Eco Friendly Wedding

Sustainable. Recyclable. Organic. Simplicity. Green. Ethical. In honor of Earth Day this Friday, here are some doable ideas to having a more earth friendly wedding! Remember, small changes can have a HUGE impact!

Your Dress: Borrow. Rent. Reuse. -Wear an heirloom gown {and update the look}. -Buy a gown that is made from natural and washable fabric. {See below for resources.}

Your Ring: {egads, I haven't been the same since I saw Blood Diamond} -Make sure you know your diamonds are ethical! Read This interview to ensure you don't buy a conflict diamond. -Many brides are also choosing semi-precious stones rather than diamonds. -On a non-sparkly note, my friend and her husband tattooed wedding rings on their fingers.

Ceremony & Reception: -Stay close to home and use local vendors. -If possible, keep the ceremony and reception on the same property. -Minimize electricity by choosing a venue with lots of natural light.

Food & Drink: Stay local. Stay seasonal. -Choose a caterer who is experienced and knowledgeable in preparing organic meals. -Use recyclable napkins. -Put out pitchers of water rather than bottles. -Have recycling containers on site. -Ask the caterer to use a compost container for veggie scraps, coffee grounds etc. {Local gardeners would be happy to pick it up.}

Decor: -Nature provides great props so use as much of the natural surroundings as possible. -Use the decor of your venues. -Light soy candles {burns cleaner} for ambiance. -DIY.

Flowers: -Stay local and stay in season. -Grow your own. -Buy in bulk and DIY bouquets and boutonnieres. -Upcycle or recycle the ceremony and reception flowers to a local nursing home or shelter. Flower alternatives: opt for fabric flowers, button bouquets, feathers, or heirloom brooches... -Get creative with your centerpieces: books, games, plants, herbs, fruit.

Invitations: Choose environmentally friendly paper. By the way, MagnetStreet Weddings' linen paper wedding invitation suites are FSC Certified {Forest Stewardship Council}!

Favors: Pick your fave charity and donate in lieu of wedding favors. Give "plantable" favors like seed packets.

What ideas do you have? Let's grow these lists.