Posts Tagged ‘Weddings’

How To Make Basic Wedding Favors


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Favors are traditionally given to wedding guests as a sign of appreciation for their coming to the wedding. Many times they have driven or flown from other parts of the country to see the couple, so sending them home with a little something is a good idea.Do it yourselfWhen you?re on a budget, or just have a crafty side, then you may want to create your own wedding favors. Even if you?re not domestically inspired, these are really very easy.You will first need an idea. For this example, we will be describing how to make little sachets. The great part about these instructions is that you can adapt them to include any sort of filling (chocolates, candles, etc.) into the bag.You can find great prices on craft items at your local craft store, but online is always a good resource too. Many times, you can buy in bulk when you?re online, so that saves you money in the end. Determine how many small bags that you need and what color you would like them to be. Something to realize: if you?re getting bags of a finer material, the picture on the Internet will look darker than it is in real life.Also online or at your local health food store, you can go and buy herbs and flowers by the ounce. Realize too that one ounce is A LOT when the item is dried. This is why it?s best to go to a store in person for your ingredients?lavender, dried roses, and other flowers are best. This way you can see and smell off of the things that you have chosen. Find something fragrant.If you have smaller bags, you won?t need as much, but the larger the bag, the more filling you need.Easy as can beAll you really have to do is mix up your ingredients and put some into each bag. Many bags will even have drawstring closures so that you can tie them up to look very pretty.If you?re inspired, you can include a small card about the significance of the herbs that you included?perhaps there?s an old wives? tale about weddings that is related.And like it was said before, you can always change the ingredients to be something that suits you. Enlist the help of the bridal party if you have a lot to make!

Amy Spade is an expert on planning weddings, and she has written an amazing totally free minicourse on how to make sure that you have the day of your dreams, and avoid wedding day disaster! Get the free course “Your Special Day from Start to Finish” now at at http://www.weddingdata.com
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25

01 2010

Seashell Wedding Favors

Many of us are choosing the beach as a venue for our weddings, be it at home or abroad. So when it comes to wedding favors, seashells are a natural choice. To many, the sea evokes a sense of romance & beauty, whilst the creatures of the sea are regarded as mystical & exciting. So it is little wonder that the sea has inspired many varieties of wedding favor, from the nautical to the tropical, with seashells being the most loved choice.

If you would like to give seashells as wedding favors here are a few ideas for you to consider:

· Use large seashells as vessels for candles or look for shell shaped candles in box sets.

· Salt & pepper sellers in the shape of seashells are both functional & whimsical. Your guests will always remember your wedding each time they use them.

· Give your guests silver plated keepsake boxes in the shape of shells or with a shell motif. As an extra touch place a white chocolate ‘pearl’ inside!

· For favors with duplicity, look for shell shaped place card holders made in pewter. They not only add elegance to your tables, but your guests can take them home afterwards & use them as paperweights.

· If you are the creative type why not make your own wedding favors with a seaside theme? Purchase some glassine envelopes & place inside some pretty shells which you have collected from the beach. Seal the envelopes with glue & attach a ribbon bow & thank you tag (shell shaped of course!).

Wedding favors for a beach wedding have a beauty all of their own & can be as fun & whimsical as you wish. With a beach wedding or theme, it is all about finding favors that are fitting symbols of the sea & that will inspire your guests to remember the beauty & elegance of your wedding day.

Mae Andrea is a professional writer who collects wedding favors and wedding related articles. She is working with a wedding planning social networking company that caters to all the wedding needs of brides in almost every major center in America.
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09

01 2010

Great Ideas for Beach Wedding Favors

Fun in the sun! It’s almost summer, and if you’re planning to get married, why not go for a beach-themed wedding, or perhaps go for a seaside nuptial or sea-inspired bachelorette party? There are lots of ocean-inspired beach wedding favors for you to choose from. You can also add your personal touch with customized stuff, giving your guests a memorable and fun experience. Here are some impressive and imaginative ideas for favors that will delight your guests:

* Shell and Starfish Frosted Glass Coasters – These glass coasters will charm your guests with their frosted sea designs, which include a large starfish and scallop shell and a border of tiny sweet shells. Each coaster is made of gorgeously frosted glass with four padded ‘feet’ to protect surfaces.

