Latest Wedding Trend-Going Green!

A wedding is one of the most important days in a couple’s life. If you care about the planet, why not integrate your principles into your big day? With the average cost of a US wedding running at around $20,000 it seems obvious that weddings have a huge footprint, both ecological and economical. Going green doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your big day, though. By taking a look at the bigger picture, you can move beyond the usual decadence and consumption to create a truly personal, moving, and sustainable celebration that people will remember for years. You may even open a few eyes in the process…



Here are some tips to aid in your decision to go green!



1. Any and all things for your green wedding can be found locally. From locally grown flowers, to food-the local farmers market is a great place to start. There are many catering companies that are beginning to use only organic foods to cater events, as well as design companies that uses only bio-degradeable products. The choices are limitless. A seasoned wedding planner can point you in the right directions as to where and who to go to in planning your green wedding.



2. Choosing a wedding location that is close to most of your guests will definitely lessen the burden on the environment in terms of transport needs. Let the guests know before hand that you would like them to carpool, or you could have a shuttle bus transport all your guests to and from the ceremony and reception. Another way to cut back on transport would be to have the ceremony and reception at the same site, thus eliminating the need for extensive travelling.



3. Consider the type of location you will be using. Unless you are obligated to a certain religion, you can have you ceremony and reception at a local community garden, a beachside, or a gorgeous backyard or park. Or you could host your wedding at a local charity organisation. This way, your guests will know you and your partner's true passion, while creating a source of revenue for the location.



4. Think about all the paper source you will be using for your wedding-the invitations. You don't want them to look cheap or tacky, (and believe me they wont) but invitations can be the highlight of your green wedding. Many invitation companies are using recycled, handmade and tree free invitations. Getmarried.com has a list of companies offering such services. Alternatively, another trend on the rise is the use of electronic invites.

5. I think the most obvious would be to give plants or seeds as wedding favors. What better way for your guests to be as environmentally friendly as you by planting trees!!!