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A Warm Reception for Eco-Weddings
by Eco Rock
As I plan my own wedding, I have been keeping an eye on my eco footprint my event will have. While planning a wedding one is presented with an almost impossible number of options, as I keep an environmental eye on my selections, the choices are no less diminished. You can buy earth-friendly napkins, invitations, flowers and apparrel. Here are a number of useful tips and resources:
1) The Dress: I bought by vintage wedding gown on Craigslist for $30! The alterations are costing me about a $150, but $180 for a wedding dress is a steal AND I will be ’reusing’ a perfectly good dress, instead of buying a brand new one. Further, when you’re done with the dress, make sure to sell it or give it away.
2) Invitations: At Botanical Paperworks one can order invitations and other stationary that not only decomposes, but plant them in your front yard and soon flowers. They are imbedded with wildflower seeds! If that’s not your style, Kinko’s prints invitations on a range of 30% to 100% recycled paper, which is also a money-saving option. (note: wildflower seeds are also a better option in terms of throwing than rice, which is dangerous to birds and other creatures)
3) Disposables: Napkins, paper plates, even your forks and spoons, can now be recycled or composted. Buy plastic cups that are number no. 1 or 2 plastic (or higher if you know your local recycling center will accept it) and place a well-labeled bin at your wedding reception. Set out another bin can includes items that decompose. In this bin, plastic cutlery, napkins and plates from a local Whole Foods or from Ecoproducts.com or from Nat-Ur Store can be thrown in. This can then be created into mulch at your local landfill. (note: buying mulch from your landfill is often VERY inexpensive and great for your community)
5) Dinner: In 2006, Back to Earth Organic Catering was labeled Top Trendsetter by Modern Bride Magazine, but while organic food is, naturally (wink), the most environmentally responsible choice for your reception it is often very pricey. If you don’t have the budget for it, even after your $40 craigslist dress, choose a locally-owned restuarant and/or food for the reception. In some areas, Whole Foods does some catering.
Don’t forget to look into pesticide free flowers, a double-location for the ceremony and the reception (less driving), and cruelty-free diamonds, gold and silver. For further help, look here or here. Best of luck with your next event!
April 17th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I am sure the lucky guy is happy, too! You will be beautiful in your dress on your special day and I hope all the very best for you both in your lives.