Weddings are renowned for the huge cost and lavishness they generate. Since the younger generations are keen on going greener, why not tie the knot in a eco-friendly manner? As a bonus, one may allow oneself the luxury to keep to a set budget. Here are a few tips to get you sorted out.
Electronic invitations
Instead of spending copious amounts of money on fancy and elaborate invitations, why not keep it simple and send your message electronically via e-mail? It might seem too informal, but considering that the vast majority of people are now becoming experts at using the internet, it would be a very practical option for a couple. Apart from saving money, paper waste maybe easily minimized in this way. Remember, even the most extravagant of invitations end up as trash!
Pick a green wedding gown
No I don’t mean the colour… if one really cares about our natural reserves, then a wedding gown made out of organic, fair-trade, sustainably produced and harvested material is the perfect choice. For the more extremist of the kind, one could even recycle a wedding dress by using their mum’s. It will not only lessen the guilt feeling of tampering nature but bring some good, old memories back to your beloved ones.
Keep your feet on the ground
Destination weddings can surely be fun, but forcing a mass of people to translocate from one country to another like a flight of sparrows will have those poor fossil fuels scream in shock. So keep your wedding local and also minimise the guest list as much as possible.
Have your wedding in daylight
This will obviously save much more electricity than an evening wedding. Moreover, natural sunlight may be well exploited to create a more joyous, fun and lively atmosphere. Wedding is ultimately a celebration of life, so avoiding sombre scenarios will help the couple kick off this new adventure on a positive note.
Fuel-free transportation
It has become popular for the couple to make their entrance by means of horse-drawn carriages. This does not only give the ritual a more romantic aspect but also avoids using cars and burning fuel. Moreover, one could also look up car rental companies that offer a fleet of hybrid vehicles for the rest of the family or even guests.
Have an organic spread
Why not consider having locally grown organic ingredients as part of the food recipes that you’ll be serving on the day? Additionally, instead of hiring a caterer outside your town, pick one from your own local community. In this way, you’re lessening your big day’s carbon footprint.
A keepsake wedding
Most of us agree that this is not just ‘a’ day but ‘the’ day and what better way of remembering it than bathing your guests in a pool of memories from the past, present and promises of the future?
Share your blissful moments
Showcase your love to one another by decorating a spot at your chosen venue with photographs, albums and memorabilia which reflect the unforgettable times spend together. One could also let a power point presentation shuffle through pictures of various places you have visited and the adventures you have embarked on together.
Capture the memories of the day
If one is opting for a sit-down dinner as a wedding reception, then supply your guests with disposable cameras at each table. You will receive plenty of photographs of your guests and dates in this manner. This will help your guests feel like an integral ingredient of your feast of love. Moreover, instead of leaving a big book at the door for the passer-by to leave a message on, leave two small notebooks for ‘Him’ and ‘Her’ and have each guest write personalised messages to the bride and groom. Reading the pages on your honeymoon can prove to be very entertaining.
Fun wedding ideas
The bouquet toss, the sprinkling of rice grains and shower of paper flowers – yes, they’ve all been fun, tired and tested but lack originality. Add unique elements to your wedding day and have your guests talk about them for the years to come.
Instead of marching down the aisle to the traditional Mendelssohn’s Bridal Chorus, one may opt for an instrumental version of a romantic song the couple has at heart. It will not only surprise the guests but have the couples in grins throughout the entrance.
On the other hand, have the wedding planner supply guests with bubble blowers before the couple emerges after the ceremony. This best suits morning weddings, as the spectrum of colours shining through each bubble could make the pictures taken and atmosphere one of sublime festivity.
Another creative idea for your wedding is to set up a photo booth at the entrance of the reception venue. This will provide instant souvenirs for the guests while helping them loosen up and feel more relaxed during this celebration.
Don’t forget the little ones. If you’ve broadened your invitations to include your guests’ children, then why not have a children’s area? Avoid having children roaming around the place trying to disintegrate your flower arrangements, dipping their fingers in chocolate fountains or making the waiters trip. Allow them their own bit of fun by including a children’s section at your chosen venue. It will make these little creatures less dangerous while mummies will surely thank you for this.