Planning: Say "I Do" To A Green Wedding

THROWING AN ECO­-FRIENDLY EVENT DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN SACRIFICING STYLE.

From bakers to brewers, plenty of environmentally conscious vendors keep elegance in mind, so you both can commit to each other—and the planet. Here, our tips on ways to go green—any time of year.

INVITE RIGHT Choose recycled paper for your wedding stationery—save­-the­-dates, invitations, and programs. Invite Site, Of the Earth and Twisted Limb Paperworks specialize in gorgeous handcrafted paper made from 100 percent recycled material. Ask your printer to use soy­based inks, which emit 70 percent less volatile hydrocarbons than petroleum­-based inks.

Courtesy of Invite Site

Courtesy of Loveridge Photography for Celia Grace

LOOK ECO­-CHIC Hemp, bamboo, organic cotton and “fair­wage” silk may not sound glamorous, but wedding looks made from eco-friendly fabrics can actually be quite chic! Celia Grace debuted their 2015 Collection at New York’s Bridal Fashion Week as the first ever fair trade wedding dress designer. For this collection, you’ll be enchanted with the eco­-conscious line of dresses sourced from woven silks and natural fibers then transformed by hand and into stunning one­-of-­kind designs.

PICK PURE PETALS Ask your florist to use organically grown, pesticide­-free flowers or order them yourself from Organic Bouquet (they ship nationwide). For destination weddings, stick to local florals to avoid the pollution created by transporting your blooms.

Courtesy of Organic Bouquet

Courtesy of Craft Beer

NATURE AT ITS BEST Brides and grooms are asking for everything from grass­-fed beef to free­-range chicken. A good resource is Green Planet Catering for ideas on planning a menu. If you’ve already hired a catering crew, see whether they’re willing to work with organic ingredients. For beverages, The Organic Wine Company specializes in high­-end wines made from organically grown grapes while Craft Beer will direct couples to the nearest local brewery offering beers using only organic hops. A nice touch: many feature seasonal brews.

SWEET SENSATIONS Consider serving an organic confection, like this three­ layered naked cake from Edith Meyer of Santa Cruz, California. Almost too good to eat, this floral decorated delicacy consists of three tiers of vanilla and chocolate cake and filled with 
ganache.

Courtesy of Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes

By Patricia Canole
For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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