A Green Wedding pt.2

Assuming you’ve read part 1 of a “A Green Wedding” a how to on being environmentally friendly while on a budget this is part two. Lets jump right in.

Guest list

Now a guest list is especially personal. Some people have large families or friend network and cannot limit the number of people they invite. Of coarse that is okay! It’s is your day! Bellow's tips are merely suggestions.

This one is more focused towards budgeting, but it true for both. A small wedding might be your best option. Micro weddings have become more and more popular in teh last half a decade. With the emphasis on intimate ceremonies rather then wild raggers micro weddings offer both a more flexible budget for other wedding needs, but also smaller guest list means less food, favors, and space (meaning less expensive halls).

Another focus is the out of town guest. They have a laundry list of things they have to do in order to come to your wedding. Getting to you is just the first hurtle. Hotel rooms are expensive or staying with loved ones can be a bit tight. If they do stay at a hotel we will definitely need to cover transportation needs for them to make sure they get back at the end of the night safely. The pressure to invite everyone and their aunt can become overwhelming and frustrating. A solution might be a virtual component to your ceremony. If Covid taught us anything is that we are endlessly innovative and if say someone cannot make your wedding due to illness or distance streaming is a legitimate option.

Registry

Wedding registries are a perfect place for your choices to matter when it comes to your green wedding. Easy things included using your registry for charities you’re passionate about and or experiences your are are interested in. These can be fun things like a couples massage or a membership to an art gallery. If you are in need of something physical think to add items that are known for longevity and that you are going to practically use every week. the goal is to not create a list of future landfill after a year of use.

Decorations

When it comes to decorations being intentional with each decision is an obvious but important tip. There are so many ways that you can focus on renewable and low impact options that you can easily get lost and end up with too many ideas that your theme can get lost or you run out of time with DIY projects. Think does this decision connect with the mood I want my wedding to convey? Will their be a time where the leaf confetti will get used? Will I have enough time to thrift all that glassware that I plan to be given away at the end of the night? Intentionality is the name of the game.

For instance linens, if you choose to have them, can be wildly expensive. So don’t buy when you can rent! Rental companies for chairs and linens even table ware is an easy choice if your venue doesn’t already provide these things. A more creative and funky choice would be for friends and family to lend you table cloths for your wedding to really lean into a warm patchwork feel. Obviously this means a trip to the cleaners before you return the them.

Center pieces are a huge portion of your reception. some options could be drift wood, pine cones, stones found (not bought). These are all classic decor that can be returned to nature once your day is done. Your center piece is a main stay when it comes to thrifted wedding items. Candles and vases are a thrifting mainstay that you can almost always find in any thrift store. From chic to whimsical you can never go wrong with a candle and vase. A must to remember though is your table settings will be sisters not twins. Unless you hit the mega jackpot and you end up with 12 identical ornate lanterns chances are each table setting will be slightly different. Which in my humble option is where I lean more towards now a days. As long as everything falls within the wedding’s color scheme, which is achievable with dye, paint, and wood stain, I believe you can make magic!

Wedding favors

You know the classic go to. Thrifted glass wear. It is a beautiful and intentional gift idea that is practical and memorable. With that said it’s not so practical when you have a guest list over 20.

A way to go could be the custom printed route. Are you and your partner in to cigars or weed? Custom printed match books are an amazing option! these are simple yet effective gestures that reminds your guest of your special day while also being practical and also just a vibe. If you are into gardening personalized seed packets as favors will mix well with earthy natural decor. I have been to a wedding where the favor were small glass jars of honey. A great grift that I think about that wedding every time I add honey to my coffee in the morning.

This option does have a larger carbon foot print than all of your favors made by hand with resources found in thrift stores or from the earth yes. But it definitely is a better alternative to purchasing plastic bubble jars for a one time use.

Let’s end here for now. A lot has been covered but more will come in part 3!