Something Old, Something New, Something Barrowed, Something....Green?

Yes, Green.... As in Good for the Environment "Green"

Green Planning a wedding can take a lot out of one's time, energy and pocketbook. Something you may not have considered when choosing the faux flowers, the 4 piece invitation set, and theimported food to feed a couple hundred hungry guests, is the impact your day can have on the earth.

Many Think That Going Green Will Add Stress

to an already busy time in one's life. On the contrary, many of these ideas can actually save you time, money, and effort. Not only are there a wide variety of ways to be environmentallyfriendly while planning a wedding, many are easy to incorpo-rate into an otherwise traditional ceremony.

Start by Talking With Professionals in the Industry

Many companies are already looking at ways to be more envi-ronmentally friendly, and usually willing to make the effort if asked by their clients to do so. A great place to start is to log on to ZWeddings.com, where you will find the most complete list of local wedding service providers in the Treasure Valley. On this site you will find plenty of people aiming to go green, like Susan Angel of Angel and Company, a wedding planner whose slogan is "Creating a Greener World One Occasion at a Time." Susan knows first hand that this is definitely a trend on the rise, and is passionate about giving bride's a chance to put a little "green" back into the world.

Rememebr.... Even the Slightest Efforts Have Lasting Effects

on the Earth, and can make a huge difference in the long run.If every couple getting married each year changed only one thing about their wedding to be eco friendly, think of the impact that might have on the environment. Start small, and beforeyou know it, planning your wedding can actually make the world a better place.

SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN GO...Green

?CLOTHING • Consider renting for both Tuxedo's and Bridesmaid Dresses • Purchase a Vintage Wedding Gown, or consider wearing a gown worn by a close family member(what ever happened to wearing our mother's gowns?) • If buying a new dress, consider buying a gown made from an organic fabric. Honestly...wearing mom's gown isn't very realistic or fashionable.
LOCATION • Choose an outdoor venue to significantly decrease the amount of energy used • Increase alternative lighting sources if an inside venue is a must. Consider using candles (soy of course),or solar lighting which can also add to the romantic atmosphere • Look for locally owned event sites that support your green efforts.
INVITATIONS • If you are truly committed to going green, let your guests know, when you send them an invitation via e mail • Skip all the stuffing and prepping and send a postcard instead (good for the environment, and the
pocketbook cheaper postage.) • Buy Recyclable invitations embedded with seeds that invitees can actually plant and enjoy for seasons to come •Choose invitations made from already recycled materials • Skip the middle man and go directly to a printer that can print your invitations on paper made from up to 100 percent recycled material.

CATERING • Skip the plastics and the papers, and opt for real dishes that can be reused • Find disposables made from biodegradable materials if glass is not an option • Hire acaterer that donates leftover • If food to shelters.
FAVORS/DECOR • Give guests each something to help create a better environment. Some ideas include: An energy saving light bulb, a small tree seedling to plant, a packet of wildflower seeds, orbookmarks made from recycled materials • Use fruits, berries, or twigs for a natural look in your decor.
FLOWERS • Live flowers are the obvious earth friendly choice for their biodegradable nature • If silk flowers are a must, consider donating them to a nursing home or shelter, so they don't end up in the land fill • Fresh herbs can be purchased locally, and will add a fragrant appeal to bouquets, and center pieces.
GIFTS • Consider asking family and friends to donate to a charity in your name if they insist on bringing a gift • Look for eco conscious retailers when considering where to register for gifts • When buying gifts for your attendants, look at buying services like a massage or spa package, re-loadable gift cards for dining or coffee, or organic productssuch as a soy candle or organic handmade soap.
Written by: Bobbi Powell