7 Tips for Planning an All-Natural Wedding

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When you’re planning what should be the happiest day of your life, you naturally want everything to be perfect. But if you’re also concerned about respecting the environment, some other factors will enter your planning.

You can still have a glorious day while keeping the health and safety of the planet in mind. Here are seven things you can do toward that end.

1. Start with the Rings

Rings have often been made with little regard for the needs of the environment. The process of mining the raw resources and manufacturing many mainstream lines of rings can be harsh.

An all-natural wedding could start with ethically sourced bands for your nuptials. You might also think about using vintage engagement rings, the kind that are passed down from one generation to the next or sold for reuse by another couple who would appreciate them.

Rather than purchase a brand-new ring or set of rings that requires depends on the old system of mining and manufacture, try locating an existing one from someone who no longer needs it.

2. Choose an Outdoor Wedding

The energy used to power a reception hall can be pretty substantial. If you can’t find a venue that uses alternative energy, what about an outdoor venue, which can be even more beautiful?

Plus, when you’re surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, it connects you more intimately to the planet, and declares your commitment to its health. Research promising outdoor venues such as a tranquil botanical garden, a beachside park, a refurbished barn, your parents’ yard, or the grounds of a historical site.

You could also schedule your nuptials and reception for the daytime hours to avoid having to depend on power-hogging lights.

3. Reuse and Recycle

If you’ve been living an eco-friendly lifestyle, this should come as second nature. Watch for as many opportunities to reuse and recycle objects and materials throughout your wedding day. Here are some specifics:

• Borrow or buy a wedding dress from another person rather than from a store or manufacturer. The clothing industry is responsible for gallons of pollution that go into the groundwater and rivers, so it’s wasteful to purchase a brand-new dress that most of us are going to wear only once. If you can’t find a gently used dream dress that suits your needs, you might make over an existing dress to a modern style rather than insist on having one custom-made from new materials.
• Search for centerpieces and decorations at thrift stores. You can create an eclectic vibe for your marriage with a mixture of pieces you find during your searches. Incredible forgotten treasures can turn up and add vibrancy to your decor.
• Use recycled paper for your save-the-dates, invitations, programs, menus, and thank-you cards. You’ll save a lot of trees this way!
• Rent your decorations rather than buy them. This will save you money while reducing the demand for brand-new, manufactured goods.
• When you’re done with your flowers, don’t throw them out. Donate them to a nursing home, funeral home, hospital, or shelter for homeless families. Allow others to enjoy your beautiful floral displays before they die.

4. Choose Local Vendors

You may be able to save a few bucks by purchasing your wedding items, food, and décor from big-box stores or online retailers, but it’s not the best approach from the standpoint of environmental sensitivity. When you patronize vendors from far away, deliveries entail long-distance transport and the emissions they involve.

Purchasing from local vendors will significantly reduce the emissions attributable to your wedding. It will also promote your local economy, which tends to make purchases from local vendors more affordable for everyone in the future.

5. Make Your Menu Organic

When you plan your menu, you’ll be drawn to your favorite foods as well as the tastes of your guests, of course. But while you weigh the options, you might factor in organic entrees. If possible, make them vegetarian to reduce your impact further.

Organic options tend to involve fewer emissions because they’re grown without the use of harsh chemicals and require less mechanical servicing. This saves fuel and electricity, and typically promotes local farmers and food vendors.

6. Register Responsibly

Many guests rely on a gift registry to choose the perfect gift. You may guide their decisions by selecting eco-friendly options.

Register at stores that specialize in environmentally friendly gifts. Local stores that offer locally sourced products are also desirable.

Consider products that keep the health of the environment in mind, as well. For example, bamboo home products are more sustainable than many wood items, and they’re growing in popularity.

7. Plan a Green Honeymoon

Eco-tourism has increased in popularity in recent years, which has made it easier to travel responsibly. So you can plan your honeymoon accordingly.

Shop among the many eco-friendly destinations, including eco-friendly hotels, walkable cities, low-tech destinations, and nearer resort destinations to where you live. You can have a fantastic time celebrating your nuptials with a lower impact on the environment than used to be customary for everyone.

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