Green Wedding Solutions (That Might Save You Some Green!)

We know, green schmean—we’re all up to our ears in it these days. Are you really going to rent a solar-paneled tent and serve beet greens for dessert? We think not. On the other hand, pledging your eternal love to one another while simultaneously planting a big old carbon footprint on the face of Mother Earth seems antithetical, somehow. So, while you’re not going to end global warming with your wedding, we have just a few clean, green wedding suggestions for you to consider. And the organic cherry on top is that many of them are going to save you money, as well.

Attire

One of the first things a bride-to-be thinks about is what she’s going to wear, of course. If you have your heart set on a custom creation, then go for it, by all means. But if you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly and/or less expensive option, then consider a previously-worn gown. If the thought instantly conjures scary visions of dated 80s frocks with yellowed stains, think again: there are now many high-end consignment shops that carry gently-worn bridal couture that no one will ever know wasn’t made especially for you. Look online for bridal consignment shops in your area.

Also consider a family gown worn by a sister, cousin or even your mother or grandmother. A good dry cleaner and seamstress will have it cleaned up and perfectly fit to you in no time. Older gowns often have beautiful quality of craftsmanship, and keeping a dress in the family is a lovely tradition that’s easy on the environment and your budget. Once your wedding day is over, consider consigning or carefully cleaning and storing your dress so that another bride may wear it one day.

Location

While destination weddings are great, one benefit to having your wedding in or near your hometown is that many of your guests will be local. Not only will you save them a bundle on transportation costs, but you’ll spare the earth’s atmosphere a fresh crop of carbon emissions.

If the time of year is right, also think about hosting an outdoor wedding. The ozone will thank you for the lack of mechanical air conditioning, and with Mother Nature on the decorating committee, the need for cut flowers and other decorations will be minimized. You’ll save money and reduce waste at the same time as treating your guests to some fresh air.
 

Decorating

What would a wedding be without truckloads of flowers? Unfortunately, many cut flowers are grown using noxious chemical pesticides, and they do, quite literally, get shipped around by the exhaust-belching truckload. On the plus side, there are several things you can do to spare the earth while still securing beautiful floral arrangements.

  • Buy organic flowers (easy). 
  • Buy local flowers, i.e., what’s in season. Your early spring hydrangeas might look lovely, but they likely were shipped from South America, which is expensive for both you and the environment. 
  • Think about using potted plants as centerpieces. You and your guests can then take them home and continue their lives in backyards and gardens.

Food & Favors

Once again, think local and organic when it comes to treating your guests. Regional, grass-fed meats and seasonal fruits and vegetables make for a beautiful and memorable meal that you can feel good about. As an alternative to wedding cake, seasonal fruit pies, tarts or shortcake allow you to showcase tasty summer and fall bounty while supporting local farms and businesses. Similarly, seasonal artisanal products make for great guest favors: honeys, hand soaps, candles, organic chocolates and other handcrafted goods support small-scale artisans and regional agriculture. They also give long-distance guests a little of the local flavor to bring home with them.

This is just a start. Whether you’re planning a lean, green wedding machine or simply hoping to employ one or two environmentally-friendly initiatives, look around you and think about what you have at hand that can be put to use. And don’t forget the icing on the cake–the honeymoon. While it might be hard to resist the call of Aruba, doesn’t a train journey or lazy tour of local wineries sound nice and charmingly old-fashioned, too?
 

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