Green Weddings Start To Take Root

It wasn’t too long ago that when someone said they were having a ‘green wedding,’ one would have thought there was going to be an Irish theme or a celebration of Eagles’ football. Weddings going ‘green’ are not being held on a golf course, either.
The interest in green weddings has been increasing over the past four to five years and is an offshoot of the rapidly spreading notion of eco-friendly behaviors, where the goal is “reduce, reuse, recycle.”
Eliminating excess and thinking environmentally, when planning a wed-ding, may even be a cost saver.
Elizabeth Knox, director of Catering at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia is very eco-conscious and a dedicated member of the hotel’s “Green Team.”
In an effort for a bride and groom to have a more eco-friendly wed-ding, Knox has the following suggestions:
Utilize post-consumer recycled paper for the invitations and envelopes. A calligrapher is most eco-friendly but if one prefers to print, using soy-based ink eliminates harmful chemicals.
For ancillary wedding events like the engagement party, shower, re-hearsal dinner, send e-vites instead of printed invitations.
Select a venue for the reception that is commit-ted to sustainability. Look for locations that recycle and compost all the waste from the event. (The Four Seasons Hotel is a leader in this regard.)
Choose a menu that is local and seasonal to diminish the carbon foot-print from foods being flown in from all over the world. Ask the chefs to purchase organic items when possible.
Additionally, there are some wonderful organic and/or biodynamic wines from which you can choose to minimize chemicals. And choose sustainable fish. Chilean sea bass, a favorite menu item is no longer offered at the hotel because of concerns of overfishing.
For flowers, request organic blooms when possible. Just like the food, choose flowers that are locally grown and in season. Utilize potted flowers and plants that can be re-gifted and/or re-planted.
Following the event, delegate someone to take remaining flowers to local hospitals or nursing homes. Any additional flowers that are not donated should be com-posted.
If using candles in the ceremony or reception, consider using soy candles, a renewable re-source.
Bridesmaid dresses can be rented to save money and resources. If this does not appeal to you, consider donating the gowns following the event including the wedding dress.
In lieu of favors, pur-chasing carbon offsets for your guests makes a green statement. There are recommended amounts to compensate for air travel, events and even cell phone use.
If you feel you must buy something as a favor, consider donating to a worthy organization on behalf of your guests or planting trees in their honor. Or treat your guests to something they will use again. Perhaps a specialty bottle of wine with a label designed for the special day or something as simple as a pack of seeds that also serve as seating cards.
There are plenty of Web sites that offer ‘green’ ideas and prac-tical ideas for reducing, re-using, and recycling to help make your wedding a beautiful green.
(Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia is a leader in environmentally responsible practices.)