It’s another scorcher in Melbourne today – it feels more like January than November at Real Weddings HQ! Whether you agree with global warming theory or not, it can’t hurt to be environmentally conscious when planning your wedding, right?
If you’ve read our latest edition of Real Weddings Style, you’ll know that we’ve been really inspired by all the brides incorporating eco-friendly ideas into their wedding planning. One of these brides was Kate L. Harrison, who later became author of hugely sucessful book The Green Bride Guide, which in turn resulted in a fantastic web resource: thegreenbrideguide.com.
L-R: The Green Bride Guide, and Kate with her husband Barry
We recently chatted to Kate about being green and ways to make a celebration eco-friendly, and we thought we’d share her responses with you!
Real Weddings: What does a “green wedding” mean to you?
Kate L. Harrison: I say that a green wedding is any wedding where the couple tries to decrease the impact of their event on the planet. This could be through making simple choices, like choosing a centralized location to decrease guest travel, or by incorporating eco-friendly products and services.
RW: What are some of the green things you did for your wedding?
KLH: We printed our invitations on 100% recycled paper and posted them with vintage paper stamps, and used local, organic caterers and seasonal flowers (most of which came from our garden). I wore heirloom jewellery and pre-owned shoes and donated my gown to Brides Against Breast Cancer after the wedding. We also bought recycled gold wedding rings, and carbon offset our guests’ travel in lieu of favours.
Kate’s second-hand Vera Wang shoes – saving the planet in style!
RW: What are some simple ways that brides can make their celebration more eco-friendly?
KLH: Couples should work with their caterer or venue to incorporate locally grown, organic, and seasonally appropriate options into the menu. Not only will they significantly decrease the impact of the event on the planet, but the meal will taste better too! The same thing goes for flowers. Locally grown organic blooms are beautiful, fragrant and better for workers’ health and the environment.
Kate used flowers from her own garden to create this beautiful bouquet
RW:What about after the wedding – what can married couples do to be more eco-friendly?
KLH: A lot of being green is just being aware. Ask yourself where things come from, what it takes to make them, and where they are headed after you use them. Try to select items made from renewable resources, and buy things that are well made and that will last a long time. Use public transportation whenever possible, eliminate toxic cleaners from under your sink, and think about recycling and composting. Simple steps add up and every choice makes a difference. Go green!
Are you incorporating eco-friendly ideas in your wedding? Tell us about them here, or head over to our Twitter and Facebook pages to have your say. We’d love to hear your thoughts! x
Eco-friendly wedding ideas! is a post from: Wedding Tips & Ideas