Two Day Magazine

In honor of Earth Day, here are some great ideas to green your upcoming nuptials without breaking the bank!

Wedding Rings:
-Buy jewelry made from recycled metals and stones.
-Vintage pieces can always be redesigned, so go check out estate sales to see what jewels you can come up with!

Wedding Dress:
-A lot of places are selling organic silk dresses or hemp dresses instead of traditional fabrics. Buying organic fabric prevents the effects of pesticides in the soil, by not using these harsh chemicals that seep into and wreak havoc on the soil, contaminating it. These chemicals in the soil eventually make their way into the food chain, harming us and other wildlife when we ingest food grown in the toxic soil. It is also safer for the workers in these plants, since they won’t be breathing in these cancer-causing and environmentally unsound chemicals.
-Consider buying a vintage dress or tux from a consignment shop. That way, there won’t be any more unneeded energy used to create a new gown. Plus, vintage gowns are often times made better and more intricately. You won’t find any duplicates out there, and the history of the dress can lend itself to create a story around you.
-You can donate your dress again to a charity, so that the dress gains a second life for someone who may not be able to afford a gown for her special day. http://www.idofoundation.org is committed to this very cause. Not only do you get a special day, but you could be a part of that magic in someone else’s life! How wonderful!

Invitations:
 -Use a reply postcard (no envelope, cutting down on the amount of paper wasted) and forgo the inner envelopes-which just waste precious natural resources and money!
-Create a website with all the wedding details (events, hotel, directions, etc) to avoid having to print all of this information out for the guests.
-Use 100% PCW recycled invites that are processed without the use of chlorine and encourage guests to recycle their invitations.
-Buy invitations that contain seeds embedded into the paper. After the guests are done with the invite, they can plant the paper into their yards, and watch the flowers grow! How cool is that? Try www.foreverfiances.com for plantable wedding invites!

Flowers:
-BUY LOCAL. BUY ORGANIC.
-Use potted plants as centerpieces instead of flowers. They can be given as gifts after the wedding or used in your own backyard or home.
-Choose wildflowers from a farmer’s market to create the arrangement. This is very economical, and lends a sense of whimsy to the festivities.

Food and Tableware:
-Find a vegan or vegetarian caterer that uses organic food. The less animal products served, the better not only for the animals, but much better for the environment, the workers, the guests and the consciousness of the party. The energy will be positive if nothing suffered in order to nourish you and your party.
-Look for local/organic wines to serve at the wedding, as well.
-Rent glasses, dishes, and use cloth napkins to avoid disposable tableware and waste of paper. If you use disposable tableware, please consider biodegradable, compostable tableware made from sugar cane, tropical leaves or cornstarch to have as little impact on the environment as possible.
-See if you can donate the leftover food to a local shelter instead of throwing it out.

Instead of Throwing Rice, Try These:
-Blow homemade bubbles made from recyclable containers.
-Throw flower petals (like the wildflowers from the farmer’s market.) Or, call a local florist that sells leftover flower petals (a great way to cut costs and to utilize petals that would otherwise be thrown away.)
-Throw native seeds if you are having an outdoor wedding in a field or garden. Throw birdseed if you are having a city wedding.

Location:
-By using the same space for the wedding and reception (or at least right near each other) you prevent people from having to drive from one location to the next, saving a lot of gas (good for them and the environment!)
-An outdoor wedding is always a fun choice, especially if it is at a beautiful spot, which will only add to the celebration by having wonderful, natural scenery.

Favors:
-Organic, homemade candy wrapped in recycled paper and ribbon can make great favors.
-Personalized soy candles are great, and double as name holders, as well! Check out the www.weddingchannel.com for ideas on great gifts!
-Personalized seed packets.

Gifts:
-Instead of asking for gifts, have your loved ones write you special notes on organic, recycled paper, telling you what they wish for you in years to come.
-Ask for donations to be made to your favorite environmental organization in place of gifts.
-Don’t register for things that you don’t need.

For an Eco-Friendly Honeymoon, go to www.greatgreentravel.com for some great ideas!

Whatever your plans are on that big day, remember, even adding one green idea to your wedding can make a big difference, so whether you are having a big, splashy wedding, or an intimate affair, going green is always the classy, memorable way to add tranquility and beauty to your special day.