Written by Samantha Holschbach
Could green become the new white in weddings?
To date, the importance of protecting the earth has reached its zenith. Eco-friendly actions have never been more encouraged. Reducing waste and cutting back are all the rage. But that doesn’t jive with a wedding, an indulgent, consumptive fête, does it? On the contrary, you can have a green wedding and eat your organic cake too — and immensely enjoy it.
For starters, a cake containing organic ingredients doesn’t have to sacrifice taste. Imagine a wedding cake filled with local organic raspberries or flavored with nuts roasted in the bakery. In fact, virtually any cake ingredient can be organic these days. Case in point: Organic cakes from Amy’s Kitchen have even hit the grocery freezer section. Opting for organic ingredients means that they are produced without pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals that may harm soil and water.
Additionally, though the wedding gown must be spotless (or Bridezilla may emerge), don’t be afraid to give it a hint of green, figuratively speaking. Countless opportunities exist to do so. Brides can borrow a gown from a former bride, purchase a dress that can be dyed for another occasion, or peruse Craigslist or eBay for options. If price isn’t an issue, consider a gown made from eco-fabrics like bamboo, hemp, peace silk or tencel. Alternatively, you can still splurge and wear the gown of your dreams, then redeem your purchase by donating the gown to a worthy charity. Fairy Godmothers Inc. transforms donated gowns into prom dresses for underprivileged high school girls – see www.FairyGodmothersInc.com for details. Brides Against Breast Cancer (bridesagainstbreastcancer.org) also offers a donation program in which gowns are sold to fund the final dreams of metastasic breast cancer patients. I personally plan to donate my David’s Bridal gown to a charity, still to be determined.
Finally, what would a wedding be without flowers? Whether cut in bouquets or live as centerpieces, flowers are central to the scene – all the more reason to ensure they’re derived from eco-friendly sources. Any florist can order flowers from EcoFlowers.com, the Web site of Organic Bouquet, a company formed in 2001 with the goal of erecting a national market for organic blooms. They have since become the market’s leader, touting organic practices that forbid toxic chemical usage and improve the health of associated farmers and florists. If you’d rather have live-flower centerpieces, recycle them by giving them to guests after the reception.To go one step further, you could investigate nurseries near your wedding venue that specialize in the area’s native plants. If you choose such flowers, your guests could plant them in their backyards and provide native vegetation for wildlife. My fiancé Dan and I are fortunate to have found a landscaper offering native Wisconsin plants, which will be potted for our wedding decorations. The flowers will then be given to guests, many of whom reside in Wisconsin and will plant the flowers in their yards, bettering local ecosystems. In addition to flowers, fruits and vegetables can enhance decorations. Guests can readily eat the produce or take it home after festivities. Herbs are another option — Dan and I will supplement our centerpieces with potted herbs. Our guests will then take them home for culinary use.
Virtually any aspect of your wedding can be tweaked for the environment’s benefit. As you devote your life to your true love, leave behind a legacy of love by treating the earth with the dignity it deserves. It is home, after all.
