Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas
by Gloria Liven
These are some ideas to help make your wedding more green!

• Write your invitations on recycled paper, or purchase eco-friendly wedding invitations, such as ones made out of hemp, cotton, bamboo, etc.
• Reduce paper waste by using a postcard or online invitations
• Reusable Dresses - buy a wedding dress that you'll actually reuse-- or at least make sure your bridesmaids can pick dresses that they'll be able to make use of!
• If your dress isn't reusable, donate it to charity afterward -- or see if you can tailor it to make changes.
• Decorate with live plants
• Use dried leaves, driftwood, seashells, or other natural material for placecards
• Use beeswax or soy candles instead of paraffin which is made from petroleum
• Include vegetarian menu options
• Use real glassware and linens instead of disposable -- you may be able to find cool thrift-store glassware that be donated back later
• If you want to use disposable dishes, try using ones that are made of biodegradable materials
• Donate leftover food to a local food bank or homeless shelter if possible
• Ask for donations to charities instead of gifts
• Register with stores that are fair-trade/organic for gifts
• Register for gifts that are ecofriendly, such as gardening supplies, passes to parks/museums, gift certificates from fair-trade stores, etc.
• Confetti - use biodegradable confetti, or throw flower petals
• Wear natural makeup; for example, Plant Love makeup is made from natural products, the packaging is organic and biodegradable, and it has no synthetic dyes or chemicals. Also, their lipstick tubes can be planted to grow flowers!
• Serve organic food or locally farmed food
• Get locally grown flowers if possible
• Make your own decorations from local flowers/plants -- maybe from your garden or a friend's!
• Choose a location with a beautiful environment-- maybe a local park, garden, museum, a botanical garden, etc.
• Don't use a "blood diamond" - make sure your diamond is conflict-free,
• Choose rings made out of other materials like wood.
• Try a lab-created diamond to ensure it's conflict-free
• Use an antique ring or family heirloom, or remelt gold you have to create a ring
• Use Local businesses - support your community by going to local vendors for wedding favors, gifts, catering etc.
• Have the ceremony and the reception at the same place, or provide transportation to cut down on wasting gas
• Digital Photography - make sure you photographer is digital, because they'll use less chemicals and produce less waste.
• Favors - make your own favors, or purchase ones that are eco-friendly. Many artists make beautiful recycled gifts.
• For beautiful hand-made gifts, see Etsy.com
• Or, instead of a favor, tell the guests that you will be sending a donation to their favorite organization.
• Try Ecotourism for your Honeymoon.
  

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