Eco-Invites

An Eco-friendly invite or announcement can set the tone for your green wedding. There are many options for 100% recycled, partially recycled, or completely tree free papers from wedding stationary suppliers.

Think about it, you will use more paper then you even realize for your wedding:

• Engagement Announcements
• Save the date cards
• Shower Invites
• Shower Thank you cards
• Wedding invites
• Ceremony Programs
• Place Cards
• Menu Cards
• Wedding Announcements
• Thank you notes

          Because of the many times a bride and groom must communicate with their guests they are finding ways to do it electronically to save on paper and printing costs. This is where wedding websites would come into the picture. There are many styles to choose from and they are fully customizable as well as reasonably priced. There are even options to have your site archived and on CD after the wedding is over.

         If the electronic wave is not for you however, you can explore the man different printing companies that can use eco-friendly paper to send out to your guests. As we all know “green” products are not always wallet friendly so please keep that in mind when you are exploring your stationery options.

ENJOY!!!

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Wedding Gifts ~ Charitable Donations

Deciding where you should register takes a lot of time and effort and can be stressful at times, However it doesn’t always have to be so labor intensive. If you’re a couple that has already began sharing a home together, then you already have a toaster, blender , and plenty of other household items that you two already own. So what do you register for if you already have everything? How about a charitable donation ?

Yes it may sound strange to some people, but think about it, instead of just asking for a new comforter set that you don’t need or set of pricey china that you’ll never use you can ask your guests to donate to a charity of your choice. A strange concept to some is now becoming the “norm” in the modern wedding society. But some aren’t quit sure how to ask such a thing of their guests without being too presumptuous.

It’s fairly simple actually, instead of going to register at your favorite department store there are sites that you can register for that have a list of charities that they cater to(Idofoundation.org) . Once you’ve registered and chosen a charity or a list of charities you can then provide the link to the page on your wedding website in place of an actual gift registry. If you have guests that are not too keen to the idea of donating in your name then you should also leave it open for them to buy a gift if they must. Charitable donations over gifts is a great way for you two as a couple to symbolize your love for one another while sharing it with any given charity or special cause.

If you would like more information on the specific charities you can choose from or in what ways your donations will help any given charity you should get in direct contact with this charity, especially if you feel you’d like to donate more than money.

As always keep giving in the memory and thoughts of others.

ENJOY!!!

All about the Rings

Almost as important as the bride and her dress is of course her groom but the next in line is most likely their rings. These small pieces of jewelry announce your union to the world and will be worn for the rest of your life, so why not make sure they are rings you both love. Usually the initial burden of the perfect ring will fall upon your soon-to-be husband when it comes time to pick out the engagement ring, and with all the styles and price ranges to choose from it can be a difficult but rewarding hunt.

The first trend is one that many grooms ( and their brides) are heavily into, and this is the diamonds and platinum. Most women dream of big beautiful diamonds as little girls but some may or may not receive them so as a soon-to-be husband your guy is hoping to be the one to give you what you’ve always dreamed of. This specific trend is not always the cheapest but it makes for a beautiful conversation piece when you share the lovely news with your friends and family.

If the bride-to-be is more on the glamorous side then this trend is definitely for her. The colored stone adds a bit of style and pizzazz to the traditional engagement ring, the stones can range from pretty pink one’s to one’s that match her favorite color or birthstone. This style allows for more of a personal relationship with the ring (if you can believe that’s even possible).

For a bride that loves a good thrift store or consignment shop this trend is truly for her. These vintage pieces of jewelry give a look of wisdom and historical value and can mean so much more to the bride if in fact her ring is an heirloom.This trend brings back the traditional engagement ring with a modest sized solitaire diamond with a plain gold or white gold band. Though these pieces don’t speak volumes to every bride they are sure to stand the test of time for that special one.

With the earth-friendly society we now live in it is only fitting that there will be eco-friendly rings. If your bride is as eco-friendly as they come or she’s just becoming apart of “team green” then these rings would surely impress her. These rings are made with conflict-free diamonds and recycled gold settings, features that will surely put your bride-to-be at ease when excepting your proposal.

And although the engagement ring process is all about the bride it is only fitting that she show her groom just how much she truly appreciates him.In the past the groom was usually stuck with a plain gold or white gold band that didn’t speak to his individuality, but now men’s wedding rings are made to fit him personally. They can also feature beautiful diamonds or colorful stones, two types of metals ,intricate band designs in place of stones, as well as have eco-friendly features. So remember even though your bride-to-be worries most about rings, keep in mind that it’s a process you both should enjoy ( just make sure your best man remembers where he put your rings on the day of the wedding).

Eco-Weddings 101

After having my wedding dresses showcased in the fashion show at the 2011 Mid Atlantic Green Wedding Showcase last weekend, I learned more about creating a truly eco-friendly wedding.  I wanted to share some tips with you.  The most important thing i learned is that going “Green” can save the earth as well as your pocketbook. 

Food ~ Make a statement at your wedding by finding a caterer willing to serve only local or organic food. It’s an eco-friendly choice that your guests will take note of not only for your principles, but for how amazing everything tastes

Eco-friendly Save the date ~ Of The Earth

Invitations ~ Of The Earth (www.earthinvitations.com) or Earthly Affair (www.earthlyaffair.com).  Some eco-friendly paper companies offer a one-piece option for the invitation. This style has a tear-off RSVP card, reducing the amount of paper needed.

Décor ~ Nature is full of beautiful items that can be utilized to decorate then be returned to nature after the wedding; rocks, twigs, flowers, potted plants, trees, leaves.  Use bamboo – one of the most sustainable materials on earth, bamboo is an eco-friendly décor option with an organic, modern feel.

Disposables ~ Forget about disposable plates, napkins, silverware and all that. Opt for rented china, crystal, and flatware that can be washed and reused. For a small affair, consider purchasing tablecloths, plates and tableware that you could reuse in your home after the wedding.

Favors ~ Edible favors like chocolates or homemade jam are a sweet reminder of your special day. 

Eco-friendly wedding favors ~ live plants

Another wonderful favor alternative is a donation your favorite green charity, made in honor of your wedding guests.

Location ~ Have ceremony and reception in the same location. Find a green (LEED) venue. 

Flowers ~ Use your ceremony arrangements to the reception!  Find a local florist who can provide organic blooms.  Skip cut flowers altogether.  Opted to use potted arrangements. Your guests can take them and plant in their yards after the wedding.

 Vendors ~ Choosing the right vendors is a key component of a green wedding.  A resource like The Green Bride Guide (www.greenbrideguide.com) can help connect you to trustworthy green vendors.