Blog Action Day

Be Green For Your Wedding!
In our society today, it's very rare for people to be concientious about the Earth and the impact we make everyday on our environment. Especially when it comes to your "Big Day." As I begin my journey as a wedding planner, I plan to cut costs to the environment by encouraging Brides to think about how to make their wedding more environmentally friendly. This doesn't mean they must pull out their mother's dress from the attic and decorate in nothing but leaves. Green weddings are becoming more popular everyday, so there are tons of ideas and resources people can use to "Go Green" at their wedding including websites and books. Here are a few of the things I will suggest to my clients:

• Brides everywhere are printing save the date cards, invitations, programs, place settings, and labels for the wedding of their dreams. But, we must stop and take a look at all the things we are wasting. According to a 2002 study done by the Energy Information Administration, the paper industry emits the fourth highest level of carbon dioxide among manufacturers. The process of making paper begins with cutting down trees and then breaks down wood fibers to make the actual paper. This process requires a lot of energy. So, why not cut down on the amount of paper used for a wedding?
• Flowers come at high prices, especially when imported from exotic places. However, many of these florists use pesticides on their flowers to reduce the amount of bugs. Pesticides release chemicals into the air which harms the environment. Therefore, when choosing a florist, you should look no further than the local farmer's market where everything is fresh, and home grown. Most markets carry a huge variety of plants and flowers which will allow the bride many choices when it comes to the floral arrangements.
• Favors are a huge ordeal for most couples. There are many eco-friendly gifts to be given to guests. How about giving a seed to plant a tree or bulbs to plant some flowers? Or maybe donate money to a local charity in honor of each guest. You could even give Endangered Species Organic Chocolate to your friends and family.
• When the big day arrives, encourage family members to carpool or have a hotel booked close enough to the venue so it is in walking distance to the ceremony. Also, when thinking of a place to have the reception, try finding a place that will host both the ceremony and the reception.
• When thinking of decor for the reception, use sticks wound together, wild flowers, and some candles. A little goes a long way!

There are many ways a Bride and Groom can make their wedding day a day that celebrates not only their marriage, but also celebrates their Creator and the world that He made!