Wedding Tips Make Your Own

Question: Eco friendly wedding tips?

(Posted by: melaniecampbell on 2008-03-27 18:19:41)

Hey all I am planning a super eco friendly wedding, and am fast running out of ideas. here is what I am doing so far- please give me your input and more ideas!! - local dj to cut down on gas used for his travel (same with the caterer and photograper) - locally sourced food (from the caterer) and organic and free range when at all possible - outdoor ceremony with acoustic music (no electricity needed) - recyclable platesl, napkins, cutlery made from bamboo - my gown is organic cotton - the confetti being thrown is eco friendly and totally biodegradeable when it gets wet - the confetti is being given out in seeded paper cones that grow flowers when you plant them - no favors, a donation is being made to a local sick kids hospital instead (guests will be made aware of this by cards placed at their tables) - invites are printed on "tree free " paper cards, postage being used is bought and a donation made to the world wildlife fund... - flowers used are local and in season...

Posted by: Mac on 2008-03-27, 18:48:30

This a growing trend and personally, I love it! 1) Maybe for wedding gifts you could ask for people to buy 'Carbon Offset Points' so that your wedding can be a carbon neutral event. 2)You could use Soy or Beeswax candles for lighting, they have been shown to be less carbon producing that the standard petroleum candles. 3) If you wanted an alternative favor you could give a small seedling or seed packets as gifts. 4) Donate any left over food to a homeless shelter 5) Use local beer and wine producers for beverages, cutting down on transport costs and carbon emmissions. Just a few suggestions. Good luck with your earth friendly wedding!

Posted by: lunchbox on 2008-03-27, 18:24:26

I think you have it pretty much covered. Maybe another idea would be to not have RSVP cards and to have people call or email with their RSVP. That way you'll save paper and fuel (from mailing them).

Posted by: Emily on 2008-03-27, 18:26:56

I think you have it prettymuch covered. The only thing i can think of is to have it on a nice day so you aren't tempted to use fans and whatnot

Posted by: Gem on 2008-03-27, 18:31:50

It sounds like you have things basically taken care of. You can also purchase vegan shoes (Natalie Portman just started a line) I guess if you wanted to get a little crazy, you could have a bus take your guests from the church to the reception in order to car pool and save on gas from all of their cars...but I think that might be pushing it!

Posted by: Jenny on 2008-03-27, 18:33:49

Using regular dishes (rented or from caterer) could be considered even better, since they are being reused rather than buying and recycling (the energy used to recycle is often more than the energy used to wash). You can also purchase invitations made from recycled paper (see link below). You don't need to place cards at the tables for the donations, just make an announcement. Don't throw confetti at all....it makes a mess and its a waste of money Give each guest an energy efficient light bulb, if they replace one light bulb in their home, this will counteract any travelling they do by car or plane to your wedding. Donate leftover food to a shelter Purchase used pre-crafted bouquets and flowers Reusing is as important as recycling in GREEN. Renting tuxedos is reusing, renting or purchasing a dress is reusing and you can donate it when your done.

Posted by: Kerri on 2008-03-27, 19:29:18

I really have no other suggestions, but your wedding sounds awesome and inspiring! Goodluck with everything!

Posted by: Lydia on 2008-03-28, 05:25:52

What a great start! Some other ideas you may or may not already be doing - Make sure all goods are fair trade (coffee, tea, chocolate, too), and that clothing used and things such as linens, etc. are sweatshop-free. Arrange to donate the dresses to a worthy charity in your area. Use beeswax and/ or soybean candles. Make sure your and your attendants' hair and makeup are only done with organic products - whether you get them professionally done or DIY. Use biodiesel vehicles for transport of the wedding party; buses for guests. Have available a listing of charities for guests to donate to, in lieu of gifts. Arrange to donate leftover food to a local shelter or food program. Above all, buy your carbon credits! https:/ / econeutral.com/ buycredits.html Happy wedding! It sounds great.