sustainablog.org
15 Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Wedding
Flickr: epSos
sustainablog.org
Why a Green Wedding?
• Share your values with the people who mean the most to you
• Support local green businesses
• Lighten the impact of an event that can be very wasteful
Flickr: yakobusan
sustainablog.org
Invitations
• Send invitations printed on recycled paper
• Make a website with directions, maps and wedding-related events that your guests can access on their computer and mobile phone (so they don’t have to print anything)Flickr: weddingparaphernalia
sustainablog.org
Clothes
• Incorporate vintage family heirlooms and jewelry made from recycled metals and stones to glamorize your wedding day look
• Donate your wedding gown to charitable organization like Brides Against Breast Cancer to make wedding dreams a reality for other brides
• Buy a suit or tuxedo that can be worn for other occasions… or rent one!
Flickr: lucas4891
Flickr: MNgilen
sustainablog.org
Gifts
• Don’t register for things you don’t need, or don’t think you’ll use.
• Create a charity registry to share your guests’ generosity with a charitable organization of your choice. You can learn more at The I Do Foundation
Flickr: Puggles
sustainablog.org
Flowers
• Ask your florist to create centerpieces inspired by nature using dried or silk flowers, branches, leaves and rocks. If you must have cut flowers, try to buy flowers in bulk and from local farmers.
• Use potted plants instead of cut flowers. They can be given as gifts to the bridal party, guests and family members after the wedding festivities.
Flickr: project hotsauce
sustainablog.org
Reception
• Customize your reception menu with organic foods and beverages made exclusively from locally grown ingredients. The leftover food can be donated to nursing homes, non-profit organizations and shelters.
Flickr: wedding-photography-by-jonathan-day
sustainablog.org
Favors
• Give wedding guests favors that keep on giving like an envelope of vegetable seeds, flower bulbs or a tree from the National Arbor Day Foundation
• Make bridal party gifts, like candles, bath salts, oils and fragrances, ahead of time and eliminate last-minute shopping or shipping hassles.
Flickr: arnold | inuyaki
sustainablog.org
Honeymoon
• Travel locally or by train to reduce your carbon footprint
• Consider staying at an eco-friendly hotel
• Engage in low-carbon activities activities like sailing, horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving and hiking at your destination
Flickr: TravOC
sustainablog.org
Want to learn more?
• Great Green Wedding http://www.greatgreenwedding.com/
• Green Living Guide’s “Ten Tips for an Eco-Friendly Wedding” http://www.greenlivingguide.org/10-tips-for-an-eco-friendly-wedding.html
• Planet Green’s Green Weddings guide http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/weddings/
sustainablog.org
Looking for a great green wedding gift?
Check out our wide selection of green products at sustainablog’s Green
Choices storehttp://sustainablog.org
sustainablog.org
Credits• Images
– http://www.flickr.com/photos/epsos/4327124010/
– http://www.flickr.com/photos/yakobusan/3190888778/
– http://www.flickr.com/photos/weddingparaphernalia/4452387054/
– http://www.flickr.com/photos/20179579@N00/2139098757/
– http://www.flickr.com/photos/puggles/2264263142/
– http://www.flickr.com/photos/quattro_ftw/3424691207/
– http://www.flickr.com/photos/wedding-photography-by-jonathan-day/3530514249/
– http://www.flickr.com/photos/arndog/2189565076/
– http://www.flickr.com/photos/travoc/64417778/
• Text: Talancia Pea & Jeff McIntire-Strasburg