Ever thought about making your wedding all about the planet? In this age of Al Gore, global warming concerns and record high oil prices, why not? Consider a pre-wedding day hike, kayak tour, bicycle ride, etc. How about sticking to a smaller wedding, say 75 guests? A reception in a natural setting would save you money. Every little bit helps toward healing global warming so let’s see what you can do to reduce your overall environmental footprint.

            First we’ll start with the location. It’s easy to embrace the earth without sacrificing style! Choose a natural setting and save money. Using a farm or an Inn for the reception instead of a hall or hotel is cheaper. Even better, choose a ‘Green’ Inn such as Donomar Inn Bed & Breakfast in Jeffersonville, Vermont. If you prefer a resort or hall make sure they recycle and wash dishes with biodegradable liquid. Make the honeymoon ‘Green’ by staying at a ‘Green’ Inn or resort. Also, stay locally to avoid transatlantic flight emissions.

            Hand in hand with the reception is the caterer. Find a caterer that uses only locally grown ingredients. Have an organic menu. How about an organic cake and organic beverages? Try locally brewed beer and wine. Some caterers use biodegradable plates and utensils. Avoid throw-a-ways. Choose favors that help save endangered species. What about edible flowers? Don’t forget organic table linens. Check out Back to Earth organic catering in Berkley CA.

            For wedding gowns and groom’s suits choose vintage or organic cotton, even hemp. Check out vintagewedding.com and weddingsutra.com.

            Flowers are a must. You can use a local flower farm, organic is even better, and pick your own! Use flowers and plants that are in season. Maybe go as far as using flowers grown according to sustainable farming practices. You can always use potted plants and donate money or plant for future weddings. Maybe silk flowers or dried flowers are to your liking. How about an organic herb bouquet? There are also numerous organic florists such as OrganicBouquet.com.

            Look for a ‘Green’ photographer. Ask the following questions: Do they recycle packaging, inkjet & laser cartridges? Do they offer paperless image workflow (high-resolution digital photography)? Do they offer 100% electronic image exchange (documentation submission using PDF files instead of proof prints)? All important questions!

            To wrap it up, here are a few odds and ends. Instead of traditional gifts sign up for renewable energy and reforestation projects or have guests donate money to them. Give plants as favors. Use tree-free invitations. How about acoustic music? Last, but surely not least, choose wedding rings made of 100% reclaimed, recycled, ecologically responsible gold. Check out coopamerica.com and nodirtygold.org.

            A ‘Green’ Wedding can be fun, stylish, less expensive and most importantly – guilt-free! If you would like information about Green Weddings in Vermont, feel free to give us a call at Donomar Inn in Jeffersonville, Vermont – 802-644-2937.