Is a planet friendly wedding, anniversary party or family reunion possible ? Here is yours truly, planning her wedding, so that's what we'll focus on, but many of the ideas are transferable to any gathering you might host. So I ask this question... is it possible, and if so, what exactly is a planet friendly wedding anyway ?A traditional wedding ceremony & reception means a church, synagogue or perhaps a park or any other beautiful outdoor setting for the ceremony then perhaps a hall or ballroom for the reception if it's to be indoors. Our wedding is at home, in our yard, facing a lovely lake. So, how to make it a little more eco friendly ?
After a bit of research I've discovered that it is possible to make at least some Earth friendly changes.... I've even learned that making your own silk flower arrangements is not as hard as one might think ! ( Greenhouses release a lot of CO2 into the atmosphere ! ) I didn't make the one in the photo ( It's "re-used") but I did make some of the ones I'll be using.
Focusing the reduce, reuse, recycle philosophy, some of the ideas I've come up with for an "at home" or "do it yourself" wedding, are:
- If the wedding is at home, plant lots of flowers in spring, to cut down on buying them from a greenhouse.
- If using a florist, ask for flowers that are organically grown, or pesticide free.
- Use potted plants instead of cut flowers for the centerpieces.
- Borrow or rent anything you can, including tables, chairs, & canopies ( in case of rain)
- Print your own invitations, programs etc, especially using recycled paper or homemade paper if you can find it
- Scout out consignment & second hand stores for items like extra water jugs, candle holders, etc.
- Place a recycling bin beside your garbage bin for plastic items you decide you must use ( cups, cutlery, etc) or collect, wash & reuse them at your next party.
- Instead of hothouse grown, cut-flower corsages & boutonnieres, have a crafty friend ( or in my case, grandmother) make them for you from your garden flowers , or silk ( which can be kept as mementos )
- Plan bridesmaid outfits that will actually be worn more than once, or donate them to a charity such as dresses for underprivileged grads, after you are done.
- If self catering, use locally grown, organic produce & other foods whenever possible, or ask your caterer to do so. Even better, grow your own in your garden if possible !
- Give reusable or recyclable favors to your guests. some ideas might be, an engagement photo of the happy couple, mini plant pots & seeds, mints in recyclable wrapping... use your imagination !
If you are going the more traditional, Church, & hall route you can still do a few planet friendly things here too.
- choose recyclable decoration materials
- Ask the chef about choosing locally raised meats, & veggies grown locally.
- They supply the linens & dishes & reuse them over & over
- Ask to use their centerpieces instead of purchasing cut flowers
Let the wedding bells ring !
