7 Easy Steps To A Greener Wedding From Tiptheplanet
Begin with the Invitations If you must send paper invitations make sure you use recycled paper
, but if you truly want to have an eco-friendly wedding why not go paperless? Its a very unusual person these days that does not have an email address and there are dozens of free software programs that let even the most creatively challenged person come up with some beautiful looking e-vitations
Some couples are going a step further and setting up their very own wedding websites where their guests can RSVP, find accommodation if they are from out of town and view the gift registry all with just a few clicks of a mouse.
Choose a Green Gown Well, probably not literally but you should be looking for eco-conscious materials when you are wedding dress shopping. Natural cottons, peace silk and even hemp are all great choices and a number of designers are incorporating them into their regular lines. Alternately you could do your bit for global recycling by purchasing a dress from your local thrift or consignment store.
Grow your own Wedding Flowers Even those without a green thumb can cultivate blooms such as mums, dahlias, daisies, tulips, hyacinths, and miniature roses. All of these flowers are gorgeous and have the added green advantage of being replantable as well.
Make Your Own Green Centerpieces Table dcor can be eco-conscious as well. How about a small potted plant that guests can take home and plant after the occasion is over? Or if you want something that is truly unusual consider an Ecosphere - completely self-contained and self-sustaining miniature worlds enclosed in a recycled glass globe.
Set up Carpools If your wedding and reception sites are not within walking distance of one another encourage your guests to carpool to save on gas. If you get some of them to travel together to the wedding in the first place you will be doing even more for the planet.
Recycle and Reduce Waste Donate any leftover food to a local shelter or soup kitchen and take any flowers or other decorations to a hospital or retirement home so that they can brighten up someone elses day as well.