Keeping It Green
What could be more beautiful or natural than an outdoor wedding reception? With mother-nature as your backdrop, a mountain, beach or garden setting can make for stunning scenery when you say “I do.” Many eco-conscious couples are naturalists at heart, so an outdoor ceremony seems only fitting. However, outdoor events always require some extra planning, and often, extra resources (think about bringing in chairs, tables, electrical equipment for band/dj, caterers needs, etc). So what starts out as a natural event, can quickly become anything but green. If you think an outdoor reception is your style, check out these helpful hints for planning an eco-friendly outdoor wedding.
What makes a venue “green”?
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of getting married at your family home. All the wonderful memories of your childhood combined with a beautiful but casual backyard setting can make for a dream wedding. You’re envisioning “Father of the Bride,” right? Outdoor weddings use less energy for things such as lighting and air conditioning. But after you bring in the necessary equipment for food, seating and entertainment, would you consider it green? Most often it will cost more as well. Think about alternative outdoor locations such as local gardens, historic homes or vineyards. These locations are adept at hosting weddings and will often have all the equipment needed or have relationships with vendors who can provide you with a competitive price. Consider a location that allows you to have your ceremony outside and your reception in. That way you can enjoy the best of both worlds, the natural setting you love and the convenience and comforts of an indoor reception. If you chose a non-traditional setting such as a park or personal residence make sure to check rules on smoking, drinking, noise, crowds and parking. You may need to secure permits. Whatever location you chose, make sure to keep in mind the three R’s when planning the details: how to reduce your consumption, reuse resources and recycle waste that is generated.
Photo via: affordableutahweddings.com
Catering
Will the venue you choose provide the food? Or will you hire your own caterer? Many outdoor locations will require you to make your own arrangements for food. Will you be serving an organic menu? Locally grown organic foods are fresher, pesticide-free and less fuel is burned transporting them. Lighter fare and organic menus are a natural fit for outdoor receptions, especially if it the tempertature is warm. Serve organic wine and spirits as well. Check out this article for more tips on planning a green wedding menu, as well as this article on fresh, organic cocktails. Organic Blueberry Mojito, anyone?
Photo via: Back To Earth Catering
Recycling
Setting up recycling bins may take a bit of planning, but it is well worth the effort. When scouting outdoor venues, ask if they can coordinate the recycling effort. Whether your reception is held at home, at a park or at a more traditional site, make sure that recycling bins will be placed next to all trash recepticles. Also, don’t let leftover food or flowers go to waste. Make sure to-go boxes are handy, and send leftover food home with friends and family, or donate to those in need. Designate a close friend (or wedding planner) to be in charge of giving away flowers and/or other decorations. Same goes for leftover wedding favors. Check out this article for more ideas about recycling and reinventing leftover wedding supplies.
Transportation
Is your transportation eco-friendly? You’ve already taken one step in the green direction if you’ve chosen to host your wedding and reception at the same location. It’s simple, the more guests driving to and from your wedding means the more carbon dioxide released in to the atmosphere. For an eco-friendly wedding, you want to reduce the amount of driving that your guests have to do. If you’ve decided on a beautiful (but remote) mountaintop (or beach, or farm) location, you may consider renting a bus to shuttle guests to and from one centralized location. Or simply suggest, either on your invitation or wedding website, that guests make arrangements to carpool.
Photo via: the Daily Green
Expect the unexpected
Outdoor weddings can be incredibly beautiful. And, incredibly unpredictable. So, if you are planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, make sure you have a back up plan. Even if wind and rain are not in the forecast the week before, you never know what the weather might be once your big day arrives. Don’t let all your hard work and planning be ruined by an unexpected thunderstorm. I highly recommend either securing tents or choosing a venue that offers outdoor as well as indoor space. Even if the weather is dry, wind can be a factor. Make sure centerpieces are weighted and tablecloths are secured. Help your guests stay comfortable as well. Help them cool off when the mercury is rising by renting fans or providing hand held paper fans (cute wedding favor!). Seat guests with their backs to the sun, and make sure to provide plenty of cool drinks, including water. Provide bug spray (look for all natural eco-friendly repellants) and citronella candles to ward off pesky insects. Take care of all the little details and the “what ifs” before your wedding day. Then let mother nature take center stage as you celebrate your marriage with family and friends.
