Many people dream of their wedding day, but many never think that their wedding could take its toll on the environment. Did you know that the average wedding produces 400 pounds of garbage and a whopping 63 tons of CO2? There are many benefits to having an eco friendly wedding. Having an environment friendly wedding can not only aid in conservation of our environment, but cut down your wedding costs. Check out these top ways to have an ecological wedding and do your part to help the environment, even on your big day!
Invitations
Use recycled paper for your save-the-date and invitations. Want to go completely green? Use electronic invitations and email them to your guests. You can also put up your wedding registry online and encourage your guests to RSVP by email.
Flowers
Always use local and organic flowers for your wedding. It is also best to use seasonal flowers. Not only will you help the local economy but you will avoid the high costs of imported flowers. You will also not harm the environment from high amounts of fuel needing to be used to transport your flowers.
Decorations
Reuse is the keyword for decorations for your ecological wedding. Reduce the amount of décor that will go straight in the trash can after your wedding day by reusing ceremony flowers at the reception, use porcelain and glass instead of paper and plastic plates and cups, real table cloths instead of single-use, and vintage center pieces collected from friends and family. Not only will this touch add to your ecological wedding, but will have a lovely personal touch reflecting the blending of families. The Ramada Tropics Resort offers a variety of options, including linens, centerpieces, and real dishware…all of which cut down on waste for your wedding.
Photography
Digital photography is hardly breaking news today. It is simply the best way to go in order for you to be able to view huge amounts of online proofs before deciding which ones to order and print. Digital photos are also easy to share with family and friends on social media or through email.
Attire
Wearing a brand new wedding dress once can not only be expensive, but a waste. Opt for a chic vintage gown or use one that has been worn by someone in your family instead. With some alternations you will have a dress that not only is unique but also very trendy.
Jewelry
Instead of spending a fortune on engagement and wedding rings, opt for family heirlooms or vintage rings on your fingers. If you want to buy new rings, make sure they come from socially and environmentally responsible manufacturers. Blood diamonds are in circulation all over the world and their toll on human lives and Mother Nature is significant.
Gifts
Instead of gifts, have your guests pitch in for your honeymoon fund or donate to a local charity in the name of you and your spouse!
Honeymoon
Avoid classic hotspots such as national parks and tropical reefs, since they are ecologically sensitive areas. Look for green accommodations and environment friendly ways of traveling to your destination. If you haven’t checked backpacking by train in Europe off your bucket list yet, this is your chance!
Following these tips for an environment friendly wedding will help you save money on your special day, create a day unique to you, and allow you to help the environment. Ecological weddings can be stunning weddings and ones where your guests will remember their time spent there for years to come.
For more ideas on your special day or other events contact the Ramada Tropics in Des Moines. We offer many different options to make your ecological wedding your dream come.