Spring is in the air! There's no better time than spring to plan a gorgeously green wedding. Keep reading for tips and ideas to make your wedding an eco-friendly one.
The Invitations
Bloom Seal and Send Invitations by Botanical Paperworks.
These invites are printed on plantable seed paper, so your guests can plant them and grow their own wildflowers. Plus, they don't need an envelope.
These invites are printed on plantable seed paper, so your guests can plant them and grow their own wildflowers. Plus, they don't need an envelope.
The Flowers
Try local, organically grown and fairly traded flowers. The easiest way to tell if flowers are sustainably grown is to see if they are Veriflora certified. Check with your local florist. Whole Foods also sells Whole Trade® floral bouquets and arrangements, which are sustainably grown and fairly traded.
Succulents are also a big trend now because they don't require lots of water to grow.
Beautiful photo by Abbey Lunt Photography.
Beautiful photo by Abbey Lunt Photography.
This Pinterest board has some other great ideas, including bouquets made of felt, ribbon, lace, paper and even fruit.
Gorgeous photo by jaggerphotography.com.
Gorgeous photo by jaggerphotography.com.
The Ring
When it comes to the ring or any decorative jewelry, try antique. Or maybe your grandmother has been waiting to give you one of her rings. Plus, you can pass down these pieces to your children. But if you are interested in buying something new to call your own, something that fits your style, I've featured some ethically-made and eco-friendly jewelry and rings below.
Etsy is home to tons of great, independent artists who make beautiful custom jewelry and dresses for any occasion. A lot of these artists specify whether or not their wares are eco-friendly and/or vegan. It's a great resource for fun and unique wedding buys. Plus, if you are a crafty kind of person, it might give you lots of cool DIY ideas.
Etsy is home to tons of great, independent artists who make beautiful custom jewelry and dresses for any occasion. A lot of these artists specify whether or not their wares are eco-friendly and/or vegan. It's a great resource for fun and unique wedding buys. Plus, if you are a crafty kind of person, it might give you lots of cool DIY ideas.
The Dress
Obviously, having a green wedding means purchasing ethically-made items. But it also means reducing your footprint by not buying a lot of stuff you don't need. Does a wedding dress fall into this category? Maybe yes and maybe no. Everybody is different. Some ladies would love to buy a new dress in the hopes of passing it down to their daughter or daughter-in-law one day. If that is your plan, there are lots of great options out there. For instance, if you have the budget for a designer dress, check out Adele Wechsler's Eco Couture collection. Or check out some of the dresses I feature below. The four featured are made fairly, one by artisan on Etsy, while the other three are made with organic, eco-friendly materials.
But, maybe you are the kind of person who doesn't really need to buy a new dress because you are only going to wear it once. If you don't mind wearing a pre-loved or gently worn dress, then you should check out preowned wedding dresses. Also, did your mom keep her dress? If it fits your body and style, why not consider wearing your mom's old dress? You can always have it altered. If you are crafty, you can even try making your own dress.
But, maybe you are the kind of person who doesn't really need to buy a new dress because you are only going to wear it once. If you don't mind wearing a pre-loved or gently worn dress, then you should check out preowned wedding dresses. Also, did your mom keep her dress? If it fits your body and style, why not consider wearing your mom's old dress? You can always have it altered. If you are crafty, you can even try making your own dress.
The Looks
Below, for your reading and viewing pleasure, I played around with different wedding themes and created three unique looks: bohemian, classic and retro. The bohemian look, which is pretty trendy right now, features a flowing dress accented by natural colors such as turquoise and soft yellow. The classic look features clean lines and a simple black and white palette. The retro look is more bold with brassy jewelry, sharp edges, and hot pink accessories.
Each look includes a dress, shoes and jewelry for the bride, as well as a complete look for the bridal party. Enjoy!
Each look includes a dress, shoes and jewelry for the bride, as well as a complete look for the bridal party. Enjoy!
#1 - Bohemian Bride
The perfect eco-friendly bohemian dress and it's made locally in Los Angeles too.
Jupiter Dress by The Reformation.
Jupiter Dress by The Reformation.
Honorable Mention...
Handmade lace dress by dongli.
Handmade by an Etsy seller, this dress has a great bohemian look. I love the idea of a long-sleeve lace maxi. It's very simple and elegant.
Handmade by an Etsy seller, this dress has a great bohemian look. I love the idea of a long-sleeve lace maxi. It's very simple and elegant.
Amazonite 14K Gold Ring by ButtercupandCo.
Another fun and unique Etsy ring. Not your typical ring, it will make you stand out in a good way.
Another fun and unique Etsy ring. Not your typical ring, it will make you stand out in a good way.
Hydrangea Flower Braided Headband by Hearts. It's handmade in the USA with upcycled cotton and upcycled burlap fabric.
Or, click here for more wedding headpiece ideas (some DIY ideas, too).
Or, click here for more wedding headpiece ideas (some DIY ideas, too).
Lluvia de Tagua necklace by Organic Tagua Jewelry.
Mohop eco-friendly and vegan interchangeable ribbon tie sandals.
Bohemian Bridal Party
Organic Africa Dolman Sleeve Dress from Global Girlfriend.
Fairly traded from Uganda and made using 100% organic cotton.
Fairly traded from Uganda and made using 100% organic cotton.
Handmade Yellow Organza Flower Bobby Pin Set by BridalLife on Etsy.
Natural Flora Crocheted Coin Purse by Global Girlfriend.
Made by hand using natural cotton. Crocheted by women at Godavari Delta Women's Lace Cooperative of India.
Made by hand using natural cotton. Crocheted by women at Godavari Delta Women's Lace Cooperative of India.
Statement Rose Ring handmade by Etsy seller artemisartdesign.
