by Sharon Auld

Today I wanted to share an article that I wrote that was published in the Fall + Winter 2012, Calgary Bridal Guide. The Calgary Bridal Guide is an amazing resource for Calgary and area brides and is chalk full of inspiration, ideas and information on local wedding professionals. If you are getting married, pick up a copy at Chapters/Indigo today and you will be so happy you did! You can also check out the Calgary Bride website for more great information.

The article I wanted to share with you is: Shades of Green; Anyone Can Have a Beautiful Eco-Friendly Wedding! We really believe that anyone can have an amazing, eco-chic wedding by incorporating some of the tips found in this article!

An eco-friendly wedding is any wedding where the couple tries to minimize its impact on the planet, and there are many ways to do this without sacrificing style or elegance. Eco-chic weddings can be every bit as beautiful as conventional weddings but without all the waste. Incorporating earth-friendly choices into your wedding doesn’t have to be difficult.

Every year, millions of weddings produce tons of waste. As an engaged couple, you’ll make many decisions while planning your wedding and almost every aspect of a wedding is an opportunity to consider an eco-friendly option. Whether you want to incorporate only one earth-friendly option or completely offset your carbon footprint, anyone can have a green wedding. There are many shades of green!

Having a green wedding can be as simple as making good consumer choices and supporting your local economy. When choosing a venue look for one that has environmentally friendly practices that meet your values. Whether you are hiring a photographer, videographer or wedding planner, make sure their values and practices are a good fit with yours.

With wedding stationery, consider skipping the save-the-dates or invitations altogether. Send e-vites instead. If you do send a physical card, work with a company that makes beautiful, sustainable products. Have your guests call or email you their reply. Set up a wedding website where guests can find wedding itinerary and relevant information.

Eco-friendly mountain wedding by Naturally Chic; photo by Naturally Chic

If you’re in a beautiful natural setting, highlight it. If your ceremony is set against a beautiful mountain backdrop, you won’t require much decor to make it beautiful. Consider incorporating natural elements into your decor such as twigs, pinecones, moss and other greenery. Rent instead of purchase decor items that you’ll use only once.

When it comes to attire, consider clothing for the groom that can be worn after the wedding. A rented suit is another option. The bride could donate her dress to charity after the wedding or sell on EBay for someone else to enjoy. Choose jewelry made from gems or stones and only purchase conflict free diamonds. Wood wedding bands are a super chic option!

With wedding gifts, consider registering with companies that provide green and sustainable gift items. Support local artisans that make unique or one-of-a-kind jewelry, woodworking and art for bridal party gifts. Have meaningful or useful favors that will actually be used and enjoyed. Edible favors are almost never left behind! Or, select a meaningful charity and make a donation in your guests’ name.

Whatever you decide for your wedding, make choices that are right for you as a couple. Remember every green choice makes a difference. If every couple made even one green choice, it would have an amazing, positive impact on the environment!

For more Eco-Friendly wedding tips you can download our Green Wedding Guide on our Naturally Chic website.

Happy Planning!