Green Weddings: 10 Eco-Friendly Wedding Reception Ideas
1.Reduce & Reuse
The key to an Eco-friendly wedding that's still style-conscious is to simplify. Reusing accents or materials doesn't just save money, it saves resources. Work with what you've got nearby
(and in season) and feel good about your efforts.
2.Printing/Or Not
Every event starts with an invitation. Should you choose to have a Green event the invitations set's the tone for the festivities. If printing go with recycled paper that is at least 10% Post Consumer Recovered Fiber Elemental Chlorine Free. Your invitation should include the Recycled Logo, this may only be included if the printing company has permission to do so. Another option is to send Evite, .Free online invitations, free ecards, birthday invitations, party invitations and birthday ecards.
3.Choose a Site with Significance
Look for a space that will benefit from your event, like a museum, a cultural organization, or an art gallery. Ask how the site will use your fee (hopefully toward new programs and upkeep of the institution). Want an outdoor wedding? Opt for a botanical garden, arboretum, or the grounds of a historic home (Angeles National Golf Club is a perfect Eco-Friendly location).
4.Recycle Your Un-Used Food
When coordinating an event you will always need to provide your venue with a guest count at least a week before event date. At times guest who have RSVP may not always show-up at your event. The venue has still purchase food & chef will prepare your menu based on the guest numbers you have given and typically prepares between 3-10 percent over. A good way to not waste food is to contact your local Mission and they will schedule a pick-up from your venue location for any food that is un-used. Please make sure to check with your catering director or food & beverage manager to see if they will be willing to participate. Various locations have very strick rules on food leaving there premises. I have use Los Angels Downtown Mission many times for events and its such a good feeling to give back.The Los Angeles Mission is a non-profit 501(c)(3) agency, supported 100% by gifts from the private sector.
5.Recycle Your Decor
Decorate your wedding ceremony space with items you can reuse at the reception, whether it's topiaries that go from the altar to the entryway or arrangements that decorate the program table and dress up your guest book area. You'll save money and waste less. When the evening is over, plan to donate the pieces to a nursing home or hospital. Call ahead to see if you can arrange a pickup from your site.
6.Dress Your Tables
Choose Linen for event that is Eco-Friendly (Hemp) or at least choose a Linen Company that takes many steps to save our environment. For the mixer I wanted linen that was Eco-Friendly and a great vendor to use is
Dress My Party. Dress My Party prides itself on caring about the environment. (DMP) takes great measures to implement Eco-friendly products and procedures in their operations. For example, two of their favorite Eco-friendly cleaners are baking soda and vinegar. They reduce the company's energy usage through high-efficiency cleaning equipment and clean many items by hand.
7.Buy Organic Blooms
Pesticide-free petals show off a flower's natural beauty. "Conventionally grown roses are so genetically engineered that they don't even smell like roses anymore, so they are sprayed with an artificial scent," "Organic roses smell how they should smell." If you can't find a local florist who can track down organic flowers, contact
Jasmine Gardens .
8.Decorate with Bamboo
A great and modern-looking option, bamboo is considered one of the most sustainable materials on earth -- it can grow up to two feet a day. Use tall stalks of curly bamboo in centerpieces, or choose bamboo chargers for your reception tables. And of course, mini stalks of lucky bamboo are always a favorite favor.
9.Arrive in (Low Emission) Style
A Prius limo? That might not yet be a reality, but there are ecologically friendly options out there. If your wedding is near the water, leave your ceremony in a canoe. We've also seen couples depart on tandem bicycles, rickshaws, or old-school conveyances like a horse and buggy.
10.Light Soy Candles
Candlelight isn't only romantic, it's energy efficient. Look for soy candles -- they're made from a renewable resource , are cleaner and longer burning than regular candles, plus spills are easy to clean (just use soap and hot water). They're available in nearly every size, shape, color, and scent you can imagine.
Eco-Fashionable Bridal Gift Ideas
Get earthy with the natural Eco-Fashionable Tanks & Tees as Kimberly showcase at the mixer. (Shown in the photo above is the Bride Tank with emerald green crystals also available in Bridesmaid, Jr. Bridesmaid, Maid of Honor, or Matron of Honor complete with a removable soft organza butterfly pin. The tank is 100% Organic ribbed cotton, combed for softness and comfort. Accepting Pre-Order's now, please email us at:
info@drezrehersal.com.
Visit our
drezrehersal E-Studio for your all access pass to fabulous
Eco-Friendly party favors
for your upcoming wedding, bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, brunch or dinner party. Whatever fabulous party you're having, there are plenty of favors to choose from.
For more Eco-Friendly Decor ideas or assistance in planning your wedding or upcoming event, please give drezrehersal Event Planning Co. a call to set-up your complimentary consultation.
I like to express my thanks once again to the vendors who provided a service for the AFWPi mixer and believed in reaching out to other event professionals, as we educate them on taking better steps to save the environment. Please consider them when planning your next event.
Angeles National Golf Club- Carrie Contreras, Director of Catering
BitterSweet Treats, Danielle Keene
Dress My Party, Jennifer Rice
Jasmine's Garden, Candace Kentopian
JazHarp Records, Lori Andrews & Bart Samolis
Special Thanks to Lucy Manalo of
Manalo Empire for providing photography services for the event.