Greener WeddingsSimplified

Presented byLiving Eco-Wise, LLC

6/13/2009

Ace Hotel and Swim ClubPalm Springs, CA

Why green weddings?

• Research by the Live Green, Live Smart Institute ® shows a traditional North American wedding will generate an average of 50 to 200 tons of CO2 per event, depending on the size of the event.

• That is an amount of CO2 equal to what is produced over 2 years to 9 years by a family of 4.

• The average wedding will waste up to 38% of the food and beverages served and send to a landfill up to one-third metric tons of solid waste.

• Couples that start their relationship with low-impact, green weddings are making a social and moral commitment to stay green for the long-term.

” People in the wedding business say the eco-friendly or “green” wedding has arrived ” NY Times, 2/11/2007, How Green Was My Wedding

Who is this “green” market?

and… Why do they matter?

They’re diverse

They’re loyal, and they will promote you!!

Greening the Event

INVITES• An announcement or

invitation can set the tone for the environmentally friendly wedding.

• Options include 100% recycled, partially recycled, or completely tree-free papers from wedding invitation suppliers. You can even make your own paper.

• Many brides today are communicating electronically and creating a unique personal wedding. Make a website(wix.com) or use Evite.

FLOWERS & DECOR• Flowers – use organic

and locally available flowers. Try recycling the bridesmaids’ flowers into center pieces.

• Use alternatives to floral centerpieces according to a theme.

WEDDING MENU-FOOD…

Serve organic food

• In its simplest definition, organic food is prepared without the use of

environmentally harmful pesticides and chemical additives.

• Free range meat and chicken, prepared without chemical growth hormones, are also a staple of the

organic menu.

• Find a caterer or restaurant that prepares organic food in an ecological manner and has leftovers taken to be

composted.

• Find local vendors, check Farmer’s Markets and community gardens

..AND DRINK• Recycle the bar empties • Empty glass and plastic

bottles and aluminum cans can quickly pile up during larger receptions.

• Do an organic wine bar. Consider hiring a sommelier who can educate your guests on organic wines from various regions.

ATTIRE

• BRIDES and Bridesmaids

• Repurposed prom dresses

• Rental• Pre-owned• Vintage• Theme

ATTIREGROOMS

• Rental• Vintage• Theme• Non-tux options

GIFTING• donations to a cause• Sustainability gift

registries

FAVORSThings That Grow.

• Wildflower seed packets• Flower bulbs• Tree seedlings• Potted plants/flowers• Lucky bamboo

VENUES/THEMES

VENUES

• ACE• Desert Adventures• RimRock Ranch

Cabins• Rosa Muerta• Joshua Tree• Integratron

WITH THIS RING…

• Recycle gold and/or diamonds into new rings

• Buy from a local artisan

• Choose semi-precious stones or no stones

Guest Greening

ENCOURAGE GUESTS TO:

• Bring their own toiletries or soap from home.

• Purchase carbon offsets for travel.

• Confirm guest attendance to cut down on wasted food.

•Use the recycling containers at the reception

•Donate unused amenities if possible.

Stories

• Etsy.com - Etsy :: The Storque :: This Handmade Life :: From Seedling to Sachet: Growing Your Own Wedding

• {Eco-Chic Weddings} by Emily Anderson

• How Green Was My Wedding - New York Times

WRAP IT UP

Connect locally• Sustainability partners

Green Event/Wedding PlannersEco-consultantsGreen Networking GroupsCompostingOrganic and eco-conscious caterersVenues/Hotels