbreaking) times I have thrown away left-behind flowers at the end of a night (after grabbing a few for myself!). Companies like Random Acts of Flowers allow for these flowers to make someone else's day a second time!
How else can you make an impact? Ask your caterer not to pre-pour water glasses at your reception's dinner tables. Let's face it, your guests are there to celebrate YOU and will likely have more wine than water. So as not to waste any precious water (I'm based in California- we have no water!), leave water glasses at each place setting empty and filled only upon request. You can even have a little note card placed on your reception tables letting your guests know they can have as much water as they like-- all they need to do is ask :)
Invitations can be another place where you can cut back on your ecological footprint. Sending out 200 Save The Dates + invitations + envelopes + RSVP cards + RSVP envelopes, etc.? Yeah, that's a lot. Alternative? The internet is your best friend. Not only can you get and receive all these messages to your family and friends virtually (wedding website, e-vites), it's also SO much cheaper to do so than to purchase the print counterparts, and WAY easier to keep track of! Nevertheless, if you cannot part with beautiful, traditional, keepsake-worthy paper invitations, you can always print on recycled paper and ask your guests to recycle theirs as well.
There are so many more ways to make your wedding eco-friendly! If this is something that interests you, let me know! I'd love to share more ways to incorporate green practices into your big day.
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