No, you don’t have to walk down the aisle in a hemp dress, but there are myriad ways to be kind to the planet without sacrificing details of your perfect day.
INVITATIONS
Most people still use snail mail for the invites, but you can certainly go paperless for save-the-dates. You can also create a wedding website and direct people to it rather than including inserts and RSVP cards in your invite. It’s a good idea to look for recycled paper products and vegetable-based inks as well.
BONUS: Some paper products are plantable. Botantical Paper Works embeds their papers with seeds, so guests can plant them in their backyards and the paper turns into flowers, plants, or herbs instead of ending up in a landfill.
FLOWERS
For flowers, think ‘re-usable’ or make sure your blooms are as sustainable as possible. Ask local florists about in-season and local flowers to ensure the freshest and best quality. Some florists will also pick up your arrangements and re-use them, or you can choose potted plants and florals as centerpieces and give them away for replanting after the ceremony.
BONUS: Skip flowers all together and use a brooch bouquet or silk flowers. Plus, you’d be surprised at the types of pretty greenery you can find at a farmer’s market.
THE VENUE
Cut down on energy and get married outdoors; there are plenty of local ranches and gardens that will provide the perfect lighting. If you prefer indoors, look for a place that will hold the ceremony and reception in one place—no travel time or fuel to move everyone to the next event.
RENT, DON’T BUY
Single-use anything is not good for the environment, and much of what people use at weddings is rentable. Plus, rented stemware and china will look much more elegant than paper and plastic, and the local landfill will thank you. Same for linen tablecloths and napkins over paper.
FAVORS
Look for items your guests will use again; think plants or food. Saplings, herbs or succulents are small and make a nice long-term remembrance. Perhaps a seed ball with Georgetown poppies. Or if guests are traveling, ask one of our local business for signature wines, olive oil, or honey in reusable glass jars from a local orchard.