* Playful Sailboat Candles – For a beach wedding… or even a summertime, poolside engagement party… these Playful Sailboat Candle Wedding Favors add a delicate, subtle shimmer. Featuring a metal frame with a white stained glass sailboat on the front, it has a metal tealight candle holder attached, and a tea light candle is included.

* Shell Bookmarks – When you have guests from all walks of life – everyone reads books. Not just for ocean themed weddings or to thank your guests for traveling to you destination wedding, these bookmarks are affordable giveaways.

* Luminous Mini-Lanterns – These perfectly charming and practical mini-lanterns will add mystery and height to your table décor, while impressing your guests with their substance and thoughtfulness. Each aluminum lantern stands 5″ high with a removable lid that makes lighting the replaceable tea light easy.

* Sea Shell Bottle Opener – This Sea shell bottle opener makes a unique favor for guests. The bottle opener is made of high quality stainless steel, the shell handle is hand painted resin and it is so intricately detailed in its design that it looks like a real sea shell.

* Sailboat Wine Bottle Stopper – Practical and charming, this wine bottle stopper is perfect for a beach wedding… it boasts a sturdy chrome base wrapped with a black rubber gasket. Sailing majestically across its top is a detailed white and light blue resin sailboat embellished with seven glistening clear rhinestones. Your guests will enjoy using these sailboat-themed bottle stoppers…and you’ll love the affordable price.

* Beach-Themed Photo Frame – Rather than throwing shells on table, using these namecardholders to seat your guests is also an quick and easy way to incorporate the natural beauty of seashells and a little warm color into your wedding reception table decorations. Natural colored poly resin mini photo frames feature an authentic sandlike textured border adorned with a variety of realistic looking molded seashells.

* ‘Flip Flops’ Genuine Leather Keychain – These flip-flop keychain favors mix equal parts ocean getaway with everyday utility. Each ocean blue genuine leather flip flop has a yellow thong and is presented in a beach theme showcase gift box. There’s even a surfboard hang tag that reads “thank you”.

* Mini Beach Bags – To display and gift wrap wedding keepsakes, sweet candies or use them as wedding reception or shower decorations. These transparent plastic Mini Beach Bags come in ‘plain’ or with a lovely white shell print design and are made of clear plastic with snap closures and handles.

* Palm Trees Soap – Absolutely perfect for bridal beach showers and beach weddings! These soaps are handmade to order and are ultra-fragrant. Each soap has exquisite detail. Choose from the following colors and scent combinations: white/coconut scent, ocean blue/sea breeze scent, sea green/tropical island scent, or pink/vanilla sugar scent.

These are just some ideas for your beach-themed wedding favors to help get you started. Remember to stay on the cutting edge and get those unique and newest trends for your wedding by the shore!

The author is an independent writer for American Bridal. She loves weddings and has always been passionate about them. She believes that the right kind of resources, with some unique and elegant bridal shower favors, will make a personal and memorable wedding.
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05

01 2010

Romantic Wedding Ideas

Is it true of the old cliche that all weddings are romantic or have modern day traditions, sucked dry the romance? I can say in all honesty that the numbers of truly romantic weddings I have attended are few and far between. They seem so impersonal, as though weddings are now being manufactured in a wedding factory. There are too many formalities, too much tension; weddings are too structured and too expensive. So how do we put the spontaneity and romance back into weddings?

Here are some ideas which depending on your style of wedding could assist in creating the romantic wedding of your dreams.

