Free Wedding Checklist
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There are ways to incorporate eco-friendly ideas into every aspect of the wedding planning process. Below are some simple changes you can make to reduce the overall impact of your special day.
1. Invitations. Recycled and post-consumer waste paper, tree-free paper, soy inks, and digital correspondence all offer elegant ways to reduce resource-consumption, waste, and the use of harsh chemicals. When it comes to paper, less is more.
Photo Credit: Frederick Ng Photography
2. Venue. Choosing an eco-friendly venue will drastically reduce the environmental impact of your wedding. To minimize emissions, hold your ceremony and reception in one centralized location close to your friends and family, encourage carpooling, or provide transportation for your guests from festivities to nearby accomodations.
3. Attire. No matter what your style or taste, there are many ways to green your wedding attire. Buy an organic or vintage gown, or wear a family heirloom and let your bridesmaids choose dresses they can wear again.
Photo Credit: Liflander Photography
4. Beauty and Make-Up. Because many cosmetics contain toxic chemicals, use all-natural beauty and hair products or seek out a “green” salon for your wedding day.
Photo Credit: Ellie Grover Photography
5. Jewelry. Eco-conscious jewelers use recycled stones and metals, and ethically sourced gemstones. Family heirlooms, vintage or antiques, manufactured diamonds and handmade items are sustainable, and often less expensive.
Image Courtesy of Barbara Michelle Jacobs Jewelry
6. Flowers. Local, seasonal and organic flowers are better for the environment and require less fuel to transport. They also cost less than most exotic species. For additional savings, consider simpler arrangements, faux flowers, and reusing ceremony flowers at your reception.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Canlas
7. Food and Beverage. Work with your caterer to create a menu of local, in-season organic foods and beverages to decrease the carbon footprint of your meal and support the local economy.
Image Courtesty of Marneycakes, Inc. Photo Credit: Chloe Volz
8. Decor. Using your location and the season for inspiration will provide natural, cost-saving decor ideas, such as collecting sea glass or shells from a nearby beach for a summer celebration. Vintage items or pieces from friends and family add unique flare.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Canlas
9. Favors. There are tons of fun and non-wasteful favor ideas like CFL bulbs, small potted plants or soy candles. Instead of a tangible favor, consider making a small donation in honor of each guest to a cause you support.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Wilkowski Photography
10. Honeymoon. Ecotourism, green hotels, and carbon offsets are all green honeymoon options that conserve resources and ensure your money makes its way into the local economy. To further lessen the impact of your honeymoon, explore local venues and volunteer vacation options.
Image Courtesy of Elevate Destinations
11.Gifts. By registering with eco-friendly companies you can support sustainable business and educate your guests about eco-friendly products. Some registry organizations will donate a portion of all sales to charity and the Green Bride Guide Gift Shop and Registry offers free carbon neutral shipping.
12. Recycle and Donate. Almost everything at a wedding can be given new life. Visit the recycle and donate section of the Green Bride Guide site for details.
Image courtesy of Green Paper Company. Photo Credit: Joan Schnell
