ecobites.com

Making your life greener - one bite at a time.

Organic silk, cotton, linen, bamboo or hemp wedding dresses are a few of the "green" sustainable fabrics available. Recycled fabrics are another choice with patchwork quilting offering a handcrafted feel. It’s time to redesign the whole concept of the wedding dress – and an eco wedding might be just the impetus to make sense out of the runaway industry.You may prefer to choose a simple dress and suit that you can wear again.

Second marriages and renewal of vows seem to be more practical – but young people can make a strong statement with their choices to be eco-sensitive and sensible even during festive events.

 If you are having a dress designed, make sure that it doesn’t contain any synthetic materials or chemical dyes. Synthetic fabrics cost less, but polyester is petroleum-based. While cotton suits a spring or summer wedding, it uses an average of 2.6 kg of pesticides per acre. The most environmentally friendly cotton is certified organic and either not dyed or tinted with gentler natural vegetable dyes.Many brides to be are also turning to vintage dresses or pre-worn wedding gowns from their family members which also adds a hint of nostalgia.

The “I Do Foundation” brings a new twist to wedding celebrations: Learn how you can donate your wedding dress for charity at http://www.idofoundation.org/.

The I Do Foundation was created in 2000 by a group of nonprofit leaders dedicated to developing new avenues of support for charitable organizations by linking engaged couples with a host of charitable giving options at the wedding.

Turn your bridesmaids into walking decor by having them carry pretty parasols or paper fans with flower motifs, and then they can all wear their own organic  fibre gowns / skirts and tops.

Do your attendants a real service (and save them money) if the gowns you select for them are not "typical wedding styles" and can be worn again (or shortened and worn again).

Use vegetable dyes on your shoes, or go barefoot for a beach wedding.

For the "green guy's attire": If the guys wear rented tuxes, look into the dry cleaning and storage practice of the rental company - is it healthy? Do they use toxins that are harmful to humans and the environment? Ask the question, and perhaps you will inspire them to change.

GREEN WEDDING JEWELLERY

As for the ring, choose silver instead of gold. Gold mining releases poisonous cyanide and mercury into the environment Silver mining has a much lower impact. And there are plenty of  gemstones besides diamonds to choose from which are equally beautiful, try your birthstone, for example. Avoid "conflict diamonds" - gems illicitly sold from African war zones that fund violence.

Lab-created diamonds, greenKarat's are set in recycled gold too!
Diamonds certified as "conflict-free" under the Kimberley Process, an ongoing effort to Reform diamond mining in Africa (ask your jeweller the questions in Amnesty International's buyer's guide).

One-of-a-kind wooden or bamboo bands.

Or, appeal to family tradition and use a relative's wedding or engagement ring that you can have resized and restyled, if needed. If there isn't a vintage ring available from your family, there are plenty of vintage jewellery stores where you can find  beautiful rings and give them another life.

Take jewellery classes and craft your own wedding bands, you could use chalcedony gemstone, a native American symbol of community joining together.

http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2003/02/12/umbra-rings/

WEDDING FLOWERS

Use flowers from local and /or organic farms or why not grow your own?. Sunflowers or bulbs are very easy to grow and are such a beautiful flower for bouquets (tie a ribbon or silk sash) and great for decorating. 

Less transportation adds up…and supports your local community with jobs and sustainable farming resources. Wildflower growers at your local farmer’s market can supply bouquets and table arrangements. Potted plants for centerpieces can then be given as gifts or enjoyed in your home. These potted plants are also wonderful take-away mementos for family and friends who aren’t up to attending the festivities.

Use dried or silk flowers or decorate with organic fruits, greenery and paraffin-free candles.

In some respects, the floral displays are what define your style of wedding. It’s understandable that you might not want to give up your bouquet, but perhaps the bridesmaids could wear corsages on their wrists, carry fans or parasols, or delicate silk purses.

Reuse your flowers that day by transforming ceremony flowers into table decorations at the reception-similarly, ceremony decorations can be used to dress up the dance floor. After the party, donate flowers to a local hospital or senior citizen centre or send them home with your guests.

http://www.organicbouquet.com/i_1/about_organic_bouquet.html

http://www.bulb.com/

CANDLES + DECORATING

Paraffin candles are made from petroleum residues so neither do your health or the environment any good. Soy, beeswax or natural vegetable-based candles are better because they biodegrade, are smoke-free, and so more eco-friendly.

Dinner by candlelight makes the meal magical.

Candles, fresh flowers, ribbon, greenery, organic fruit and vegetables, heartfelt written messages, decorations made with love, are the perfect ingredients for your Eco -Wedding celebration!

For outdoor weddings, pretty vintage parasols make great props.

Make bows out of old material, ribbon, anything. Do you have an old formal dress or shiny shirt that would make lovely bows? (Even a petticoat, or old curtains?) Otherwise check op-shops, garage / yard sales. You can have a different colour scheme for each table if you can't find all the same colours.Trim cloth napkins with the same colour edge as the bow on each chair.

Keep a sturdy box for ribbons and bows - it is such a shame to throw such pretty garnishes away, especially when you can use them for any celebrations.

There are many ways to enhance the celebratory vibe around your wedding - with a little imagination. Tie lashings of ribbon to the backs of chairs, candles or plants. Imagine a big shiny bow on the back of each chair - simply stunning!

Why not ask friends to grow and bring flowers? You’ll end up with the most fabulous flower (un)arrangements ever seen, and your guests will appreciate being involved.

Choosing a theme can simplify the decorating process as it gives you a focal point to concentrate on and get ideas from.