Attitude is the key to having the most romantic wedding. Let yourself be inspired by your senses, what are your favourite settings and scenic landscapes. Is it a Japanese garden or a mountain landscape or is it simply overlooking the ocean on the edge of a cliff? Do your senses transport you to another era, another location – the amazing scenery of the south of France? When you close your eyes do you imagine the floating of fabric to a soft ocean breeze? Are there candles, the fragrance of gardenias, and the sounds of a tropical rainforest in your romantic ideal? Romance is everywhere, so let your senses be your guide to creating the perfect ambience for your wedding.

Once you have decided on the places, themes and imagery that inspire romance think about the locations that will best achieve this. Is it a park, a meadow, an alfresco venue, a majestic forest or a secluded beach with white sands and crystal Blue Ocean? Light has an essential role to play in the mood of the event. Sunset and twilight are the most beautiful times of the evening. The softness of the sun’s rays as it begins to go down and the splashes or orange, pinks and purples in the night sky makes for a spectacular array of colour. And once the sun goes down, candles or lanterns which have been hung from a canopy of tree branches or placed by or in lake will take your into a world of fantasy. Trees are the earths’ endless effort to speak to the listening heaven. -Rabindranath Tagore

For the music you may choose flutes or violins to play between the ceremony and reception. Jazz and the sound of a pianist or the ethereal sounds of a choir will add the spice to the romantic party feel.

Think of the arrival to your event, a hot air balloon, a horse and carriage or a gondola ride could make for the perfect entrance if your wedding is by a lake. Imagine your first appearance as man and wife walking on a red carpet through a canopy of trees to a reception under the stars. The subtle lights of the lanterns in the trees and candles on the tables make for an exquisite setting.

The romance is carried on by the newlyweds. A serenade by the groom to the bride will touch all your guests and will bring a tear to their eyes. If this not your pleasure, then a romantic sentiment like a ‘why I love you speech’, could be expressed by either party. A dove release in some culture symbolises peace and happiness in the marriage. A firework display is always beautiful, romantic and a climatic finale.

Romance is everywhere and do not have to end after the wedding day. The groom may want to send flowers to his love every month for their first year of marriage. The bride might randomly write love notes that her new husband finds every now and then in the most unlikely places. Keep the romance and excitement alive long after your wedding and you will surely have wedded bliss.

For more information visit http://www.nusuevents.com.au

 

Nariman is an accomplished trainer and entrepreneur.http://www.nusuevents.com.au
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04

01 2010

Indian Wedding Favors

Indian weddings are colorful & elaborate occasions, filled with vibrant colors & symbolisms. If you are having an Indian wedding or are looking for some inspiration for your wedding favors then here are some ideas to consider.

At an Indian wedding the bride will have her hands & feet decorated with henna tattoos known as “mehndi” a few days before the wedding. She will wear a beautiful red sari made from silk fabric nine yards long & she will adorn herself with gold bracelets, anklets & rings.

In India the elephant is considered sacred & symbolizes strength & stability. Give your guests wedding favors of miniature elephant ornaments or how about elephant shaped candles or soaps. Wrap them in tulle bags & finish with some vibrant embroidered ribbon.

Staying with elephants, why not give the female guests silver elephant charms & elephant shaped cufflinks for the men as wedding favors. They make lovely wearable gifts which are unlikely to be locked in drawer for eternity! Other elephant themed wedding favors include paperweights, key rings, hanging ornaments & bottle stoppers.

The newly married couple is traditionally showered with jasmine & rose petals in an Indian wedding as it is believed to banish evil spirits & bad vibrations. Make up wedding favors with potpourri made with rose petals & jasmine flowers or give bottles of rose water or jasmine scent.

You will find favor bags made in colorful silks & finished with Indian inspired embroidery. These bags are wonderful when filled with coffee beans or even fragrant spices. Or why not give your guests a henna tattoo kit & hire someone to give your guests henna tattoos on the back of their hands at the reception. Add in a little booklet with trivia & facts about India inside.

