Green Goddess
Well, hello, bride to be. Chances are that the very second that you’re perusing this page, your mind is racing with endless to-do’s and a cacophony of opinions on everything from flowers and cake to the getaway car.
Well, sweet thing, chill for just a minute. Close your eyes and picture this: Front row of the church … a perfect trinity of Mother of the Bride (MOB), Mother of the Groom (MOG) and dear ol’ Mother Earth (ME) looking serenely, proudly and lovingly upon your brand new union blossoming before their very eyes.
I know what you’re thinking: There’s no way on God’s green earth that my mother and his mother will be serene about anything until they’re holding their first grandchild. You, bridal columnist, must be insane!
OK, I’ll take that, but insanity aside, you can’t forget about the ultimate Green Goddess herself. You know it’s true. An eco-friendly wedding is not only practical for the future of the planet, but it’s also a positive way to start your new lives together. Go forth with good karma, and start creating a green wedding that is beautiful and healthy for everyone, including your own children and grandchildren to come.
Contrary to popular belief, your options aren’t limited to grass rings and shapeless hemp dresses. Rather, with a plethora of companies and vendors jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon, your options are nearly as plentiful as the more traditional choices.
Let’s start with the rings! If you saw the movie Blood Diamond, you’re probably aware that the simple act of producing one diamond engagement ring can result in a mountain of waste — of natural resources and human life. So, do your homework. Find out where your rings come from and what that company’s diamond cultivating process involves. Also, consider an alternative to a traditional wedding and engagement ring. Chicago Joinery (chicagojoinery.com), Leber Jeweler (leberjeweler.com) and Green Karat (greenkarat.com) are just a few of the companies specializing in the use of reclaimed sources while adhering to fair trade practices. Google “green wedding jewelry” for more resources and ideas.
Next, let’s talk dresses. Start simple. Look for previously worn gowns. This can be within your family or circle of friends or through websites like Ebay (ebay.com) and Brides Against Breast Cancer (bridesagainstbreastcancer.org), where 20 percent of the proceeds from one gown goes directly to cancer research and prevention. However, if your heart is set on something new, consider a dress made of organic materials. Companies like Conscious Clothing (getconscious.com) and Threadhead Creations (threadheadcreations.com) are committed to both style and the earth, and their dresses are gorgeous! Winners all around.
Aside from the rings and the dress, the other elements of your wedding can also be environmentally sound. For your food and flowers, go local. You’ll support your community of food growers and producers and cut down on unfair labor practices and increased fuel expenditures involved with shipping.
Invitations? Recycled paper and ink all the way! Its 2008, ladies. Recycled paper has come a long way in terms of its appearance, texture and options. You’ll have no problem finding a green selection from your local stationer or an online provider.
Think outside the box and organize some pre-wedding activities that will leave a positive footprint on the earth. Take your bridesmaids for a day of clean up at a local park and end with drinks and a cook out. Plant a special tree with your husband-to-be that symbolizes your love. Not only will you be giving something back to the earth, but you’ll have a tangible symbol of your love for a lifetime.
Finally, select a wedding location that requires minimal travel for all. This cuts down on fuel emissions and overall cost.
The process of planning a green wedding is as simple as living a green life. It starts with your desire to do something good and healthy for yourself and generations to come, and it hinges on your resolve to be aware and committed to responsible choices.
And when things get tense between MOB and MOG, you can go into your own quiet place and know that ME is happy, proud and serenely looking down at yet another beautiful, green bride.
