IS YOUR EVENT ECO FRIENDLY - GREEN

Having been in this profession for many years, I have traveled down many roads. One road that I am very much in support of is working with clients to plan their events around eco friendly ideas. There is a lot of waste that takes place when events, such as weddings are planned and held. I recommend that we all work together to help change this, will you?


If you are planning an event or wedding, you can do some green concepts, or go all the way green! Making your event eco friendly is not that complicated! Just takes some thought as to what you are willing to do.


As a planner, I continuously recommend to my clients to take a look at a list I have composed and give to each of them at our first meeting. Whether we meet at the very beginning, or further into their planning, it is never too late to incorporate many if these ideas.


Here are some of the suggestions that I have gathered over the years that can be applied today–


· Plan your wedding and reception in the same location.
· Keep your wedding cake simple and less wasteful – try using one small cake for ceremonial cutting and cupcakes for the guests. You can even have cupcake boxes for guests to take home a cupcake if there are left over’s.
· Use post card for rsvp – less paper, and it doesn’t require an envelope.
· Create a wedding website for rsvp and gift registry.
· Choose bridesmaids dresses that they can wear again.
· Choose fabrics that are eco-friendly.
· Blow bubbles rather than tossing rice – rice kills birds! And most churches and venues do not allow rice to be thrown. Also a note here, many places do not allow birdseed to be thrown either, attracts some unwanted birds. Always check first!
· Rent real dishes and glassware – rather than using disposable.
· Pick a local florist that uses locally grown flowers, as well as organic, if at all possible.
· Use cloth napkins rather than paper.
· Have your programs printed locally on 100% recycled paper.
· Instead of hosting a full bar, have a special drink made of organic ingredients, including organic vodka.
· If you feel you must use a save-a-date card, use something from hemp paper, and use email as much as possible.
· When deciding on what food is to be served at your reception, consult your caterer about using locally grown foods that are in season in your area.
· Donate your flowers to area nursing homes and hospitals for the patients to enjoy. But remember you will probably need to provide vases, as most florists rent their vases to you; this is their way of going green. If you prefer, compost your flowers! Or you can have them professionally preserved!
· There are many favors available that promote going green, check them out and use one of those ideas.
· Purchase wedding shoes that you will be able to use again.
· Ask your caterer in the planning stage if they will either allow you to take leftover food home with you, or if they will donate it to a local food kitchen.
· Give a reusable locally made cloth tote bag to your bridesmaids to place their items in from the dressing room!
· Instead of bouquets for the bridesmaids, give them matching clutches. They can use them again. Color coordinate them to wedding colors, have florist secure a small simple corsage to them for the ceremony. The bridesmaids will appreciate them.
· Rather than serving champagne for the toasts, have guests toast with what they are drinking. DJ can make announcement so they can get a refresher if they need before toasts.
· Serve local organic wines at the reception – check with your planner for area sources.
· Instead of a full course meal, choose a cocktail and appetizer reception – with desserts.
· Have your baker use locally grown in season berries on your cake.
· Rent tuxedos locally.
· Hire an all-digital videographer.
· Hire all local vendors.
· Give tree saplings as a favor.
· Use bees wax candles if possible.


There are many more ideas and ways to be eco friendly in the planning of your wedding or any event. These are just a few. And planning an eco friendly wedding or event is less expensive!


Happy Planning!!!!!!!!


Marilyn