Posted by Patti Wellington on Tue, Apr 20, 2010 @ 08:57 AM
Often times, eco-friendly means super crazy expensive. Sure you may not be able to afford the organic soy candles, or the disposable bamboo plates, however I have created a list of inexpensive ways to go green on your wedding day. Some of these tips may seem a little outlandish to your guests, but since we are out of the ordinary brides, we're not scared to look a little strange in order to help the Earth.
1) Email your invitations and direct guests to your wedding website for all your wedding info. For the very few non-internet friendly people out there, invest in a few eco –friendly paper invites or give the guest a call with a personal verbal invite.
2) For the bridal bouquets, we suggest using wildflowers that you gather yourself a day or two prior to the wedding.
3) Wedding Reception Centrepieces can consist of potted plants, that your guests can plant in their own home gardens.
4) Select a wedding venue in which you can hold both the ceremony and reception at to cut down on traveling and emissions. If that's not possible, then make sure the two venues are within walking distance from each other.
5) Try to purchase local and organic products and foods whenever possible. Weekend farmers markets are great places to get a hold of such things.
6) Request digital prints only from your photographer. Omit wedding albums completely. Only print out the few photos that you're going to have framed.
7) Host your wedding at your home or someone else’s backyard. Keep the menu and décor simple.
8) Set up composting bins during the reception.
9) Rent, buy used, or purchase wedding clothes that you know you'd wear again. Consider wearing your mother's wedding dress, or, if your mom's dress looks as dated, try to take the fabric to a seamstress to create something unique for you.
10) Recycle all bottles and cans.