Planning a Green Wedding : Featured Article in Perfect Wedding Guide
Recently we had the chance to do some ramblings for some articles on Green Weddings, more specifically in Kansas City. Some of the information was featured in the Articles “Planning a Green Wedding” and “10 Simple Green Wedding Ideas” in Perfect Wedding Guide.
I’ve also included our full answers to the questions; some of it was fun info, but not enough room to include all of it in the articles. I know the word “green” is a bit of a buzz word right now, kind of like “photojournalism” is to the photography scene, so wanted to shake out some of the unattainable stigma it can give off. There is even a “blue” category that goes beyond green which is even more hardcore and focuses on an entire lifestyle and the effects on the big picture. But that’s a bit long winded for today’s post. 
Onto the informatives!
Feel free to ask any questions you may have as we’re a pool of knowledge that you’re invited to drink from! Alright, maybe just plastic kiddie pool sized, but still…that’s bigger than a cup of knowledge…
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What is green?
Green considers the full life cycle of a product, the impact of a lifestyle, or processes of a business. A conscious effort is put forth to reduce energy usage and carefully analyze what you have control over, to have the least detrimental impact on the environment and its resources. It doesn’t mean you need to grow out your armpit hair and live in a commune, eating only beets and clovers. It is just a more aware way of going about the every day.
What is a green company? (what is the difference between you and other vendors in your category that are not green)
A green conscious company has made strides to positively change way they operate, what they offer, where they get their products, and the effect they have on the world. Then they modify and adapt this to have the least environmental impact possible. This may be through waste reduction, composition of materials, and the daily practices of the company and employees.
More specifically with our self-mailing invitations, we focus on making them a complete package, without an envelope. They are mailable with just a seal, and many include a tear off and mail back RSVP card. Less waste is the main way they lessen the impact on the environment. (Having online RSVP is also a great way to lessen paper waste.) We also recommend that couples use a post-consumer recylced paper, as well as printing companies that use soy inks and environmentally responsible disposal practices. We don’t have designs with ribbon, buttons, or tissue paper, but instead create eclectic graphics that beg to be held, and hopefully kept!
Some ways we strive to have less of an impact: diligently recycle, our studio is all refurbished furniture, we are vegetarian, and use energy efficient lighting to lower electrical costs and usage. There is a lot we could do differently, though, and are consistently looking for areas to adapt.
How does a bride begin her green wedding planning? (what factors does she need to consider, what type of resources/vendors should she use, where should she find these resources/vendors)
Green weddings can be done fairly simply. Think of what you’re using and if it will be a use and toss kind of item. If so, maybe consider doing something that can be reused. (Like using cloth linens instead of paper napkins or table clothes, real silverware and dishes instead of paper or plastic, and recycled paper and printers that use soy inks whenever possible.) More intimate weddings in places with natural decor are also a great way to have a lovely affair. Little disruption of the surroundings, and less consumption by having 50 close friends-vs. the 400 of everyone you’ve ever met and their cousins.
Also think about center pieces and arrangements beyond cut flowers. Maybe potted arrangements, succulents, coffee beans, etc. that can be reused. Some florists reuse flowers to give out to local businesses as well as recycle their waste, and use reclaimed fabrics and ribbons in their arrangements. (The Vintage Wedding can quite easily be very sustainable, and incredibly unique and beautiful!)
Custom wedding dresses hand made by a local vendor with organic fabric sounds luxurious and expensive, but what if it was cheaper than the cookie cutter dress you saw in a chain? With a little investigating, this can absolutely be done!
A great local resource in Kansas City is the Wedding Hive. Many of their members are very eco-focused and are happy to brainstorm about ecological ideas for your wedding. Eco-blogs are a great resource, not only wedding related, but are also inspiring for your new life together. Your wedding will be a symbol of a new lifestyle; why not have it be a green one!
How do you choose a green wedding vendor? (what questions should she ask?)
More than likely, some vendors will latch on to the buzz word “green”-if they think it’ll make themselves sound fancy. But ask them questions about how they live, how their business operates, the difference between their processes and products vs. the standard. Lots of businesses are already moving towards leaving a light carbon footprint, without really thinking much of it or bragging, while others are getting out the megaphone for their recycling bin.
Do their employees live within walking or biking distance, and do so? Do they personally live a low-impact lifestyle? Are there a lot of large machine operated products they offer, or is it local companies with a more hand-done approach? With food, is it organic, local, and grass fed or whatever they found on sale and in bulk that week? You may find the rose a local grower has is equal to one in South America, however think about the energy used to ship and get it here.
Is there a cost difference in a green wedding vs. a streamline wedding?
Depending on the approach, it can certainly be less expensive to do a green wedding. Gathering local resources vs. imported is most generally always cheaper, but be prepared to spend more for higher quality and reward. Much like a head of iceberg lettuce is cheaper than organic, spring mix lettuce. However the guests, and more importantly you, will experience a difference.
What are the benefits to a green wedding?
Besides the fact that trees will stand taller, water will taste fresher, and more cute forest critters will frolic, your wedding will set a precedent of how your life move forward. Imagine if your event not only entertained, but inspired those closest to you to pursue a more sustainable way of living. Its hard to think of everyday opportunities to impact others in this way.
So Joel got older and I surprised him with an exploration to celebrate. First I surprised him with $6-and told him not to spend it all in one place. This is the price to ride around on the buses, trains, and street cars here in Portland. So we hopped on the MAX light rail and tooled around town. We also stopped into 
