Fall is in full swing here in Boston and the leaves are just beautiful! I’ve been lucky to get an amazing view of the changing seasons each weekend while running along the Charles River. A recent drive to a friend’s wedding provided hours of gorgeous scenery along the Connecticut and New York highways. So with all this natural beauty surrounding us, this seems like a perfect time to look at weddings that celebrate the majesty of our environment and respect the world around us.
Ideas for an Environmentally Friendly Wedding
Now let’s be honest, a lot of attention has been paid lately to weddings that are “environmentally friendly,” “sustainable” and my personal favorite, “eco-chic.” But what does this really mean? And how does the savvy bride work this into the overall look and feel of her wedding while making sure her personal style shines through? The good news is … however she wants! There’s no need to feel that, in order to bring an eco-conscious feel to your wedding, you need to transport the entire affair to a barn situated on an organic farm and dress your bridesmaids in dresses woven from hemp cloth. There are many ways to keep your wedding stylish and down-to-earth (pun totally intended) at the same time!
Photo Credit: TheAdmiralsInn.com
Your reception location will provide the greatest opportunity to green your wedding. When checking out your list of banquet halls, hotels and other locales, ask your guide what efforts they’re making to reduce carbon emissions, recycle and conserve water. Larger hotels will almost certainly have programs in place; we’ve all seen the cards by the bed encouraging guests not to change the linens daily. Other locations may be known for their responsibility programs; for instance, my sister’s wedding took place at a beautiful Inn powered entirely by wind!
Of course, my favorite means of upping a wedding’s eco-chic factor is by incorporating local and organic food. It’s clear that natural and organic foods taste better and are better for you. As an added bonus, incorporating local foods to your wedding menu can introduce guests to the local bounty of your wedding location. Who wouldn’t love lobster at a summer wedding in Maine, or some Creole delicacies at a wedding in the Louisiana bayou?
Photo Credit: Boston.com
In other good news, many bridal designers are using organic fabrics and other environmentally friendly elements in their wedding gown designs. Check out these gorgeous styles from Adele Wechsler who designed a line “for the bride who cares about the world in which she lives.”
Photo Credit: Brides.com
Photo Credit: Brides.com
Photo Credit: Brides.com
photo Credit: Brides.com
And it’s almost too easy to use cotton, recycled paper or vegetable inks for your invitations. Many stationers are offering greener choices for notifying your guests about the festivities ahead. Here’s a beautiful choice from Hoot Studios; they’re made of 100% post-consumer recycled paper, and save paper by having your guests reply via postcard.
Photo Credit: FineStationery.com
Photo Credit: FineStationery.com
I hope I’ve given you a few ideas for adding a little “green” to your wedding – no matter what your color scheme!
Comments
Great post! Thanks so much for featuring a card from the Hoot Studios line!
Thanks for sharing these wonderful ideas for green weddings! I tell couples that by making just a few eco-friendly choices, they can truly make a difference!
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