Vendor Perspective: A White Wedding with a Splash of Green

Your wedding day. A day you’ve been dreaming of, been planning for and been thinking about for a very long time. And since the average wedding takes over 300 hours to plan, you will spend a lot of time making decisions for the big day. There are so many choices to make, from the dress, to the venue to the menu…so many choices that will have a lasting impact on your memories, on your guests’ memories, and on the environment. The average wedding in Canada produces over 63 tons of CO2 and approximately 500 lbs of garbage. So why not incorporate some green options to reduce that impact! A green wedding is a celebration with awareness and mindful indulgence. It is a celebration of your marriage, and your future together. Every green choice makes a difference, and there are many options to choose from, without sacrificing style, class or elegance. Here are 5 tips to Greening your wedding day:
1. Hold the ceremony and reception in the same location. This cuts down on emissions from your guests’ travels, but also on transportation costs such as limos. This also allows more time for your photographer to get desired shots and for your guests to enjoy cocktails, appetizers and mingling.
2. Wear antique or borrowed jewelry on the big day. Not only will this be a unique and meaningful piece for you to wear, but there is no need to purchase jewelry which will probably only be worn once. This can also be your “something borrowed”!
3. Support local business! Source your products and services from your region. Question your suppliers on where their products are sourced, what local and organic options they offer, and if they have any environmentally sustainable products and practices. Every little bit helps, so be informed as to where your products are being sourced from. This not only cuts down on emissions from shipping products, but supports our local economy.
4. Instead of giving your guests favours, consider making a donation to your favourite charity in your guests’ honour, or buying carbon offset credits from an Environmental charity to help offset the carbon footprint of your wedding. If you would like to give your guests a take-away, consider an edible gift or packet of herb seeds for your guests to plant in their gardens.
5. Source your flowers from a florist that can offer locally grown options. Most florists can supply organic options, but there is usually a large cost increase. If your budget does not have room for this option, you can use local, in-season flowers to cut down on emissions from flowers grown oversees.

Your wedding is a reflection of your love, your personalities and your lifestyle. By incorporating Green elements you will be supporting local business, significantly reducing your carbon footprint, and celebrating your future together!

~Amanda Bradshaw is Owner and Head Coordinator of Green Apple Events, specializing in creative planning and coordination of Weddings, Corporate and Fundraising Events. For more information please visit www.greenappleevents.ca or visit us on facebook through this link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Green-Apple-Events/170579632954526