Earth-saving bump, pick a venue that comes equipped with
solar panels. That way when you do eventually have to turn
the lights on for your all-night celebration you can still use
the power of the sun.
STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS
What is a wedding without flowers? Well it’s still a
wedding, just without flowers. When decorating
for the ceremony, try using potted plants around
the altar instead of cut flowers. Big beautiful plants can add
a wonderfully natural feel to your wedding and if they still
have their roots at the end of the day they can be put back
into the Earth from whence they came.
Try using the same idea when it comes to centerpieces on
the table at your reception. Keep the roots on those flowers
and plant them in pots or vases so they can be replanted
when the party is done.
If you do decide to use cut flowers in the ceremony and/
or reception, be sure to support a local florist who utilizes
organic flowers and socially responsible methods to harvest
them. By using only organic flowers you can ensure they are
free from chemicals and pesticides.
According to The Flower Expert, some chemicals banned
in the U.S. are used in other countries and find their way
back through imported flowers, fruits and vegetables; and
studies show that roses contain up to 50 times the amount
of pesticides that are legally allowed.
After your big day, all your cut flowers can be composted
and used to help future gardens flourish.
LET THEM EAT CAKE
Let’s be honest, most people go to weddings for the
food, so you are going to want to have an impressive
and delicious spread. The best thing you can do for
taste while being eco-conscious is go local and go fresh.
When planning your menu find out what produce is
in season. You’re probably going to want to avoid sweet
potatoes and pumpkin if you are getting married in the
summer, and avocados and strawberries may be a no go if a
crisp fall evening is what you have planned. Find out what
delicious fruits and vegetables grow in abundance in your
area. The shorter the travel time the fresher the taste, and
the least amount of fuel and energy needed.
When deciding on meats, cheeses and baked goods,
make sure your chosen caterer knows where all your food
is coming from. A good catering company will know if the
butchers and bakers they utilize use locally-sourced and
environmentally-friendly ingredients.
Also, try not to overdo it on the amount of food. There
should definitely be enough to go around but you don’t
have to send the entire wedding party home feeling like
stuffed pigs. While a nine-tiered wedding cake is sure to
impress, you probably don’t need that much cake unless
you have the entire population of Florida coming.
At the end of the night, have a prearranged plan for what
to do with the leftovers. Some of it may be able to be saved,
shared and/or donated.
REMEMBERING YOUR THREE RS
Being eco-friendly and conscious of our environmental
impact during this joyous time can be easy if you
remember the three Rs we all learned in school: Reduce,
Reuse, Recycle.
When picking out your attire, find repurposed dresses or
restore old tuxedos. Or instead of big, expensive clothes you’ll
never wear again, go a bit more casual or add in articles of
clothing you already own that speak to your personality.
Flea markets, antique malls and even yard sales are
great places to find those “diamonds in the rough” items to
decorate the ceremony with.
Think of the three R’s when deciding on your gift registry
or party favors for guests. If you are someone who has most
everything you need, maybe ask guests to donate to your
favorite charity instead of getting three brand new blenders.
Or provide a link on your wedding website to your honeymoon
destination and let guests donate to spa packages or
excursions at your destination.
For parting guests, provide edible treats, plant-based gifts
such as seed packets or make a donation in their name to a
favorite charity.
C O N T I N U E D F R O M P G . 2 2
ABOVE:
TAKE IT
OUTSIDE
Outdoor weddings
not only add
natural beauty to
the festivities but
cut down on the
use of energy.
PHOTO FROM
WIKIMEDIA
COMMONS
BELOW:
KEEP IT
ROOTED
Centerpieces kept
rooted in soil on the
tables allow them to
be replanted when
the big day is over.
PHOTO FROM
PXHERE
C E L E B R A T E Y O U R L G B T Q L O V E . 25 WA T E RMA R K ’ S WE D D I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 9