A Green & White Wedding

White is normally the color associated with weddings but in today’s day and age adding a hint of green can help save the world every new couple wants to build a home in.

In fact, being a little more eco-conscious each step of the way can help simplify things so much so that it will potentially cut costs and wipe away some unnecessary stress.

That said, any day of the year is fitting for a wedding but with spring in the air and wedding season kicking into gear the following are some green-minded suggestions for when tying the knot.

Electronic invites

In today’s digital age there’s little need for snail mail invitations as electronic invites can work wonders in terms of response time and saving money which can be used elsewhere.

Set up a website and utilize social media sites with invitations going to personal email and don’t make them any less creative or stunning than you would if they were printed.

At the end of the day a few paper invites to close friends, family, and anyone else requesting one can be printed out from the electronic versions. Otherwise make your special day a paper-free event.

Location

Since the standard banquet hall is usually a pricey affair alternative solutions could be found for the reception that will allow a more sustainable approach.  Four ideas include:

The family home: Sometimes the family home or exterior property has a big enough space to hold a reception. This could be the perfect place to exchange vows and begin the new stage of life.

A friend’s home: If the family home doesn’t suffice perhaps a friend with the right size backyard would be willing to host the event. Don’t be afraid to put the word out there that you’re looking for an alternative space to tie the knot.

The great outdoors: If neither of the above pans out a nice pasture in the wilderness can be the perfect location for a wedding.  Just make sure if it’s on public property that you get permission from the municipality and treat the area with care.

At the beach: Beach weddings can be spectacular and particularly romantic places to forge lifelong memories.

Logistics

Location is one thing, logistics is another. Pooling your resources is the key to managing a successful green event so gather a bunch of friends together and go over your vision brainstorming and delegating until everything down to the last detail is worked out.

Shelter: An outdoor wedding requires some sort of shelter from the elements as clear skies are never a sure thing. Renting a tent is ideal and cheaper than a banquet hall but if you want to create a rustic but pleasant setting set up a series of artsy tarps and fabrics to block the sun or protect from sudden moisture.

Decorations: There’s no need to buy fancy centerpieces or placecards. Consider what can be recycled and repurposed into wedding decorations and props.

Food: Make a menu and dish out recipies.  Since it’s your wedding contributing guests may just go the extra mile if you mention organic ingredients and locally grown produce are preferred.

Tableware: Check out second hand stores for reusable tableware and if it can’t be sold back afterwards donate everything. Otherwise go with disposable but biodegradable and compostable tableware like the kind made from corn.

Clothing: There’s no need to buy a wedding dress you’ll probably only wear once. Borrow, check out second hand shops, or spread the word that you’re on the hunt for a gown and with enough advanced notice something amazing will pop up.

Music: You want to have a blast, right? Get those musician friends practicing your favorite songs or set up a playlist to party all night.

Gift Guide

Out of the many gifts newlyweds receive there’s usually a number of items that aren’t necessarily put to good use over the years. Make a wishlist of things that you as a couple feel will assist you in life and ask guests to try and purchase one of those before getting something else.

The list can be shared online so all guests can access it and each item can point to a registry at certain stores.

 

Guest Post by Jakob Barry

Jakob Barry is a green living journalist for Networx.com. Networx.com helps homeowners save time, money and frustration by connecting them with home improvement professionals. From plumbers and roofers to tile contractors and handymen, Networx simplifies the process of locating a reliable professional.