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More and more, couples are trying to incorporate ecologically sensitive elements into their wedding planning. These elements can run the gamut from using compostable dinnerware to giving living plants as wedding favors to sending out electronic invitations to simply encouraging carpooling amongst guests.
Of course you can choose to make some green choices where practical without feeling that you are hurtful to the environment with your other choices. Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event and you have the right to small excesses. For example, say you want to send real, tangible, save-the-date cards or invitations. You can still request that your guests respond electronically by email or on your personal wedding web-site, if they can. The guest will still have the printed material as a keepsake along with printed directions to your wedding location – not everyone has onboard GPS !. Plus you can not assume that everyone on your guest list has access to a computer.
Another thing that sounds good but may not be practical is the use of compostable disposables for your reception dinner. Using compostable disposables and putting food scraps in compostable waste containers have drawbacks. The method is only as good as your educating your guests and your caterer to use them properly and you or your venue's diligence in proper disposal of them. While more expensive, remember that cloth linens and real dishes are washable.
Potted plants, tree seedlings or flower seeds not only make a great wedding favor but also a larger version can make a great centerpiece. You can make a point of using organic fertilizer, natural clay pots, etc and save money or floral costs as well. Living plants are also symbolic of the bride and groom's future growth as a couple.
Here are some ideas to help you conserve on energy.
Consider an outdoor summer wedding with lots of natural light. In June the sun will usually be shining until about 8 or 9pm before artificial lighting needs to kick in. Even this can be limited by careful use of candles, tiki torches and low wattage solar path lighting.
Car pooling to the ceremony and reception location will help; having the ceremony and reception at the same location will help even more. If all out of town guests stay at the same hotel, car-pooling or shuttling can be both practical and fun. And here's the "triple play" – If possible, have your visiting guests stay at the same location as your reception and ceremony. Not only will this save gasoline use but your guests can enjoy your company and each other's company before and after the wedding event!
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Source by Mindy Makuta
