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!

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

Green Weddings | 3 Comments »

One of the blogs I enjoy following is Parisian Party and this picture on their blog recently caught my eye:

Apparently, in France, it is a custom to give guests almond dragees as wedding favors, but you don’t have to be French to love this fabulous favor idea. It’s simple, it’s green and it’s extremely budget friendly! 30 minutes picking leaves at the park, a sharp knife, some chocolate covered almonds and a paint pen - VOILA.
(see Parisian Party for more detailed instructions).

These would look absolutely fabulous resting on the cloth napkin at each place setting, and you could use them as place cards as well if you wished.

DIY Weddings, Green Weddings | 2 Comments »

We’re not talking about the color scheme of your wedding - although green is a lovely color. We talking about creating an earth friendly wedding by recycling, reusing and/or repurposing.

Today’s Focus: Wedding Rings made from recycled or reused metals and created stones or natural products including wood & stone.

One of my favorite finds has got to be Green Karat. Not only do they have gorgeous jewelry they also have a registry where you can ask your friends and family to send in their old gold to help you create your wedding rings.

Some of my favorite designs include:

(more…)

Green Weddings, Jewelry | No Comments »