Eco-friendly or “green” living has become much more important in many areas of our lives over the last few years. From hybrid automobiles to energy saving appliances, from organic shopping to natural alternatives – as we become more aware of the effect our choices have both on our own health and the world around us, many of us are choosing to pay more attention to how we live our lives.
In recent years, brides have begun to take notice as well, and green or eco-friendly weddings are becoming quite popular. Many brides have decided that they want to be sure their special day is a true celebration, not a damaging one – and as a result, the bridal industry has responded with an ever growing selection of products and resources that are both eco-friendly and chic as well.
For the bride on a budget, here are a few eco-chic and affordable ideas for you:
- Choose a venue where you can host both your reception and your ceremony. This not only cuts down on travel between locations, but will probably save you money as well.
- There are many paper products involved in wedding planning, and it is one area with much potential for cutting back on both expenses and paper waste. For example: a seating chart poster uses less paper and costs much less then escort cards. A phone and/or email RSVP cuts back on the need for rsvp cards, envelopes and shipping! Gorgeous recycled paper invitations are also a great option.
- A daytime wedding not only cuts back greatly on the amount of electricity you use (lighting, etc), but is also generally more affordable as well.
- While organic food may not always be cheaper, a light lunch reception opens the possibility to choose organic, local foods without spending a fortune.
- Common flowers are not only more affordable then exotic florals, but if exotic florals often need to be shipped in from much further distances, meaning more travel, more emissions.
If you’re planning a eco-chic wedding, here are a few great finds for you to check out!
[gallery]Photos #1 & 2 Courtesy of Conscious Clothing
Photos #3 & 4 Courtesy of Twisted Limb Paper
Photos #5, 6, & 8 Courtesy of Plant A Memory
Photo #7 Courtesy of Beau Coup
Photos # 9,10 & 11 Courtesy of Real Green Weddings
Photo #12 Courtesy of Fake The Cake
#1 by Silvia Sanchez - September 16th, 2008 at 20:21
Thanks so much for featuring us on your blog! Those are really some great ideas for having a green-er wedding!
–Silvia at Beau-coup.com
#2 by Suzan St Maur - September 26th, 2008 at 19:07
You might be interested to know that my latest book, “How To Get Married In Green: have an eco-friendly wedding without compromising on style,” was published in North America last month.
You can read more about it here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Get-Married-Green-Eco-friendly/dp/1845282701/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195123385&sr=1-1
…although of course the book is available on all Amazons, not just the UK version, and will be in most good book stores.
I also run an associated blog where readers can post questions as comments, or email me with them, about how to make their wedding or other celebration more eco-friendly. I then respond on the blog, FOC of course! That’s here:
http://www.HowToGetMarriedInGreen.blogspot.com
With all good wishes for a great green wedding!
SUZE
#3 by Wedding Slideshow - October 18th, 2008 at 01:54
These are some great ideas. Thanks for sharing information to help our earth!
#4 by Memory Imprint Studio - April 18th, 2009 at 19:50
very refreshing.
#5 by wedding website - January 5th, 2010 at 18:50
“Choose a venue where you can host both your reception and your ceremony.” this is a huge savings limos are expensive, plus you don’t have to worry about them not picking you up (like on my wedding)