Eco-Chic Style

It's no secret that we love reused wedding gowns, especially vintage ones! The idea of a timeless gown being passed down through generations is so romantic. The great news is that gown restoration specialists can do amazing work on vintage gowns that are in not-so-amazing shape.

Take a look at these before and after shots of a mold-damaged vintage gown restored to its former beauty. This vintage wedding gown restoration was performed at Janet Davis Cleaners in Berkley, MI. The dry cleaner has let us know that the photos of this dress were not retouched at all and that they were taken in the same spot with the same lighting conditions before and after they restored the wedding gown to its natural state. The gown pictured was hand made in the 1950's, and was kept in a basement in plastic bags; presumably it got wet at some point resulting in the mold stains, and the yellowing often occurs with age.

Learn more about gown restoration and find a specialist in your area through the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists.

These days, you can get wedding cakes made in any color, shape or size. A cake resembling a castle to make you feel more like a princess? No problem. A tie-dyed cake to bring out your inner hippie? They make them. And with all of these options, couples often forget one of the most important parts of any wedding cake- the topper!

A cake topper can add more personality to your wedding, and a vintage topper is a sustainable choice. Vintage wedding cake toppers have been on top of another couple’s wedding cake, and what’s more romantic than mixing an old love story with your more modern, new one? Ask your parents or other beloved family members for their wedding cake topper, or browse for some ideas below.

The sweet nostalgia of this cake topper is just right for a romantic wedding day.

Photo courtesy of Etsy vendor Romance Inspired

For the fun-loving, athletic couple, how about vintage bowlers or even disco dancers?

Photo courtesy of Etsy vendor Willow Street Vintage

Photo courtesy of Etsy vendor Yesterday's Whimsy

These cake toppers are perfect for a more traditional vintage look.

Photo courtesy of Etsy vendor Weddings of Design

Photo courtesy of Etsy vendor My Sparrow's Nest

It seems like the rumors are probably true: Chelsea Clinton's wedding tomorrow will take place at Astor Courts in the Hudson River Valley. But is Chelsea having a green wedding? With 500 guests and an insane flower budget rumored to be around $500,000, could it be? At the GBG, we're committed to encouraging small green choices that add up, and considering Chelsea's vegan reception menu (with one still-green exception: local grass-fed organic beef), we say yes.

You may already know what we say around here: Every Choice Makes a Difference. It's kind of a mantra, and it's true. There are all shades of green, and a nearly infinite number of options for a couple who wants to lessen their wedding's impact and still have the wedding of their dreams. Some brides may choose a 100% vegan menu, with no flowers, and an organic cotton once-worn gown. Others may simply include local, seasonal foods and flowers and forego a disposable aisle runner. Both of these weddings are making a difference on the overall impact of the 2.5 million weddings a year.

Chelsea Clinton's wedding is a large scale example. There will be lush, gorgeous and copious flower arrangements. Green? Er...well, maybe not so bad if they're organic and/or local or seasonal, but no one really knows yet because everything is very hush-hush. But consider the lessened impact a dinner for 500 guests makes when that menu is mostly vegan. Chelsea's choices for her menu are a perfect combination of showcasing her personal values as a vegan, but still graciously offering the guests that might not feel they've eaten a good meal without meat a sustainable and cruelty-free option. True, this over the top celebration may not meet the standards of the strictest green critics, but we applaud Chelsea, as a person of reknown and influence in our society, for making the choices that were important to her to add earth-friendly elements to her wedding celebration.

Congratulations, Chelsea and Marc!

Gregory Bull, AP File                                                               

DIY gift bags are a special way to say thank you to your guests who have travelled far and near to help celebrate your wedding day. An out of town guest wedding gift bag is also a great way to provide your guest with everything they might need during their stay. Your bag can replicate your wedding theme, or represent the season or region of your green wedding. Creating a DIY out of town bag can be easy and fun!

The first thing you need is a bag. Try purchasing something that your guest can use again and won’t throw out, like this organic cotton shopping bag from Heart of Vermont. This bag will be strong enough to hold any amount of items you would like to put it in. Your guests can then use it when they go to the grocery store or even the beach. 

The next step is finding items to fill it with. If you’re having an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception, provide your guests with some protection from the elements. Badger SPF 30 Anti-Bug Sunscreen protects you and your guests from sunburn while repelling insects and bugs. It is a natural non-toxic formula, safe for wedding guests of any age. 

Provide your guests with something to brighten up their mornings, such as Deans Beans Coffee. Dean's Beans offers delicious 100% organic and Fair Trade coffee--a favorite among GBG staffers!--and offers brides and grooms the opportunity to customize every detail of the packaging including size, color, blend, and even a label with your names and wedding date. You can even include a lovely mug in your gift bag. If you're an aspiring potter, you can certainly craft them yourself, or purchase some eco-friendly ones like the Potter’s Coffee Mugs, which are made from white stoneware clay and are produced in a wind and hydro-powered studio. These mugs are handcrafted and come in a variety of rich colors to fit any color scheme.

Make sure to supply your guests with something to snack on. New England Natural Bakers offers a variety of trail mixes that are all natural and organic. In addition, 10% of pre-tax profits are donated to organizations that improve environmental and social conditions. These delectable snacks will provide a hearty treat for your guests. 

Purchase local, seasonal, and organic fruits from your farmer’s market for something juicy and sweet for your guests. You could even consider picking your own fruits at a local farm as a pre-wedding activity.