Colorful bracelets are a lovely gift for your female guests. Give each one about twenty bracelets each tied together with ribbon. They make a lovely colorful display & are inexpensive to buy. Give your male guests some sachets of curry spice or even a curry recipe to make at home.

Indian style wedding favors do not need to expensive or overly elaborate to impress your guests. With a little creative thinking you can put together wedding favors which your guests will love & adore for a long time to come.

Mae Andrea is a professional writer who collects wedding favors and wedding related articles. She is working with a wedding planning social networking company that caters to all the wedding needs of brides in almost every major center in America.
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30

12 2009

The Secret to Making your Wedding Memorable

Think of all the weddings you’ve been to in your lifetime; chances are some you can recall easily, others you have a vague recollection of being there.

What is it about those weddings that are more memorable? How did the bride and groom make their event one that the guests enjoyed, not only while they were in attendance, but months and even years later as they remembered the event? Ever wonder how to make a wedding memorable for a lifetime?

There is a very simple secret to making your wedding – and virtually any other event, for that matter – absolutely unforgettable. It’s not difficult, it has nothing to do with money or your budget, and once you know that secret, you’ll be well on your way to making your own wedding just as memorable.

And that secret is to make things personal. The key to how to make a wedding memorable is to make it absolutely your own. Sure, it’s tempting to want to copy that fabulous reception arrangement you see in a bridal magazine or do what the “experts” tell you should do during the ceremony and reception, but the bottom line is that this is your wedding, it’s your day.

Being inspired by those pictures and by what you’ve seen at other weddings is great, but these should be thought of as merely a stepping stone or jumping off point. You need to tailor that inspiration to make it unique to you.

This may be something as simple as mixing up your flower centerpieces – if you see a photo of roses as a centerpiece and you happen to love roses, try white on one table, red on another, pink on another, and so on. Tie the vases with a piece of fabric that matches your theme or bridesmaid’s dresses. Or, decorate the buffet table with small photos of the two of you from over the years, and loop ribbon around them, in a sort of timeline leading up to your special day. These are simple and affordable but still very unique ways of how to make a wedding memorable.

Making you big day personal can be somewhat difficult when you’re having a very traditional ceremony, as people are afraid to write their own vows or do anything out of the norm. However, you can still accomplish this by just being very dignified about what you’re doing; avoid telling funny stories about your first horrible date or making jokes about how you can’t wait for the wedding night when you’re reciting those vows!

Another secret of how to make a wedding memorable is to personalize your wedding is to give the guests something very special to take home with them. Personalized favors and wraps have been a popular choice for many brides because they usually come in a variety of colors and designs, from fun and whimsical to traditional and elegant. Some of the best sites on the web for personalized candy bar wrappers are www.TheKnot.com, and www.FavorsAndWraps.com, where you can find unique designs for not just your wedding reception, but bridal showers, bachelorette parties, baby showers, and virtually any other event as well.

With just a little bit of thought and personalization, you too can have the secret of how to make a wedding memorable for a lifetime.

Linda Ellison is a freelance writer who specializes in trends and lifestyles. Her previously published fiction works, including the Dana Ford Mystery Series, have been on bookshelves nationwide. Visit www.FavorsAndWraps.com to read more about the latest trends in wedding favors.
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23

