Weddings that say “I do” to the environment.
More couples are adding environmentally sound options to their wedding plans.
Sarah Shewey, founder of Los Angeles based Pink Cloud Events, a green event production company, says brides and grooms are getting over the misconception that a green wedding can’t be big and fabulous.
“We find that now more than last year, and definitely more than two years ago, people get really excited,” she says. “There are more options now than there were before. There’s more businesses that are popping up and offering eco-friendly services or highlighting the eco-friendly aspects.”
It’s possible to have a green wedding on any type of budget, Shewey says, but the couple needs to prioritize how they want to spend their money. Couples need to be aware that if locally grown food and flowers are desired, there might be fewer vendors to choose from. With organic choices, the food budget might need to be increased.
Another food trend Shewey has noticed is caterers’ use of local produce and a decrease in portion sizes – both in response to seeing so much food waste.
Some couples find other ways to lessen their wedding day impact, whether by planting trees to make up for out of town guests’ carbon emissions or buying wedding day dishes and glasses at thrift stores or registering for organic, eco-friendly and plantable gifts.
Couples are also rethinking the honeymoon by visiting locales focused on ecotourism or even redirecting some of their honeymoon dollars elsewhere, Shewey says. One couple she worked with planned a honeymoon on a smaller scale and used the remaining money to install bamboo floors in their home.
Bridal registries are also becoming greener, with couples choosing products such as organic towels, and bedding. This also educates guests about shopping for gifts. Shewey offers her clients a custom registry at Los Angeles area eco-boutiques.
The brides, in particular are learning that gowns and makeup also can get that special touch. Shewey’s company has an “ethical fashion stylist” who helps choose the right dress, which be vintage couture or made out of responsible materials, she says.
“There’s an education process that affects the brides lifestyle after the wedding, which we get really excited about,” Shewey says. “The wedding is a small reflection and projection of what our lifestyle is going to be, so being able to incorporate things like fashion and makeup and hair, something all of us girls do every day is cool.”
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