“…But green’s the color of spring
And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like a mountain
Or important like a river
Or tall like a tree…
I am green, and it’ll do fine
It’s beautiful, and I think it’s what I want to be.”-Kermit the Frog, It’s Not Easy Being Green
Different shades of green weddings are painted by different levels of eco-aware couples. While some may feel certain efforts to reduce and re-use can be put on hold for a wedding day, others may want to make an extra effort to minimize waste and reflect the importance of environmental awareness in their own lives.
For truly eco-chic couples your wedding is a chance to make a statement about what is important to you while investing in a sustainable future on the day you start a new future together. Continuing with our “green” theme of the week here are a few simple steps you can take to make an eco-statement:
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Tell your guests how much you care about your impact on the environment.
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Use only local foods (like the localvores do!) and Vermont based vendors.
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Don’t select a site that requires you to bring in absolutely everything you will need.
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Provide a way for guests to identify their glasses and have your bartender & waitstaff ask if they would like to re-use their glass.
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Pick a mid-late summer weekend when local plants are in bloom and evenings are likely to be cooler to reduce energy usage.
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Plan an afternoon wedding with a reception ending around sunset to minimize the amount of electrical lighting you’ll need.
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Ask your guests to carpool or provide transportation for them.
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Be flexible with your flower choices. Local organic flower availability varies in the summer months and it can be difficult to predict exactly when certain flowers will be in bloom. Rainy springs/summers can delay blooming dates and those lily-of-the-valley or zinnia just may be a week or so behind. Prioritize a few favorite flowers and be flexible with the rest!
What eco-friendly steps will you take on your wedding day?
