Some 3.5 billion to 7 billion trees are cut down every year, and today’s generation is responding to it swiftly by going green. Marriage, as one of the oldest social institutions, is not spared from the carbon footprint reduction as wedding ceremonies are now leaning towards ethical and eco-friendly celebrations. From sending seed cards as invitations to using locally-grown flowers and sourcing ethical jewelry, couples are now finding ways to make their weddings as environmentally friendly as possible. This is a win-win not only for the lovebirds and their guests but for the world at large.
Hire a Wedding Planner for Your Eco-Friendly Wedding
Due to societal expectations and the expectations of both the bride and groom, wedding planning stress is deemed to be a normal occurrence. Lofty expectations can lead to trouble, according to Dr. Jocelyn Charnas, a psychologist from Manhattan who specialises in stress management. And as much as it is a happy occasion, the anxiety is very real, and planning a wedding can cause sleepless nights and even moodiness.
This is why it is a good idea to hire a wedding planner so they can lighten the load. This move is especially useful for eco-friendly weddings since sustainable brands are few and far between, making it difficult for couples to put together a plan without resorting to conventional choices. Looking for locally-grown flowers on your own in a place where flowers are not typically grown, for example, can add to the stress. Arranging for seed card invitations can be quite the task too no matter how simple it is.
It’s In The Details
From the cake to the dress to the rings, couples who are conscious about their impact on the planet will need to make a stand when it comes to the details of their wedding. The wedding dress, for example, can be a repurposed dress either from the mother of the bride or from a vintage shop. A vintage wedding gown is always fashionable no matter what year it is because the designs usually have simple lines that are accentuated with intricate lace.
Grooms, on the other hand, can also use reclaimed clothing or mindfully selected suits for their wedding day. As for the flowers, choosing those that are abundant in the area is a good idea. The bride and groom can also opt for wedding bands from an ethical jeweler who only uses gems that come from mines that do not only practice environmental controls in their mining techniques but also those that are conflict-free. It is noted that conflict has an impact on the planet too as it uses fuel which would later lead to CO2 emissions.
Food for You and Your Guests
For those worried about the menu, you can serve what some refer to as “inclusive meals”. These are meals that cater to both your meat-eating friends and your vegan guests. What is important when it comes to the food is that the ingredients are sourced locally as said ingredients have less carbon footprint than those that will still have to come from other places. A menu that showcases the food in the town or city where you are going to get married is definitely a good idea.
Planning an environmentally friendly celebration can be quite the challenge but for couples who want to reduce their carbon footprint and their conjugal footprint on their special day, this is a small price to pay for the benefit of the planet. There are many ways to make your eco-friendly wedding come true and it will all depend on the conscious decisions you make about every little detail.
