When it comes to eco-friendly, green weddings, they are all the rage for 2018 and frankly, we couldn’t be happier! However, when comes to green weddings, people automatically think green = more expensive but, that is not always the case! In honor of Earth Day this past weekend, we decided to highlight some of our favorite tips, tricks and ideas for making your big day eco-friendly!
Location, Location, Location!
When it comes to choosing a venue for your eco-friendly wedding, what better place than the great outdoors! Not only are they really unique and beautiful, they’re usually more eco-friendly! Think botanical gardens or arboretums - not only are they outdoors, but they will reduce the amount of decor necessary because of their natural beauty! Here at Marylee Marmer Events, we help run three beautiful outdoor venues that you are sure to love!! Check out Virginia Barn Wedding at Adams International School, Virginia Cliffe Inn, and Lakeside at Welch Estate for some beautifully natural locations around the Richmond area! You can also get creative with your reception by hosting it at a place such as a museum or art gallery. In the Richmond area, renting spaces such as the Virginia War Memorial Foundation where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the James River and Richmond skyline, allows all proceeds from rentals go towards educational and patriotic programming at the Memorial. So you can feel great about giving back to your community while enjoying your reception!
Save the Date!
More and more people are moving towards sending Save the Dates out electronically through evites and foregoing the mail! If cutting down on paper drastically is the way you want to go, places such as Paperless Post are sure to have a style that matches your dream theme without the use of paper! If you want to go the more traditional route and mail your save the dates and invitations, think about using recycled paper instead! A creative way to send your save the dates while also saving the environment is including your information on seed paper! That way your guests will always think of your big day when their flowers start blooming! Places such as Botanical Paperworks can help you find the invitation of your dreams while also helping the environment!
Photo: Seed Paper
Shop Local!
When it comes to choosing a caterer for your big day, what better opportunity to celebrate your location than using local flavors and tastes. Local farm to table or organic places are always a great choice to ensure you are not only helping your community but getting the best quality of foods for your guests! Caterers such as The Savory Grain incorporate all local ingredients in their dishes while using fresh foods from select local purveyors and farms. Using a local florist not only makes them easy to access but they also usually grow toxin-free seasonal flowers! Attending your local farmers market for your flowers is also a cost-friendly way to keep green. After your ceremony, why not take the leftover flowers to a local nursing home for others to enjoy, just like we do here at Marylee Marmer Events! With the brides permission, Marylee and her children take such pride in bringing the leftover flowers from events to local nursing homes to brighten up the resident’s day!
Party Favors!
Wedding guests love nothing more than being able to take home a goodie at the end of the night to remember your big day! Instead of gifting a plastic cup or koozie with your name on it, how about giving your guests a plant to take home or some fresh sprigs of lavender? It’s the gift that gives year-round not only to you, but also to the environment! We love how one of our couples gave their guests a potted succulent to take home at the end of the night! Because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good succulent!?
Photo: Turtle & Hare Photography
Plant a Tree!
Planting a tree during your ceremony isn’t just a beautiful addition to the environment, but it’s also a beautiful symbol of the growth of your relationship! If your venue doesn’t allow you to plant a try, bringing a potted one of your own to water during the ceremony will do just as well until you can get home to plant it!
Confetti
Instead of having your guests throw confetti or blow bubbles in celebration, have them throw some bird seed or even fresh lavender! Lavender’s natural scent and earth friendly nature is quickly replacing the rice or paper confetti during your celebration!
Decor
As mentioned before, when using an outdoor venue or garden, the natural beauty really takes care of itself, so the decor needed is much less than normal! But hey, it’s a wedding so you’re going to need some kind of decoration! An affordable and reusable alternative to printed signs are chalkboards! These are a great way to communicate schedules and locations with your guests while also cutting down on the paper usage! Using fresh succulents and greenery are a great way to incorporate a floral touch without the short lasting arrangements that we are so used to. Decorating centerpieces with mason jars is also a great way to stay eco-friendly while also added a rustic, vintage touch to your decor! These jars can be reused for so many different things after your big day, unlike a use-once lantern or vase!