Go Green
Friday, January 6, 2012 at 12:22PM Having an eco-friendly wedding has been very important to several of our brides. There are more and more clever ways out there to accomplish not only a green wedding, but also a really creative wedding!!
Favor Idea
WeddingWire
While searching for eco-friendly wedding images I came across a fantastic article-
10-Tips For An Eco-Friendly Wedding!- All Things Wedding
We're helping you "go green" this week and continue with these tips for an eco-friendly wedding! No one says you have to do it all, but here are a few ways to keep you in good with Mother Earth!
1. The Venue:
Ideally, you would want to find a venue with eco-friendly practices - like the beautiful Barr Mansion in Austin, Texas. However, those venues are few and far between. If that isn't an option for you, find a site that is centrally located for less travel by your guests, one that can hold your ceremony and reception at the same location, and a site that is naturally beautiful and doesn't require much decor. There are plenty of these venues in the Brazos Valley!
2. The Attire:
A green wedding is the perfect opportunity to reuse your mother's wedding gown! If it isn't your style, spruce it up, make it tea-length, make it yours! If mom's dress just won't work, find eco-friendly fabrics, use vintage jewelry (something old!) or select dresses for your bridesmaids that they will actually wear again!
3. The Decor:
This one is easy! Going with decor that can be reused (Mason Jar vases are great to reuse as drinking glasses in your newlywed nest), vintage and even using natural elements around you for floral (think wheat, wild flowers, etc.) are a great way to go green!
4. The Lighting:
Keep things romantic while saving energy with low lighting or dinner by candlelight. Soy or LED candles are a great option and the LEDs can be reused again and again!
5. The Food:
For your food selections, offer organic, seasonal, local grown! The Greenhouse Bakery in Bryan specializes in green catering!
6. The Invitations:
Here's another easy one... Recycled paper invites, electronic invites or simply calling your guest to offer an invitation (for a more intimate affair) are great ways to keep things simple and green! Skip the save the date, enclosure and response card; send only one invitation with a link to your wed site for guests to RSVP and get more information about your wedding. A perfect way to go green and save some green in your pocket!
7. The Favors:
Give guests something reusable or sustainable like a tree to plant in their yard or wildflower seeds for the garden! A great way for them to think of you long after the big day has passed...
8. The Gifts:
Ever thought of registering at a local antique shop for great reusable finds? China, furniture and great home decor can be found and reused in your home! Another idea is to accept donations for your honeymoon rather than gifts for less waste - perfect for a couple with a home that is already stocked!
9. The Leftovers:
At any wedding, there are typically tons of leftover food, drinks and cake! Tons! Have your caterer bring to-go bins for leftovers to take to a shelter or mission in your area. Caterers usually will not do this for you because of liability issues, but ask if your planner or coordinator will do it (we'd love to!), or designate a friend to make arrangements to have it dropped off after the wedding.
10. The Waste:
This tip is a no-brainier! Set up recycling bins for your waste if you're using paper or plastic goods. Alternatively, use glass that can be washed and reused... these tin bins can hold dirty dishes just as well as the stuff to be recycled.
For more eco-friendly tips, check out the book "Green Weddings" by Mireya Navarro.
Photos via Bravo Bride, Paper Crave, Country Living.
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