How to Have an Eco-Friendly Wedding

Weddings tend to reflect the shared values of the couple getting married. This may be why planning a wedding can be so all consuming. It seems that every choice makes a statement about who you are. Some couples ride off in their favorite classic cars, others on horseback. Some include their beloved pets as attendants and others their favorite niece. Diamonds aren't for everyone but some people are awed by the brilliance of a jewel. Whatever your lifestyle, we all have one thing in common - we share a planet and with that in mind having an eco friendly wedding is a great way to step into your new life's path.

Eco friendly weddings aren't just for "crunchy granola" types, you don't have to wear a crocheted gown or make your guests tromp through a forest - unless of course that's your style . In fact, unless you advertise your earth aware choices you can have an eco friendly wedding without anyone even knowing the difference.

First things first, Invitations
Most paper and invitation stores are capable of catering to the environmentalist and offer a wide range of recycled and recyclable paper. If you use a printer to make your invitations, ask if soy based inks are available. Other inks are liquid industrial wastes. If you are printing your invitations yourself, try to minimize waste by proofing prints first and recycle your ink cartridges appropriately. You can also purchase soy based inks for use at home.

Favors
While everyone loves those little candied nuts are they really a reflection of you? Instead of generating all those little one time use packages maybe there is something more meaningful to give your guests. Who doesn't love flowers, right? A tiny packet of seeds is the gift that keeps giving. These are even available in "matts" or papers you can print a message on and then just plant in the ground. Tiny saplings are another sweet way to help spread the love. Choose native trees from a local nursery, tie a message and voolah. You can ask your guests to plant the flowers or trees as a symbol of love and growth, two things needed for a good marriage. The National Arbor Day Foundation is an excellent place to find tree wedding favors.

If you're not hung up on material gifts, donations are a classic way to be eco friendly and share your values with your guests. If you want everyone feeling warm and fuzzy, why not donate the dollars you would spend on nuts to a local animal shelter? Or a national one? Adopt a manatee or a forest. Offset your guests travel guilt with a carbon neutral program that plants trees. The possibilities are limitless and your money goes to something lasting, another positive wedding day image!

The Dress
Wedding gowns are big business, and part of a not always environmentally sound industry. A lot of conventional fabrics used in wedding gowns are petroleum based and require numerous chemicals in the manufacturing process. If you are having a dress custom made, choose natural fabrics first and go from there. Not only will they look great but you'll feel beautiful. Another eco friendly gown idea is to honor a special bride from your past by wearing her gown. Not only will you reuse precious resources, you'll feel all the hopes and successes of the beloved bride that came before you. What better way to capture the essence of a wedding day? Besides, you can use the money you save to do something, like a honeymoon or buying a house.

Flowers
The right flowers can set the mood for a romantic day. For even more romance, choose flowers that have been grown without using lots of pesticides. Using a local commercial grower is one way to accomplish this or ask that friend with the green thumb to plant your favorites in their garden or try growing the flowers yourself. What better way to step into your marriage than beaming with self reliance?

Food
Caterers are there to, well cater to you. If you are hiring a caterer ask about organic choices for buffets and dinners. You might be surprised at the elegance and affordability available. Having healthy and yummy vegetarian dishes available is another way to recognize "lighter" lifestyles. On your cake, ask for organic edible flowers. To top off all the culinary delights, opt for organic wines, beers, sodas and coffees. Many drinks are made organically because they taste better that way.

Inevitably, there will be leftovers. Instead of throwing them away ask your caterer if they would make elegant "doggy bags" or donate the leftovers to a homeless shelter or food bank or at the very least compost the leftovers. In most instances, people are happy to make a difference and will appreciate being included in you eco wedding ideas.

Ceremony
Where you have your wedding can say a lot about your life. It could be a place from your childhood, the church you grew up in or anywhere you feel good. If you are going for an outdoor theme, try to stay away from pristine areas. Instead of tromping 100 guests through a hiking trail pick a public site with a view of your favorite trail. National Parks are ideal as they are capable of handling lots of visitors while allowing for breathtaking views and scenery. They also often offer comfortable accomodations with all amenities for large groups. If your ceremony and reception are at two different places, offer shuttles for your guests or find hybrid car rentals. Better still, have the ceremony and reception within walking distance of each other, a refreshing way to work up an appetite. Just be sure to keep in mind the transport needs of everybody involved.

Planning your wedding should be as fun as the party. Stressing over details is not the idea. Instead use the unique creativity that got you this far in life and mix in a little environmental awareness. You don't have to go over the top because a little eco goes a long way. Your guests will appreciate all the thoughtful preparations and remember your wedding as a time they saw your own unique style. They might even take some eco ideas home.

A few Eco-friendly Wedding Resources
Ideal Bite: A sassier shade of green
Organic Consumers Association
Co-op America / Green Festivals
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Benziger Family Winery & Vineyard