12 2009

Take Back Your Wedding – 27 Unique Ideas for Weddings

Today’s weddings are all about options that reflect your personalities and style. Here is a list of top picks for non-traditional or unexpected wedding ideas to incorporate into every aspect of your big day. Ceremony Ideas 1) Location – If you don’t host your ceremony in a house of worship or in the same location as your reception, you can get creative with your ceremony location and exchange vows at sunrise on the beach or at sunset from the rooftop of the tallest building in your metropolitan area. Get more ideas for unique ceremony sites. 2) Refreshments – Use the season or your location as an opportunity to greet guests with a refreshing drink. Lemonade and sweet tea will quench your guests’ thirst while gathering in the blazing sun, or serve hot apple cider to warm your guests during chiller months. 3) Grand Entrance – Make your entrance especially grand by being escorted by your pet dog or by arriving on a white horse. 4) Vows and Readings – Not a new concept, but speaking from the heart by writing your own wedding vows or incorporating personalized poems and weddings readings into your ceremony will surely grab the attention of your guests. Flowers & Decor Ideas 5) Color Scheme – Try pairing a few uncommon colors together or featuring varying shades of the same color throughout your space. 6) The Food Pyramid – Fill cylindrical glass vases with fruits and vegetables reflecting your colors. Oranges, lemons, and limes have been done so try a unique, more contemporary look with mangos or coconuts or tie it to the season with texture-rich earthy vegetables like husked corn, acorn squash, or artichokes. 7) Au Natural – Consult Mother Nature for inspiration, and bring the outdoors in. Natural objects like stones, leaves, pinecones, even twigs can add an organic aesthetic to your reception décor. Place in rustic containers or scatter amongst pillar candles for added ambiance. 8) Lighten Up – Floating candles in a shallow bowl adds lighting and elegance to your tabletops. Or arrange multi-level candles on a mosaic of mirrors or tiles and surround them with seashells or flower petals. Placing coffee beans or red hot candies at the bottom of a vase or bowl to hold the candles steady also adds an aromatic effect. 9) Consult your Inner Child – For the kid at heart, fill decorative bowls with your favorite candies – such as jellybeans and M&M’s – in your wedding colors. Find even more inspiring ideas for unique wedding decorations in this complete guide to wedding flowers.Entertainment Ideas 10) Ceremony Music – If “Here Comes the Bride” doesn’t suit your style or personality, choose a song that does. There is no written rule that states you can’t make your grand entrance to a rendition of your favorite Beastie Boys’ song. 11) Non-traditional Instruments – If you desire live music over a DJ, consider tying your musician selection to the theme or location of your event. A beachside bash naturally lends itself to the sound of steel drums, while a trumpet quartet will sound impressive in an elaborate cathedral. 12) Themed Music – Take it one step further and zone in on the music that is indigenous to your wedding location. Guests attending a Mardi Gras-themed event in New Orleans will bask in a cocktail hour of Dixieland jazz. 13) DJ and a Band – Can’t decide which you would rather have? Have both to ensure that all types of music are represented throughout your day to please both your 85-year-old grandmother and your 21-year-old cousin. Photography Ideas 14) Photojournalism More and more brides are leaning toward hiring a photographer who specialized in a photojournalistic style. These photographers shy away from posed shots and aim to capture all of the candid moments that you’ll always want to remember or may have never seen. 15) Creative Shots Hire your photographer to follow you throughout your entire day (leading up to the “Do Not Disturb” sign, of course). While it may make you feel anxious to have someone photograph you as you get ready, these shots will help you to remember the joy and anticipation of every part of your big day. Cake Ideas 16) Minimal Adornments – Some brides believe in the “less is more” adage. A simple cake minimally ornamented can make a bold statement. 17) Square Tiers – Looking for a subtle way to break away from the ordinary? Square tiers make a modern presentation. Whoever said “it’s hip to be square” must have been in the cake business. 18) Cake-free – If cake isn’t your favorite dessert, then don’t feel the need to serve it to your guests. Apple crisp, peach cobbler, pumpkin pie, cupcakes, or even glazed doughnuts are a hit at the dessert table. 19) Sugar-free – The end-of-meal offering doesn’t have to be made of flour and frosting. Think savory instead, and visit your local cheese shop to have them construct wheels of cheese in tiers and stacked to look like traditional wedding cake. Attire Ideas 20) Wardrobe Change – Today’s brides are opting to wear not one dress, but two! Wear an elegant gown while you exchange vows, then slip into something a little more comfortable to round out the evening. 21) Anything but White – A white wedding dress symbolizes innocence and purity, but if that’s not your style, feel free to bring out your colorful personality by adding a splash of color to your attire. You can be as subtle as a colored sash and jewels or as bold as a fuchsia-colored dress. 22) Something Borrowed – Anything retro screams chic these days. So why not consider donning your mother’s vintage gown as a tribute to a family legacy. A few alterations can make it your own. Stationery Ideas – 23) Ethnicity – If your heritage is important for you to represent on your big day, do some research and find a stationer who offers multi-cultural invitations and announcements. 24) Creative Touch – For more intimate, casual gatherings, request the honor of your guests’ presence in an innovative and entertaining way. Here’s an idea – have your invite printed on a balloon so guests have to blow them up to receive the message. 25) Programs – Do something a little different with your programs by including personal photos or by printing them on something that serves a dual purpose – like a fan. 26) Storybook – Get the most bang for your program buck by including stories of how the two of you met, who introduced you, and your relationship to everyone in the bridal party. Think of all the time you’ll save by not having to explain all of this to your husband’s childhood neighbor during the reception! Transportation Ideas 27) Grand Entrance – If the size of your bridal party doesn’t warrant a stretch limousine, consider arriving on horseback, on the back of your husband’s motorcycle, or in the passenger’s seat of your dad’s antique car.

