Planning an Environmentally Friendly Wedding

You can have the wedding of your dreams and still be environmentally responsible. Keep in mind the three Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle – as you plan your wedding and you’ll be well on your way to reducing the environmental footprint of your wedding day.

 

These ideas will get you started:

 

• The one decision that has a bigger impact than any other, is size. The more people you invite, the more of everything you’ll need and the bigger the ecologic impact.

 

• Invitations are a great place to start. Consider using recycled paper stock, or unique Invitation designs that eliminate the need for separate envelopes.

 

• Reuse. As you talk with your caterer, ask questions about linens, place settings, and glassware. The fewer disposable items, the better!

 

• Look at natural fabrics for your - and the bridesmaids’ - dresses. Silk is a beautifully natural choice and some designers are even using cotton in oh-so-elegant dresses that look rich and luxurious.

 

• Consider an outdoor wedding to reduce the need for lots of decorations. Let Mother Nature take care of it! As an added bonus, you won’t be running an air conditioner to keep you and your guests comfortable during the festivities.

 

• Use potted plants as centerpieces rather than cut flowers. Invite special guests, or the wedding party, to keep a plant as a memento of the day.

 

• Transportation – for you and your guests – is a big factor when determining the affect on the environment. Use one site for both the ceremony and the reception to eliminate the need to travel between two locations. If you do need to move between venues, think about ways to reduce transportation. Consider a limo to move the entire wedding party and the family, rather than individual cars.

 

It’s your special day … and Your Wedding Affair wants to help you make it wonderful!