Go Green!

Both in color and ecologically.

We will soon be using eco-solvent inks and material for our custom printed aisle runners. And, what better timing, than for the summer? This inspiration board above, done by Finestationary, illustrates the vibrancy of all of the different shades of green one can use. And the only thing would make this “green” wedding theme even better is to use eco friendly materials whenever possible. Here are some tips from The Wedding Lens to help create your own “green” wedding.

Use recycled paper for your invitations

By using recycled paper, you can save a lot of paper and a lot of trees, especially considering how many pieces of paper get mailed out (directions, return envelopes, etc… )

Consider treeless paper

You can also get invitations made from bamboo, hemp or kenaf.

Don’t use toxic ink

When printing your invitations, make sure the ink you use, is not toxic. Many inks are, so this is something you can easily ask about (or purchase if you’re printing your own).

Make sure your ring is not a blood diamond

A simple web search can tell you all of the negative things associated with blood diamonds; make sure your ring is conflict free. A jeweler should be able to tell you the origin of your ring. If they’re not willing to help you figure it out, go elsewhere.

Reuse & Recycle

If you know someone who recently got married, then perhaps they have some decorations, silk flowers, ideas, or suggestions that you can reuse or recycle. If nothing else, it will save you time researching these things!

Pick a venue that is outdoors (and free!)

Selecting a venue like an area of a forest or part of a beach is beautiful and free! It takes advantage of the nature that is easily accessible.

Think about where your guests are from

When picking a venue, consider where your guests are traveling from. Try to find a place in the middle. After all, the less your guests will have to travel, the cheaper for them and the less oil consumed. If you pick indoors, pick with windows

Try to select a venue that has natural light so you don’t have to use electricity as much.

Car or van pool from hotel to reception Rather than have everyone drive from their hotel to the wedding reception, organize a car pool or hire a van or bus to transport everyone to & from the venue. You save fuel and ensure your inebriated friends get home safely.

Require a color, not a dress

Ask your bridesmaids to buy a dress that they will wear again – in whatever color you choose, if you want. If they can re-wear, it’s that much better.

Plant a tree as a Favor

Plant a tree (or many trees) as the favor to your guests.

Give seeds

Give seeds as the favor so that people can plant on their own. Give a basket of green products

Come up with a list of some green products and items and give those as the favor.

Make the favors the centerpieces

By using the favors as the decorative centerpiece, you don’t have to use more flowers or purchase other decorative items. And hopefully the favors will be useful and re-useable.

Buy natural

If you purchase a new dress, get one that is made from natural, organic materials such as organic silk or help.

Donate when you’re done

When you’re done, donate your dress to a charity that can sell it; it will create funds for them and save someone else from having to purchase a new dress.

Don’t use disposable cameras

Disposable cameras require you to print all the photos AND dispose of the camera. It’s much more cost effective AND green friendly to use digital cameras (like the ones that your guests are already bringing).

Share your photos digitally

By storing digital images on your wedding blog/website/ The Wedding Lens for family and friends to download as they please, you save money on postage and processing. You also don’t use toxic chemicals to print too many pictures.

Go organic

Use organic foods wherever possible.

Go local

Hire a catering company that uses only local ingredients.

Donate the leftovers

Donate any leftover food rather than throwing it out. There are lots of shelters that would love to receive such a great donation.

Use non-disposable plates and utensils

If at all possible, use non-disposables so that you don’t create a huge amount of waste, especially if you’re having a large wedding reception.

Use recycled materials

If you can’t avoid using disposable plates & utensils, opt for the recycled version or treeless options.

Use flowers that are in season

When you use flowers that are out of season, they have to be imported. Transportation and care of the flowers requires extra resources that in-season flowers don’t require.

Go local

Flowers that are local don’t need to be transported or cared for in the same way as flowers that are transported and moved around.

Use silk or dried flowers

Get silk or dried flowers as an eco-friendly alternative.

Use potted flowers and plants

Potted flowers and plants look great and they can be used after the event for your home or garden. Or you can give it to guests to use in their home or garden.

Go with singers, not DJs

Vocalists won’t require the amount of amplification that DJs requires.

Register for earth friendly products

A registry can prevent people from buying gifts that you don’t really want (however well-intentioned they were!). It can also allow you to register for earth friendly products and things that you would want.

Consider registering for non-consumptive gifts

Register for non-consumptive gifts that you would like, such as massages, wine, soap, or free trade coffee.

Don’t print programs

People don’t necessarily need a program, especially if you can have a DJ announce who the wedding party is. It will save you money on printing costs and save paper.

Use flower petals as confetti

Use flower petals instead of paper confetti, rice, or seeds. It’s biodegradable!

Recycle!

When you clean up or hire the clean-up crew, make sure they recycle instead of throwing everything away and filling landfills.

Please visit Wedding Runways and ask how we can help make your wedding environmentally friendly!