Get even more creative wedding ideas at Elegala.com – Elegant Galas Made Simple

Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete Weddings and Wedding Planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, photo galleries, checklists, and expert advice to walk brides through every step of the wedding planning process.
You can view the complete sitemap to find everything you need to plan your wedding.
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21

12 2009

Glamorous Wedding Hairstyles

Every bride wants to feel beautiful on her Wedding Day. Your wedding hair should reflect the theme of your wedding, as well as your personal style.Having your hair up is the popular choice for the traditional bride. But times are changing and glamorous and a modern wedding hair- down style is sure to make a statement.  The most important thing is to feel comfortable with your wedding hairstyle choice.  If you usually wear your hair down, having you hair up may make you feel uncomfortable on your wedding day.    Alternatively by having you hair up you would be making a glamorous statement. 

Let’s explore the many types of hairstyles brides choose for their wedding day;

Wedding Hair – Ups

Structured and tight wedding hair- ups are still a favourite and tend to suit a low headpiece or tiara and a low placed veil usually under the bun.  Brides are now also choosing unstructured romantic wedding hair ups such as the Grecian style with a side braid or a very loose side bun curled which will add a touch of Hollywood to your day.

Wedding Hair Downs

Wedding hair down styles will generally suit a strapless wedding gown.  Leaving your hair down with a slight wave is youthful and natural.  A more traditional hair down style could be long structured curls which looks elegant and young and suits a headpiece and veil. Perhaps a 1960’s inspired straight style with bee hive is your choice.  This style is elegant and beautiful and traditional goes well with a wedding gown with thin or no straps.

Wedding head pieces and wedding accessories can further reflect the theme of your day. Whether it is a single rose headpiece, a wedding hair band or a tiara, remember that your choice in your wedding hair accessories and head pieces should compliment your wedding hairstyle.

Be inspired by some of these examples of wedding hairstyles. 

For more information visit http://www.nusuevents.com.au

Nariman is an accomplished trainer and entrepreneur.
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19

12 2009

Committing to Love and the Earth: a Guide to Green Weddings

Over the next twelve months, roughly 2.4 million Americans will spend 70 billion dollars (US) getting married. Green and socially responsible weddings can have a huge impact for the better on local economies and ecologies. Here are ten ways to express your commitment to the interconnectedness of life on earth during your wedding day.
1. Eco Engagement Rings and Eco Wedding Rings
It can take up to twenty tons of rock to produce a single wedding ring, yet there is more than enough gold available now for the entire jewelry industry. Some jewelers offer rings that are made from recycled gold. The ethical jeweler who has committed to using recycled gold will more than likely have a selection of conflict free diamonds or other gemstones that are responsibly sourced. Start your search locally, but realize that ethical wedding rings have not reached the mainstream yet and may be difficult to find.
Here are several online ethical jewelers, arranged by price range, for your consideration:
low-mid price range
high price range
Here is a guide to buying green wedding rings.

