green SUSTAINABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY & SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS WEDDINGS WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke APRIL IS EARTH MONTH AND WE CAN’T THINK OF A MORE PERFECT time to talk about ways to make your life (and wedding!) more conscientious. For some this could be making eco-friendly decisions, for others it’s going vegetarian or vegan, and for still others it could mean being more socially responsible. There are so many ways to make an impact and making your wedding conscientious doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition. Small changes add up and if everyone does just one thing, we can make huge changes in our world! We hope to inspire you with an abundance of ideas.
LET’S START WITH THE BLING For years diamonds have been seen as the gemstone of choice for engagements. Unfortunately, due to the demand created by marketing, the history of diamond mining has been fraught with conflict and human rights violations including using slave labor to mine the precious stones. Fortunately, socially conscious couples have options. Lab grown diamonds are physically the same as mined diamonds and reduce both environmental and social impact; also man made diamonds are typically less expensive. That means you often can get more carats at a lower cost! Brilliant Earth offers a stunning selection of lab created and recycled diamonds. Charles & Colvard, a North Carolina-based company, also offers lab grown diamonds as well as moissanite, a stunning diamond alternative that is also man made.
Reformation and Katherine Feiel offer sustainable fashion for weddings. For vegan accessories, Lee Coren and Urban Expessions offer vegan clutches and bags and Beyond Skin offers vegan wedding shoes. Lulus allows customers to sort by “vegan” for even more options!
EARTH FRIENDLY FLORALS One easy way to reduce your environmental impact is to ask your florist to use traditional arrangement techniques (such as chicken wire for structure) instead of Oasis floral foam. Oasis foam is the green blocks that many florists use to create arrangements, but the foam contains known carcinogens that are dangerous to breathe in and that are not biodegradable. Another option is to use potted plants that can be reused as decor. Potted orchids are a beautiful option, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Fresh herbs or succulents in pots can make lovely centerpieces and can even double as favors for your guests to take home! Locally grown flowers are also an option to not only help support local businesses, but also reduce carbon emissions.
REDUCE
Choosing vintage and heirloom jewelry is also a great option.
It’s easy to get carried away when planning your wedding. Commit to mindfulness for your wedding. Think carefully through your wedding purchases (Do you REALLY need programs for your wedding?) and cut items from your list that aren’t necessary.
WEAR A “GREEN” WEDDING GOWN
REUSE
No, we’re not suggesting your gown be the color green (unless that’s what you want!). Your wedding fashion can be eco-conscious too.
Renting decor or buying previously used decor items in Buy/Sell/Trade groups online or even thrifting and upcycling is a great way to save money and create less waste (plus if you purchase the items you can sell them after your wedding too!). continued>>>
Made with Love Bridal and Emmy Mae Bridal offer vegan dresses and Wear Your Love uses organic cotton and bamboo in their gowns.
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Photo: stock.adobe.com/Alona Dudaleva
SOMETHING
