In today’s world, people are becoming more aware of the serious environmental issues affecting us all. Many of us are looking for different ways to help preserve the environment.
A lot of people are making small but significant changes in the way they function in their everyday lives in order to contribute to saving the environment and this can include weddings. Having an eco-friendly wedding doesn’t mean you have to have your wedding in the middle of a field or have your guests feast on veggie burgers. You can bring innovative, unique and environmentally friendly choices to your big day that will not only look beautiful, but also reduce your carbon footprint.
Venue
Hold the ceremony and reception at the same location to cut down on the effects of transportation. If you choose two spots, provide transportation for your guests, or set up carpools. Think beyond the traditional wedding venues. Look into unique locations such as a nonprofit spaces, botanical gardens, museums, art galleries, or historical buildings. Hire a venue that’s an appropriate size for your guests. Trying to fit hundreds of guests into a tiny chapel or reception area on a hot day is most likely going to have you turning up the air-con to full throttle. If you are envisioning a hotel for your ceremony or reception then look into green hotels which offer eco-friendly options throughout the venue.
Catering
Use caterers that use local organically grown fresh produce which will also support the local farmers. Think about replacing your floral centrepieces with edible arrangements. Don’t use paper plates, plastic cups and cutlery or throw away napkins. Instead use rental plates, cutlery and cotton napkins that can be washed and used again. If there is food waste at your wedding, ensure that guests can either take the food home, us it for a post wedding brunch the next day (if stored properly over night), or if it is just scraps then this can be given to local farms to be used for animal feed.
Favours
Head to your local farmers market and pick up some local jams, sauces or fresh honey. Not only is this useful to the guests but is also promoting the local markets. Give your guests a real feel for your “green wedding” by placing potted plants, fresh herbs or even bulbs at each table setting. Instead of giving favours, how about thinking of donating all that money to local charities or even turtle release programs. If using paper for your invitations, place card settings or table numbers, make sure you work with a company that uses 100% recycled paper, earth friendly printing methods and an eco equipped studio. Seeded paper is the latest trend in eco-friendly paper products. When you plant the paper in a pot of soil, the seeds will grow into colourful wildflowers and makes unique wedding invitations that guests will love. Instead of enclosing multiple cards in your invite, combine the essential info into one card. Print up a website card that directs guests to your personal, paper-free domain.
Green Décor elements:
Ask your florists to create centrepieces inspired by nature, using dried flowers, branches, leaves and rocks. If you must have cut flowers, try to buy flowers in bulk and from local farmers. Once your wedding has ended you can donate these to local hospitals, age care homes or churches. Start collecting glass jars, these are great to either display floral for centrepieces or will hold candles for ambience. There are so many different options you can choose from in order to create your very own “eco-friendly wedding.” We can all make a difference and I believe doing one good thing is better than doing nothing at all.
If have any questions you need answered in the wedding planner column to get your wedding plans on the right track? Email your ideas to [email protected] Rebecca Bateman-Green is a wedding and event planner for Parfait Weddings and Events Ltd based on Grand Cayman.
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