These days, more and more couples are choosing green weddings over traditional ones. In this respect, “green” is in reference not to the color scheme, but to the way the wedding is planned and carried out. The hope is to be as eco-friendly and earth-responsible as possible.
One of the biggest days of your life often also means leaving a big ecological footprint. To actively try and reduce this impression by any measure is a good step toward being green. You may not be able to achieve eco-friendliness across the board, but a little can mean a lot in the end.
Speaking of which, what’s the cost of green weddings? While “earthy” weddings may have once been associated with dressed-down ceremonies of the ’60s, today they’re much more elaborate. In some cases, going green can mean spending even more than for a traditional ceremony. However, savings are found in other ways, like in the reduced impact of your Big Day on Planet Earth.
Weddings on average cost over $25,000. This number includes rings, the ceremony, and reception, as well as transportation, gifts, and all-important wedding attire. Green weddings forego much of the decadence historically associated with nuptials. Instead, rather than indulging in all the frills, they tend to be simpler, more personal celebrations: One that will have guests talking still years from now.
Here is a quick look at what makes green weddings so “green”:
1. The size of your guest list is a good place to start. While many of us dream of a big wedding, the truth is, is that more people means a larger ecological footprint left behind. If possible, try and limit the size of your guest list to family and closest friends. You can always send digital photos and announcements post-ceremony to everyone – including those who did not attend.
2. Choose a venue that’s close to everyone. Though this is ideal, if not possible, consider renting a fleet of luxury hybrid cars to provide transportation for all. Carpooling will reduce emissions by a fair amount and transportation is probably the biggest contributor to any carbon footprint. Though destination weddings have become popular in recent years, the ecological and economic cost of such an affair seems far too indulgent. Go green, with personal touches instead.
3. Maintain a green theme throughout your planning process, from invitations to favors. For invites, look at ones made from recycled paper and that use soy ink versus traditional dyes. Note that the chemicals put into the making of a beautiful invitation are quite deceiving. As for the RSVP, simply use a postcard to cut down on paper use or even, request guests to send their answers digitally. Consider venues that are LEED-certified.
4. As for gifts, request that guests actively partake in your green wedding. Point them in the direction of eco-friendly retailers and let them know how important it is to you that you be able to use their gift for years to come. While guests will surely get the message behind your wedding theme once there, it also doesn’t hurt to further educate them as to how your wedding day was a green success.
5. And finally, the wedding attire and rings. This is where you can really stand out with your green choices and feel good about what you wear. Consider the material from which your wedding dress or tuxedo is made from. For example, many “green” brides will only consider vintage gowns, as it falls under the green categories of reuse and repurpose. As for the rings, research where the metal was mined.
The above merely scratches the surface. As you can see, green weddings require a good deal of planning, research, and thoughtfulness. Even more so than traditional weddings, a “green” affair can be a considerable undertaking, as the stream of details and related questions can seem endless. However, in the end, the reward of a successful “Green Day” to kick off your new, sustainable life together – should prove the stuff of dreams.
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