By: Annika Hipple
We tend to associate weddings with the color white, but it’s time to shift perspective and start thinking of them in terms of the color green.
Starting with the wedding gown, consider the three R’s; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Does it really make sense to buy a brand-new dress for a single occasion? Greener alternatives include buying or renting a gently used gown, or borrowing one from a relative or friend. If a new dress is necessary, there’s a wide variety of wedding gowns available in earth friendly, organic fabrics. For inspiration, consider attending the eco-fashion show September 16 at Green Your Theme Seattle! After the wedding, many charities welcome donated gowns (and give a nice tax write-off for the good gesture).
Now, the guests. Some wedding planners suggest that couples utilize e-mail invitations to eliminate paper altogether. For traditional postal invitations, there are options of paper made from 100-percent recycled fibers and printed with natural soy ink. Another great idea is plantable invitations that guests can pop into the ground, where they’ll gradually biodegrade, leaving beautiful wildflowers to grow in their place. These specialty papers are also great for wedding programs, place cards, menus, and thank-you notes.
For bouquets and decorations, look for organic, locally grown flowers and greens. Decorative centerpieces made from recycled and renewable materials such as twigs, scrap metal, and recycled glass are also available. Simple baskets of colorful fruit, gourds, or greenery make great seasonal decorations.
Many couples are marrying with a good many possessions already. Rather than registering for gifts, some are choosing to request donations to a favorite charity or asking for experiential gifts such as dinners, theater tickets, weekend getaways. Wedding planners have a vast array of suggestions for these.
For additional resources and ideas on eco-fashion, local wedding resources, and sustainable gifts, make sure to come to Green Your Theme Seattle on this Wednesday, September 16, at the fabulous Sodo Park venue. The event will feature a panel discussion representing green event case studies presented by The Woodland Park Zoo and The Mariners; opportunities to network with event planners; an eco-fashion show; great tastings of food, beer, and wine; followed by music for the dance floor, provided by Seattle’s first Green DJ.
Check out the Green Event Directory!
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We definitely recommend buying a used wedding dress. They’ve usually only been worn once and probably for only 5 hours! There are tons of sites that can connect you with local sellers so you can see the dress beforehand, try it on, and inspect it for any rips, stains, etc. With sites like eBay you’re taking a chance that it looks the same as in the picture and you probably have to pay shipping fees. If you don’t like the thought of buying used, these sites also have brand new dresses that are end-of-line or brides who ended up purchasing 2 dresses because they couldn’t make up their mind. And once you’re done with your dress you can sell it again to recoup 50% of your cost! Best of luck! Be sure to check out http://www.smartbrideboutique.ca.