Living green is not easy and neither is planning a wedding. With that in mind, Charm is here to help with a basic outline for all you trendy, environmentally aware brides.
The essence of being a green bride is about making choices that minimize the impact on our earth. The goal is this: Do not harm the planet, patronize earth-friendly vendors and recycle/reuse. This does not mean you have to have a "zero waste" wedding to be considered eco-friendly; instead, realistically include green elements into the celebration so they do not detract from your dream wedding dream.
The Dress
Purchase a second-hand wedding dress as your "something old." Hope's Closet, Goodwill and the Bargain Box offer a substantial variety of gently used wedding gowns.
Look for a dress made out of organic silk or hemp satin material online at naturalbrides.com.
Flowers and Food
Ellis Pottery offers an abundant variety of silk flowers and always has floral arrangers on hand to fulfill all your wedding day floral needs without harming living plants.
Choose wildflowers or locally grown, pesticide-free flowers when available.
An outdoor wedding at a favorite natural spot requires no decorative flowers.
Ask your catering company for vegan and organic entrees, preferably utilizing locally grown produce.
Consume locally produced beer or wine. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard in Pittsburg and Enoch's Stomp Vineyard and Winery in Harleton both offer the ideal setting for your wedding day and produce delightful varieties of wine to offer your guests.
Jewelry
Recycle old jewelry to create your own "clean" recycled gold wedding bands.
Keep it in the family by using grandmother's wedding ring.
Purchase previously enjoyed wedding rings from local trading shops such as the Jewelry, Coin and Diamond Exchange or vintage rings from antique stores such as The Coin Investor.
Paper-less
Buy recycled materials (preferably 100% PCW recycled) invitations that are processed without chlorine at Kilgore's Bella Wedding Design. Call for appointment or go online at BellaWeddingDesign.net.
Create a wedding web site posting pics, directions, important times and other essential information or e-mail/text invitations.
Rent real glasses, dishes and cloth napkins through your caterer or Special Events Party and Tent Rental to avoid disposable utensils.