http://www.articles-collections.com/culture-and-society/consumer/ten-tips-to-purchasing-green-ethically-sourced-wedding-rings-online.html

2. Greening Your Guests
Consider reducing the numbers of people who have to travel for your wedding. This is NOT easy, but then again neither is a commitment to the earth, much less to your spouse-to-be. If you decide to have a larger wedding with many guests coming in from out of town, consider donating some money to an organization that offsets the carbon imprint of the travel.
Here is a wedding carbon dioxide offset calculator:

http://www.terrapass.com/wedding/index.html

Here are some US companies that offset carbon emissions:
TerraPass

http://www.terrapass.com/

Native Energy

http://www.nativeenergy.com/

MyClimate

http://www.myclimate.org/index.php?lang=en

3. Greening Your Invitations
Another reason that reducing your number of guests is significant is that you will also reduce the amount of paper required for printing. There are often save the date announcements, actual invitations, wedding handouts for each guest and then all the thank you letters. Be sure you’re using recycled paper or – if you can – use email as much as possible.
Here are some great sources for recycled paper:
Twisted Limb Paper – 100% Recycled Invitations

http://www.twistedlimbpaper.com/

Invite Site – Eco Invites

http://www.invitesite.com/

Green Field Paper – non-tree paper, 100% recycled paper

http://www.greenfieldpaper.com/

4. Your Green Venue
The marriage should take place somewhere that is beautiful, inspirational and resonant with your green values. Look locally for meeting houses, farms, retreat centers, community gardens, parks or a building that supports a cause you believe in. Further, make the location central to the majority of your guests. If possible, consider having two ceremonies if you have large groups of guests at opposite ends of the country.
If you choose an indoor location, talk with the building managers about the energy efficiency of their facilities. If they are working to meet LEED standards for high-efficency buildings then you’re in good shape. Ideally the place will have outdoor and indoor space, allowing for different weather contingencies. Try to choose your venue as far in advance as possible; the best places book up quickly.
Wilderness Weddings (location suggestions from the Sierra Club)

http://www.sierraclub.org/e-files/weddings.asp

Learn more about LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

http://www.usgbc.org/

5. Your Food and Drink
A wedding is – for the majority of the attendants – a great big party. Buy organic food that is, if possible, locally grown. There are now excellent organic, and often locally produced, wines and beers. Food can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, but this is part of your gifting to the community that witnesses your vows. If you can’t afford an entirely organic menu, then consider going with organic meat, or choose a vegetarian option. Another idea is to ask friends to help prepare the feast.
Local Harvest: Find Organic Food Near You

http://www.localharvest.org/

Green Restaurant Association: search for green restaurants for catering

http://www.dinegreen.com/restaurant_guide.asp?page=search

6. Green Wedding Clothing
To purchase dress that will only be worn on one occasion for the wedding ceremony does not make a lot of sense. Purchase clothing that you will enjoy wearing on special occasions after the wedding. Organic fabrics are still limited, but you can choose to purchase clothing that is not made in a sweat shop. You can also rent your outfit or buy something that was worn by someone else once or twice.
Get Conscious: Hemp Wedding Gowns

http://www.getconscious.com/

Faernyn’s Grove: Green Bridal

http://mycorset.com/bridal.htm

Rawganique: Hemp, Organic Cotton Clothing

http://www.rawganique.com/organic-hemp-wedding-clothes.htm

7. Gifting And Being Gifted
The experience of gifting and being gifted is an integral part of any wedding ceremony. You can decide to make your party favors environmentally responsible products. Look for locally made regional products that visitors from out of town might appreciate. People want to gift the bride and groom. Everyone wants their gift to be appreciated. So it is best to open a Green Gift Registry. Those who feel as if they have everything they need may want to ask that, instead of gifts, money be donated to a particular environmental organization.
I Do Foundation: Charity Registry