#2 - Classic Bride
Eco-Couture Audrey Hemp Wedding Dress from Rawganique.
Made in Europe from organically grown European hemp.
Made in Europe from organically grown European hemp.
Venus Band by Do Amore.
I am very excited about these rings by Do Amore, in particular. Not only are they made with recycled precious metals and conflict-free diamonds, but they are also charitable. Do Amore (get it?) partners with clean-water projects to fund clean water in developing areas.
They also come with free custom engravings. :)
I am very excited about these rings by Do Amore, in particular. Not only are they made with recycled precious metals and conflict-free diamonds, but they are also charitable. Do Amore (get it?) partners with clean-water projects to fund clean water in developing areas.
They also come with free custom engravings. :)
Wedding headband by BeLovedWedding.
Handmade by an Etsy seller.
Handmade by an Etsy seller.
Classic Bridal Party
Criss Cross Dress by Synergy Organic Clothing.
Organic Hemp Flax Linen Shawl made with certified organic hemp.
Statement Rose Ring by artemisartdesign.
#3 - Retro Bride
This ring is especially lovely: Sterling Silver Engagement Sweetheart Ring with Created Ruby by diggersgoldjewelry.
Ring is made with reclaimed silver.
Toffee Apple II Beige Vegan Wedges by Mel.
Made from vegan, non-toxic organic polymer which makes these shoes super-comfy and waterproof.
Made from vegan, non-toxic organic polymer which makes these shoes super-comfy and waterproof.
Retro Bridal Party
Organic Cotton Striped Halter Dress by Synergy Organic Clothing.
Arrayan Bracelet by Palma Collection.
Made from environmentally friendly and non toxic materials.
Made from environmentally friendly and non toxic materials.
The Makeup
Orglamix Summer Solstice Collection.
A great neutral collection to flatter any look/complexion.
A great neutral collection to flatter any look/complexion.
New water-resistant (for those tears of joy) Black natural mineral mascara from Pacifica.
This brand is often sold in Whole Foods and other natural food stores.
This brand is often sold in Whole Foods and other natural food stores.
ZuZu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner in Raven.
Also water resistant, safe and non irritating. This brand is also carried at many Whole Foods stores.
Also water resistant, safe and non irritating. This brand is also carried at many Whole Foods stores.
Gabriel Lipstick in Sheer Pink.
The essential pink shade to compliment any look. Also carried at most Whole Foods.
The essential pink shade to compliment any look. Also carried at most Whole Foods.
No Miss Vegan Nail Polish.
Matching nails for you and your bridal party (plus these polishes are vegan and don't have harsh chemicals). You can find these at Whole Foods and Sprouts stores.
Matching nails for you and your bridal party (plus these polishes are vegan and don't have harsh chemicals). You can find these at Whole Foods and Sprouts stores.
The Reception
Keep scrolling for the perfect green wedding reception ideas including: eco-friendly favors, tableware, menu ideas and decor.
The Wedding Favors
These beautiful, handmade soaps support a good cause. Wash Away My Cancer was started by a woman trying to pay her medical bills after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. All her soaps are made by her using 100% natural ingredients (note: they are not vegan as they use goat's milk and buttermilk).
This Oatmeal, Buttermilk and Honey soap makes the perfect favor for your wedding guests.
Ingredients: Shea butter soap, Oatmeal, Buttermilk, Honey and Vanilla essential oil.
This Oatmeal, Buttermilk and Honey soap makes the perfect favor for your wedding guests.
Ingredients: Shea butter soap, Oatmeal, Buttermilk, Honey and Vanilla essential oil.
Personalized Mini Mason Jars from Eco Party Time.
Organic Chocolate Hearts by Equal Exchange.
Plantable Heart Confetti Favors by Botanical Paperworks.
The Guestbook
Wedding Journal by ecojot. Take notes and write things down. This journal is a cute and easy way for you to remember all the precious details of your special day.
Twisted Limb recycled paper Guest Book (with plenty of different color and design options).
Great way for you to remember the guests who made your day all the more special.
Great way for you to remember the guests who made your day all the more special.
The Decor
"Please Be Seeded" Heart Plantable Seed Place Cards from Party Favors by Design.
More plantable favors for your guests!
More plantable favors for your guests!
Eco-friendly Paper Straws with red heart print.
Mason Jar with Handle and lid from Green Party Goods.
Recycled Luncheon Napkin from Green Party Goods.
Here are some really fun Heart Shaped Palm Plates by Green Planet Parties.
Paper Tablecover Berry from Green Party Goods.
Heart Garland decoration by Green Planet Parties.
The Menu
Offer your guests a small menu featuring organic and/or local items. I love this sample menu posted from a real wedding on Rustic Wedding Chic.
Click here for other great eco-friendly menu ideas from Perfect Wedding Guide.
Click here for other great eco-friendly menu ideas from Perfect Wedding Guide.
Cupcake Stand Square by Green Party Goods.
Cupcakes are big right now for a good reason. They're easy and no fuss. Plus they don't require utensils to eat and guests don't have to wait for you to cut the cake!
Cupcakes are big right now for a good reason. They're easy and no fuss. Plus they don't require utensils to eat and guests don't have to wait for you to cut the cake!
The Thank Yous
Lovebirds Boxed Thank You Notes by Ecojot.
Let your guests know how much you appreciate their well-wishes with these thank you cards- they are printed with vegetable based ink and 100% recycled on acid & chlorine free paper.
Let your guests know how much you appreciate their well-wishes with these thank you cards- they are printed with vegetable based ink and 100% recycled on acid & chlorine free paper.
Are you planning your nuptials soon? Will you go green? What do you think of these ideas?
-S&P
-S&P