Regional favorites are especially fun to add, such as New England Coffee for your quaint New England wedding. Purchasing from local vendors means that your products won’t have to travel as far, minimizing your carbon emissions. New England Coffee offers a variety of flavors and sizes (the Blueberry Cobbler is a particularly yummy treat!), and regional gifts will give your guests a taste of the area.  

Give your guests something to do in their down time. Playing Cards and More offer eco-friendly Bicycle playing cards. These cards are crafted from forest paper, starch-based laminating glue, and vegetable-based printing inks and the pack of cards is entirely recyclable.

Since your guests will not be in the comfort of their own homes, add something that will help them relax. Natural bath and body products--like this purifying body scrub from Golden Path Alchemy--will surely leave your guests feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to enjoy your wedding day.

For weddings in the fall or winter months, when it tends to be dry and colder, any guest would appreciate a luscious lip balm. Choose one with natural and non-toxic ingredients, like Luxury Lip Smoother lip balm by Bambola Beauty, a super hydrating oil and butter based lip conditioner.

Gathering green products to put in a comfort basket will enhance your eco-friendly theme and leave your guests feeling welcomed and excited for the big day! 

Last week, in our Destination Wedding: Part One blog, we gave you some great tips on how to have a green wedding, even in an exotic locale. This week, we continue our destination wedding eco-chic inspiration.

Food: Food should be regional, and reflect local culture. Try to look for traditional dishes specific to your destination. Providing guests with local wine is a great way to give them a taste of the culture. Hiring a nearby caterer will save on carbon emissions and traveling, while giving you the chance to introduce new, fresh and exciting food. 

Photograph Courtesy of Shane and Jess Keenan

Gifts and Favors: If you are having a destination wedding, consider foregoing a traditional registry. Instead, encourage your guests to walk local marketplaces and pick out items that will be a constant reminder of your big day. This will fit in perfectly with the theme of your wedding while supporting smaller, nearby vendors, artisans and the community.

Items handmade by local artisans and regional produce are great ideas for personable and eco friendly favors. In place of a tangible favor, you could also leave a card on the guest's tables informing them that you have carbon offset their travels. Or, donate money to a local organization in each guest's honor. 

Photograph Courtesy of IRIS Photography

Honeymoon: Plan to stay at your destination for your honeymoon, saving on travel and making it more sustainable. You can take an educational journey through a rainforest, go on a sailing adventure, or sign up for cooking classes and learn how to bring the cuisine of your wedding back home with you. Take an eco-retreat through a park and discover nature by going rafting, horseback riding or hiking. Another option is engaging in local projects in environmental protection and community development. By choosing an eco-friendly honeymoon, you can make a difference by combining romantic travel with environmental awareness.

Photo from: Real Green Wedding story Autumn Adventure

The butterfly, a symbol of romance and adventure, captures the essence of a bride and groom as they are starting out on a new journey. Including butterflies as part of your wedding theme allows you to incorporate beautiful colors and a whimsical feel into your wedding. 

Photo Credit: David Murphey

Invitations and Seating Cards

Invitations are a perfect way to set the theme for your upcoming wedding. Send your guests colorful butterfly invitations like this gorgeous letterpressed suite from Smock Paper. This eco-friendly stationery is made from sustainable and luxuriously soft bamboo paper.

Photo Credit: Smock Paper

By using recycled paper, you can also make your own butterfly seating cards. Sure to brighten up your tables, a simple colored butterfly stamp is a fun and simple tool to use, or you can cut your paper into butterfly shapes to serve as name cards. Try to find environmentally friendly inks with a soy or vegetable oil base, and write out guest's names yourself to save on calligraphy costs.

Bouquet

Butterflies can be subtly incorporated into a floral bouquet, or you may choose to forgo flowers all together, and create a one-of-a-kind DIY butterfly bouquet with vibrant colors. You can make your own beautiful butterfly bouquet by pulling together silk butterflies, a more environmental and cost friendly option than flowers.

Photo Credit: David Murphey

Decorations

To add a personal green touch to your wedding, create your own butterfly tree using DIY butterflies and flowers-- a beautiful ceremony display on a small budget. Ask friends and family to participate in this lovely DIY decor piece by bringing their own crafty butterflies and flowers (faux or real) for the tree.

Photo Credit: Chennergy Wedding Photography

Cake

Cloth butterfly cake decorations are a unique alternative to flowers. Cloth decorations can be purchased inexpensively and locally, at any craft store. Or, you can make your own butterflies in the sizes and colors you desire. Using edible butterflies made out of organic ingredients is another fun option.

Photo Credit: Marneycakes Inc.

Centerpieces

For a centerpiece, try potted plants that will attract butterflies. Encourage guests to bring these butterfly host plants home so that they can have their own butterfly gardens to remind them of your wedding day for years to come. Many native plants found in your own backyard are host plants for caterpillars, so it is not hard to find these types of plants locally. 

Image Courtesy of: Real Green Wedding story Down the Aisle, With Style 

Gifts

For guests traveling to come to your wedding, it would be a thoughtful idea to make a weekend tote for them. Adding a few essentials, like this 100% vegetable based vegan bar of soap is a perfect idea to make them feel more at home while keeping the butterfly theme. 

Available at the Green Bride Guide

Dessert

Make your own colorful butterfly cookies for guests to enjoy. This is a great way to add a personal touch to desserts, and save money. Use organic ingredients like organic flour, butter and sugar in an assortment of colors for a sweet treat.

Photo Credit:Rebecca Wilkowski Photography

Favors

Hand out DIY butterflies made from sustainable craft materials in small and organized bags, with attached thank you cards. This is a personal way to thank each and every guest for celebrating your special day. 

Photo Credit: Stephanie Clark of Louis Joy Photography