Eco-Friendly Weddings
How to enjoy your wedding and look after the environment at the same time.
Marrying couples are now increasingly aware of environmental issues and the impact that their purchasing decisions can have on the planet. Many couples are now addressing their green responsibility by incorporating the eco theme into their wedding arrangements. Terms such as 'eco friendly gifts', 'environmental gifts', 'organic gifts' and 'green wedding lists' are now becoming common in the world of weddings. There are now all manner of eco-friendly alternative products and services available.
Some tips on arranging a 'Green' Wedding
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Food and Drink: Buy your food for the wedding locally, from local producers if possible? If you are having professional caterers for your wedding, ask them to do the same or look for a caterer who has an ethical eco friendly policy.
Offer your guests a green alternative to the usual wines and champagnes. there are now many organic and locally produced alternatives available nowadays. Don’t use disposable plates or drink ware and make sure all the empty bottles get recycled.
Wedding Invitations, Stationery and Decorations: Use biodegradable confetti and use recycled materials for your stationery or use email for keeping in touch with your guests. a wedding website can save a lot of paper - with on-line maps, electronic RSVPs, etc. These are not only easier to manage but save a lot of paper also.
Wedding Dress and Formal Wear: Consider a pre-owned dress from Pre-Loved or Oxfam. Hire your men’s formal wear. When buying bridesmaids dresses consider whether they will be able to wear their outfits after the wedding or for other occasions?
Wedding Rings: Look for recycled gold or fair-trade silver and make sure you are buying conflict-free diamonds.
Transport: Have your wedding close to home to save on transport. Use a horse-drawn carriage rather than a hire car, or even walk? Encourage guests to share transport or hire a bus or coach. try and provide details of public transport for any guests not local to the area or to encourage local guests to leave their car at home.
Honeymoon: Have your honeymoon in the UK or travel by sea or rail - www.TourismConcern.org.uk
Carbon Off-setting: Offset the carbon emissions produced by your wedding and honeymoon flights -www.co2balance.com
Gifts: Ask guests to give to charity or have an alternative gift list - Oxfam Unwrapped
Some useful links:
> The ethical way of life....what's in for me? Mintel.com
> Thank-You Notes > The Tradition of Wedding Gift Giving > Wedding List Etiquette > Eco-Friendly Weddings