Green Weddings on the Rise

From organic caterers to gowns purchased from consignment shops and email to replace wasteful rsvp cards, brides to be are choosing to make their magical day one that has conscious, meaning and a message.

Event planner Kia Martinson-Wenzel, owner of Connecticut-based ESTOccasions 
got her first request for a green wedding last summer. "The couple wanted to get married in a state park and when we started planning, one thing led to another. The bride asked if her flowers could be gathered from the park, if the invitations could be printed on recycled paper, and she asked for recommendations of consignment shops that had a nice selection of previously owned gowns," Martinson-Wenzel says. 

In fact, a good majority of gowns on the racks of consignment shops have never been worn. Wildflower seeds embedded in recycled paper, donations to environmental organizations and brides maids dresses that can be worn after the special day promise to be lasting trends as consumers become more conscious of the impact their purchase choices have on the planet.

With spring around the corner, you'll enjoy expert tips, advise and resources for greening your events and parties from Kia Martinson-Wenzel. Check our "Parties and Special Events" category for more useful information on greening your special occasion.

 

Comments

[Kate Miller]

This is great. I would love to make my wedding a bit more green. I worried that I couldn't be hip and green at the same time, but maybe I can....Great site by the way.

[Heather]

Hi Kate,

Thanks for stopping by!

Hip and green is certainly possible...in fact, I think green weddings have an opportunity to be even cooler than trad weddings given that most people will be talking about how unique it was well after the fact. What better way to make a lasting impression?!

Best of luck to you on your special day, and let us know if you need help locating resources to green your event!

[Sarah Paquette]

My husband and I celebrated in "green" style for our wedding almost 4 years ago and we couldn't have been happier that our special day did not affect the planet. I must admit, it was difficult and at times frustrating, to find the perfect eco-conscious items. From biodegradable food utensils to handmade flower seed paper wedding invites to tree sapling wedding favors to organic cotton wedding dresses and men's hemp suits...it can be done! Now more than ever, eco-friendly wedding items are becoming readily available. You can certainly have a hip wedding that you can feel good about. :*)