In honor of Earth Month this April, enjoy some inspiration for planning an eco-friendly wedding ceremony and reception. From beginning to end, there are countless ways to go green on your big day with little touches and thoughtful gestures.
Plantable Wedding Invitations
Set the tone for your eco-friendly wedding from the start with invitations printed on plantable seed paper. Instead of tossing your invite into the recycle bin in a few months, guests will enjoy a wildflower garden that reminds them of you! Ask your local stationary shop or wedding invitation designer about seed paper options or visit Botanical Paperworks to browse their selection of plantable wedding invitations.
Recycled Antiques as Wedding Decor
Vintage-themed weddings are growing in popularity and lend themselves perfectly to recycled wedding decor. Incorporate a collection of colored glass bottles and jars in various sizes and shapes with fresh flowers as centerpieces. Mason jars never go out of style and can be used in many different ways.
Potted Flower or Herb Favors
Terra cotta and ceramic pots or glass jars with a small plant or herb make wonderful, sustainable wedding favors and place cards. Urbanites can perch a pot on a windowsill for fresh herbs to cook with year-round and folks with a garden can plant a bright perennial and watch love grow.
Local, Organic & Sustainable Cuisine
When choosing a caterer, look for someone who shares your view on eco-friendly practices. Many catering companies source from local, sustainable farms when possible and prepare farm-fresh cuisine with seasonal menu options. If organic foods are preferred, let them know. Ask about recycling practices. Consider a smaller wedding cake or lighter dessert options to cut back on waste – so much of that extravagant multi-tiered cake is tossed at the end of the night.
Eco-friendly Wedding Flowers
Speak with a local florist about using seasonal native flowers in bouquets and centerpieces. Sourcing local flowers limits the environmental impact of importing from warmer climates. Look for flowers that are VeriFlora-certified. This means that the blooms aren’t drenched in chemicals or grown under harsh working conditions. Planning a winter wedding? Consider alternatives to imported blooms like sparkling votive candles for centerpieces and simple evergreens and berries in bouquets.
As a wedding and event venue and bed and breakfast, we try do our part at Gramercy Mansion to conserve and protect the environment. By replacing old light fixtures with CFL bulbs, composting, flavoring breakfast entrees with fresh herbs from our organic farm, and rescuing and re-purposing antiques for decor and function, we strive to be eco-friendly. And we are happy to recommend fellow wedding professionals to assist in planning your green wedding.