Five Steps to Green Wedding

When you think of a green wedding, don’t think that you have to throw all your wedding plans out the window and settle for a less than perfect day.  Here are 5 ways that you can include subtle or big ideas in your wedding day and be green!

1.  Think first about your wedding site.  Choose a wedding site that can also accommodate your reception.  When looking for these venue sites consider ones that will be able to recycle glass, aluminum and other recyclable materials.

2.  Speaking of recycling, eliminate the need for waste and recycling by using rented linen napkins, tablecloths, chair covers, china and stemware.  Many venues have these available for use at their site.

3.  Flowers are a big part of your budget.  Ask you florist to use as many local and in-season flowers as possible.  This will eliminate the need to have your flowers imported from other countries.  If you can plan ahead, plant fall bulbs, sunflowers, mums or other flowers in your own backyard to be used in various arrangements. 

4.  Soy candles are made of biodegradeable soybean wax which is a renewable resource.  Look for a candle made of wax that is free from pesticides and herbicides.  Then use these candles at your ceremony, reception or for gifts and favors.

5.  The fifth way that you can have a greener wedding is by the choices that you make for your reception menu.  Choose a caterer and a menu where you will be serving local foods.  Choose fruits and vegetables that are in season, again eliminating the need for transport.    

As a bonus, plan on donating the floral arrangements to area nursing homes or hospitals.    Leftover food could be donated to local women’s shelters or food kitchens.

Having a green wedding doesn’t have to drastically change your wedding plans.   Start thinking of a few of the details and you will be on your way to greener wedding.

Do you have other green ideas?  Please share them here. 

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