Green Weddings

Steve Pomerleau Photography

Steve Pomerleau Phtography, Windsor, Ontario, Will Travel

Across this land, a “green” wedding is fast becoming the way to say “I do.” So it’s no surprise that eco-friendly are a hot trend. Couples are looking for creative ways to lessen the impact of their big day by giving their celebrations some earthy appeal.

CATERING:

Ask the caterer that you select to use readily available organic ingredients- eggs, milk, sugar, spices, herbs, butter- to create your wedding menu. Finding a truly all-organic caterer will be next to impossible, so work with your caterer to choose dishes that incorporate local, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Heirloom tomatoes in the summer will not only taste fresh and look gorgeous, but they will also be less expensive because of their abundance. Think crisp apple tarts in the fall, fresh herbs and baby-green salads for spring and exquisite root-vegetable purees for winter. Suggest your caterer shop local farmers’ markets for the freshest selection.

WINE:

Trevor Booth Photography
Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario, Will Travel

Organic wines, which are made from grapes grown without chemical pesticides, have improved by leaps and bounds over the years. Ask your caterer about local wines. Our area is producing award-winning wine and is expanding and creating a wonderful industry.


RECYCLING:Ask caterers to recycle cans, bottles and aluminum foil and insist on a no-Styrofoam policy. Ask the bartenders to save the wine corks from the evening and transform them into a  beautiful keepsake trivet by encircling them                                                                  all with a pipe clamp you can find in a hardware store.

FLOWERS:

John Lyons Photography
John Lyons Photography, Windsor, Ontario, Will Travel

Order locally grown, in-season flowers, preferably organic, which are grown without chemical pesticides and insecticides. Not only are you helping the environment, but also locally grown, in-season flowers are likely to be cheaper. After the wedding is over; the flowers can be donated to a nursing home, hospital or assisted living home. Another idea is to save your organic flowers and make potpourri. Fill cellophane bags with the mixture and send them to guests with your thank-you notes. Potted plants can also be reused.

Invitations:

Weddings generate a lot of paper. Look for post-consumer or recycled paper for your wedding invitations. There are many tree-free invitations out there and most companies offer this option. Some alternatives to look for include paper made from hemp or bamboo, or choose 100% post-consumer recycled stock produced from discarded newspapers, office paper and magazines. Also, ask your printer to use a soy-based ink; it’s a greener choice (made from renewable soy beans), and the end result can be brighter, clearer printing.

See You There Invitations

See You There Invitations, Judene McCalla

Pluck leaves from the trees and handwrite with a permanent – ink pen the guest’s name on each leaf; add an extra-skinny ribbon at the stem and tie the leaf around the napkin. Stamp large river rocks with guest’s names using an alphabet stamp set available at any craft store; rest a rock at each place setting and ask guests to return the rocks to a river; or add them to a garden or planter in their own homes after the reception. Use what you have and be inventive.


Brandon Scott Photography

Brandon Scott Photography, Windsor, Ontario, Will Travel

The Gown:

Today, wedding gowns are made of everything from silk to organic cotton, but they are all eco-friendly. Think about it. No bride would seriously consider her gown to be disposable. So, choose the dress you love the most; the one you envision passing down. This is the greenest thing any bride can do. Whether it is made of hemp or the finest silk money can buy, you can’t go wrong, so invest in an exquisite piece to be shared with future generations. If you don’t plan on keeping your dress, opt for a vintage gown that can be donated later on.

LIGHTING:

Lighting creates a “mood” and what better way to celebrate your day by saving electricity. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, consider hanging solar lanterns (available at hardware stores) in the trees, or use them to line the lawn to create pathways. They charge in the sun all day long and cast a soft glow at night. Since they need no special wiring, you can put lanterns wherever your heart desires. Paper lamps and candles are another alternative that can always be reused.

John Lyons Weddings Transportation:

Location, location, location. Try to have the wedding ceremony at or near  the wedding reception. It saves on gas and makes it easier on guests, who  may be unfamiliar with the area. Also, consider the benefits of a stretch  limo. Instead of taking numerous vehicles to one place, one vehicle  transporting a large group can be more economic.