Why a Green Wedding?

Many couples are downsizing their wedding plans in 2009 because of the bad economy. They may be surprised to learn that couples who married with the environment in mind managed to both save and have the wedding of their dreams by following some green principles, such as renting or borrowing whenever possible. Multi-layered invitations? Not a chance, they said. They also saved on (recycled) paper by communicating with guests through a wedding website for everything except the actual invitation and thank you note. Party favors? More optional than ever, unless it is to give money to a cause or charity or it is something guests would actually cherish or use. An expensive one-use wedding gown? These brides opted for second-hand or vintage or a dress that will have a second life on the dance floor. Get the idea? As I explain in “Green Wedding,” while some elements of an environmentally-sound celebration, such as an organic menu, may cost more than the traditional, going green means standing against waste and excess. That translates into savings.