"Going green" is a well-used term that most everyone embraces in one way or another. Whether you are an avid green-living philosopher or simply someone who does their best to recycle, conserve water and not litter, one thing we all have in common is a love for our earth and the want to protect it.
"Going green" for your wedding day is easier than it sounds. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help get started which are surprisingly easy, interesting and sometimes can even save you a dollar or two.
VENUES
Many venues are supporting green initiatives by minimizing plastic bottle use, using energy conserving lighting, and recycling. They do the work! You don't have to. When searching for a venue, ask about their green initiatives. A great venue in Columbus is the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. It's a new facility with a fantastic aesthetic and because they are in the business of wildlife conservation, earth preservation is important to them.
Bonus! At facilities like the Audubon Center, your rental fee goes to support their mission. It's as good as making a donation.
FLOWERS
Often times, when people think of green weddings, they worry that they won't be able to have the flowers they want, will have to use fake flowers, or none at all. This is not the case. Think outside the box (or in it if we are being technical) - using plants or planted flowers as centerpieces is VERY chic and sustainable. Guests can even take them home, plant them and watch them grow (much like your marriage). BHLDN (Anthropologie's bridal line) has amazing planters and vases for just this very thing.
A local company with a great national presence, The Ritzy Rose, takes green bouquets to a whole new stunning level. They create bouquets out of vintage brooches (something old! something new! something borrowed! something blue! You can have it all in one). These bouquets are so special and different and will be certain not to wilt. They stay as beautiful as it was on your wedding day FOREVER. These also make lovely bridesmaid gifts for your girls to keep.
INVITATIONS
Nothing is more green than an electronic invitation (or inexpensive for that matter). Paperless Post has some really beautiful designs and great features for tracking invites and keeping on top of your guest list.
If an evite is a little too non-traditional for you, think about using eco-friendly papers or even taking it once notch further and sending your invites on plantable paper. Plantable papers have beautiful texture and color and once your wedding has come and gone, your guests are able to plant them and grow something wonderful. Check out Botanical Paperworks. Not only is the paper amazing, they have really great invitation designs, as well.
CATERING
Similar to venues, many caterers are doing their part for the environment by practicing green initiatives. Using locally grown produce, growing their own herbs, reducing their use of plastic, and a myriad of other ways. Some caterers definitely do this better than others, so ask about their eco-initiatives when meeting with them. One of the best in the business not only for their green practices, but also for their delicious menus is Two Caterer's here in Columbus.
DRESS
Surprisingly some wedding dress materials are not good for earth or were produced in less than earth friendly conditions. To really combat this, you can find dresses made with fair-trade/organic/sustainable materials. Olivia Luca is one company who is leading the charge on this.
You can also consider buying a pre-loved dress. If you haven't already, you must visit Luxe Redux in Worthington, sister to our friend La Jeune Mariee. Their dress selection (some are even BRAND NEW) comes from all over the country and not only are you reducing your footprint, but you are also in for a fabulous steal on a gorgeous dress. Sell it back! Or donate it! Now you have done double-time on your earth saving initiatives.
A final thought on the dress front, if mom or granny will allow it, consider remaking one of their dresses (or even combining them!) There are fabulous seamstresses who specialize in modernizing vintage dresses for current brides. Your dress will be green, one of a kind, and sentimental. Betsy at Elizabeth Ashleigh in the Short North is BRILLIANT in this realm.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! You can do it! And it can be SO uber chic!
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