Green Wedding on a Budget

Flowers

2008-12-02T22:16:00.000-08:00

Green- Organic Flowers
Organic flowers are created by sustainable crop production with fair labor practices. No poisonous pesticides will be inhaled when you smell your beautiful bouquet. Organic Bouquet supplies various posies and individual stems. This source is best if you desire a simple flower arrangement.

California Organic Flowers offers a Wedding Party Pack for $245.95. They ship twelve bunches of organic flowers and you and your bridesmaids create your own bouquets. Custom orders are available at a slightly higher cost, but they will ensure color coordination.

Utilize a local organic farmer and alleviate the environmental stress of shipping. Locate local farmers through localharvest.org. Enjoy the freshest flowers and stimulate you economy at the same time.

Greener- Flower-Free Bouquets
Something different for a the bride who wants to stand out. Your guests will be wowed when you walk down the aisle holding buttons, paper, or a fan. Steer away from the traditional bouquet and let your imagination flow.

Paper Source provides kits to create paper flower bouquets. Purchase one kit ($14.95) and trace the pieces on recycled paper for a more economical and eco-friendly option.

Many button bouquets are available at the online store Etsy. Lil Fish Studios created this bouquet with vintage buttons and reclaimed leather. Price depends on number of stems and material requested. Save some cash and create your own.

$Greenest- Grow and Pick you own flowers
Plant your own flowers or bulbs in enough time so the blooms will be ready for your big day. Your ideal arrangement will grow as a result of the flowers you choose. Wrap the stems of your freshly picked flowers in floral tape then adorn them with ribbon. Spread the seeds from your blooms after your wedding day so more flowers can grow.

***As a result of my research for this post, I am considering a change in my flower selection. I found a great florist who creates amazing arrangements from a variety of non-organic blooms and greenery, but I really like the idea of creating my bouquet from organic flowers the morning of the wedding. I may still have the florist supply boutonnieres and corsages.

Wedding Guest Favors

2008-12-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

Green- Organic candy or mints
Guests often forget their favors after a fun night of drinking and dancing. Supply your friends and family with something that can be used after dinner and your gift will not be given in vain. Purchase organic candies or mints in bulk, then wrap in a variety of styles. I like the organza pouches at Fetpak which come in a variety of colors.

St. Claires offers a selection of organic mints that run $9.95 for an eight ounce bag. Organic and vegan chocolates are available at Sweet Earth Chocolates at a very fair price. Purchase bulk and use the organza bags; favors will cost less than $1.50 each.

$Greener- A packet of seeds
A perfect favor for a spring wedding! Supply each guest with a packet of flower seeds to plant in their yard or garden. Londy's Creations offers personalized packets for only $.60-$.70 each!

I will give seeds to my guests and hope the blooms remind them of the good time they had on our special day.

$Greenest- Plant a tree or give a donation in the guest’s honor
Although your guests will not take something home with them, hopefully they will be happy with the good that will take place in their name. If you have an outdoor wedding, a tree planting ritual can be incorporated into your ceremony. If this is not an option, take your guest favor budget and donate that amount to a good cause. Network For Good is a great search engine to help you find your ideal charity.

Wedding/Engagement Rings

2008-11-30T19:59:00.000-08:00

Green- Conflict-Free Diamond
"Conflict Diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict aimed at undermining legitimate governments." - United Nations Security Council

Environmentally conscious individuals no longer want to be part of a trade that adds to war and unfair labor practices. Brilliant Earth offers a wide range of both set and loose diamonds. Prices are comparable to many average diamond distributors.

Greener- Antique Rings
These rings produce no environmental harm and offers unique designs. However, this option proves to be the most expensive due to the increased value of a diamond through time. Topazery is an online source with a price range of $400-$5,800.

You may find more economical options at local estate sales, antique shops or auctions. Don't feel like you must have a diamond. If you find a beautiful ruby or emerald, go for it!

Recycling family heirlooms is another option. Take your great-grandmother's necklace and his aunt's old pin to your local jeweler and melt the two items to create your dream ring. What a great way to honor both sides of your family.

$Greenest- Wooden Rings
"For the tree huggers- let the tree hug you!" Wear a hand-crafted ring that makes a statement of your love for your mate and the environment. Order custom bands through Touch Wood Rings. Price is based on wood choice, width, and style. Simply Wood Rings offers pre-made rings in a variety of styles. Prices range from $160 to $275. Take care of these rings with wood balm and refinishing throughout the years.

Centerpieces

2008-11-30T07:56:00.000-08:00

Green- Soy Candles

Candles create a warm, romantic, and inviting ambiance in any room. With the use of soy candles, you create beautiful centerpieces with little harm to the environment. Soy wax (derived from soy beans) burns cleaner and the bean farming adds vital nutrients to the soil. Several candle options are available at Caterpillar's Candles. Twelve tea lights or eight votive candles cost $12.87.

Place the candles on a mirror in the center of the table and add flower petals or ivy. Combine different sized candles to add dimension. The cost of the centerpiece will depend on how many candles you use. No need to have a bonfire on each table.

Greener- Potted Plants

Plants bring life and a natural aspect to your reception. A potted plant will look great on a table, and just like your marriage, will grow and thrive long after your wedding. Herbs, bamboo, mums, or mini pine trees are all creative options. Make sure the plant is not too tall or bushy; you want your guests to see across the table.

Purchase plants of your choice at your local nursery and re-pot them in any type of container. I will use a simple terracotta pot to keep my garden theme in the reception. Planting tips can be found at plantideas.com.

The plants can be given to your guests or donated to a local hospital or nursing home. The price of this centerpiece depends on plant and pot selection.

$Greenest- Baskets With Fruit

Baskets can be found at a variety of places. Garage sales, thrift stores, and re-sale shops are the most economical choices. Many sustainable baskets are available at Pristine Planet and Original Good. Find a good deal on baskets and this centerpiece will be very easy on your wallet.

Decorate baskets with ribbon or string then fill with your choice of fruit. Organic apples or pears look nice. Gourds and small pumpkins are perfect for a fall wedding. Donate the fruit to a food pantry when the reception is over.

Wedding Dress

2008-11-26T08:57:00.000-08:00

Green- Incorporate natural fabrics into your dress design.

You may compromise and use some dyed or unnatural fabrics. If you chose to go this route, try to blend some organic threads in the design, or line the dress with peace silk. Peace silk allows the silk worm to live out it's full life cycle. Olivia Luca supplies a wide variety of fabric that will meet your every need. The price ranges due to design, fabric, and details.

Greener- Purchase a dress made of all natural organic fabrics.

Hemp is no longer a drab, ugly fabric. There are many options for a pretty wedding dress. My dress (photo below), a hemp and silk blend, will come from Threadhead Creations. This company allows you to design a dress or purchase one off the rack. There are several style options and each dress can be personalized with color or apliques. These handmade dresses start at a reasonable $475 and can go beyond $1,000 for custom designs.

$Greenest- Find a used or vintage dress.

This selection helps both your wallet and the planet. A used dress depletes virtually no resources. Many former brides no longer want their beautiful wedding dresses and are willing to sell them for a few greenbacks. Ebay and The Dress Market offer used dresses from around the globe with prices starting as low as $50!!

A vintage dress is ideal for a theme wedding or a bride with an "old-style" flare. Antique Dress offers dresses and accessories from the 1800's to the present with prices starting at $195.

The most eco-friendly, economical, and personal option is to borrow a relative's dress. This will take care of something old and borrowed. Most importantly, you will share your gown with a special woman in your life.