http://www.idofoundation.org/

Vivaterra

http://www.vivaterra.com/

Branch: Sustainable Design

http://branchhome.com/

GAIAM

http://www.gaiam.com/

Send Us Off: request donations towards your green honeymoon

http://www.sendusoff.com/ecofriendly.htm

8. Dishes, Recycling and Redistributing
It is more environmentally sound to rent your dishes and glasses instead of simply using disposable paper products. Ask your caterer to use earth friendly soaps when cleaning up. Also, make sure that you have bins for recycling all aluminum and glass products. Look in advance for a food depot or soup kitchen that can take the left over food and distribute it.
Nat-Ur Store: Biodegradable Cups, Cutlery, Garbage Bags

http://w5inter2.hivelocity.net/biocorp/cart/showall.asp

Recycline: Green Table Ware

http://www.recycline.com

Second Harvest: Donate Perishable/Preparred Food

http://www.secondharvest.org/how_to_help/donate_food/perishable_food.html

9. Support Your Local Economy
Purchase locally from small businesses whenever possible. Buy local and organic flowers, which reduces transportation and pesticide impact on the environment. Or consider growing your own! Hire a local band or DJ who does not have to travel far to your venue.
10. Your Green Vows
This is the most important part of your wedding ceremony and it needs to be deeply considered. Spend some months and meditate on what is in your heart and what you can commit to. Write it out. Talk to friends who have been married a while. Include life affirming commitment to living in balance with the ecology. I was married by an Apache Medicine Woman, and she had us publicly state what my wife and I brought to the marriage-our good qualities and our flaws. For my wife and I, this exercise in front of our friends and family was a powerful expression of our humanity. Your vows are also your opportunity to spread the idea of eco-friendly values to your guests.
11. A Green Honeymoon
You will want to go to a place in nature that can restore and inspire you. Many people are familiar with ecotourism, yet know nothing about geotourism. The Geotourists has opportunities to improve the places that they visit and have meaningful experiences of local culture.
Here are some links to sites that offer green honeymoon opportunities:
National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations
www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable
The International Ecotourism Society
www.ecotourism.org
Responsible Travel
www.responsibletravel.com
Travel By Train

http://www.seat61.com/

Green Hotels:
GreenSeal Approved Green Lodging

http://www.greenseal.org/findaproduct/index.cfm#lodging

Green Hotels Members

http://www.greenhotels.com/members.htm

More Green Wedding Resources:
Eco-Friendly Wedding Planning Magazine

http://www.portovert.com/

Ethical Weddings: Forums, Blog

http://www.ethicalweddings.com/

Green Wedding Planner

http://www.greeneleganceweddings.com/index.html

Co-op America: Green Businesses

http://www.coopamerica.org/

Green Confetti

http://www.ecoparti.com/toec.html

Organic Flowers Online

http://www.organicbouquet.com/

In CA: California Organic Flowers

http://www.californiaorganicflowers.com/

Conscious Living Tips

http://www.newdream.org/

Other Green Wedding Guides:
A Green Wedding

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/96/wedding

How To Green Your Wedding

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/04/how-to-green-your-wedding.php

10 Steps to a Green Wedding

http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2007/03/10_steps_to_a_g.html

Guide to a Growing Trend: The “Green” or Ecological Wedding

http://www.americanbridal.com/gutogrtrgore.html

Wedding Industry Stats (2002)
http://www.theknot.com/au_industrystats.shtml

Marc Choyt is President of Reflective Images, an award winning jewelry company, www.celticjewelry.com that sells wedding rings sourced by artisan designers online at www.artisanweddingrings.com. His company produces fair, eco-sourced, fairly trade jewelry. Marc also authors www.fairjewelry.org supporting green, fair trade, socially responsible jewelry practices.
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