Earth Day. Founded in 1970, Earth Day is keeping this green planet–well, green, for generations to come. When marrying the person you love its important to show the Earth a little love as well. We’ve gathered some great ways to reduce the foot print of your nuptials!
Choose a site that can:
Benefit from your event; such as Munsinger Clemens Gardens. The money used for the rentals of the gardens goes back into the upkeep of the gardens, which is run by an all-volunteer organization. Gardens help with soil erosion and improve air quality while providing beautiful scenery for us to enjoy. If you are thinking of having your wedding at this beautiful Central Minnesota icon make sure you contact them and discus their terms and conditions for having a ceremony there, respecting these terms keeps the gardens pristine for everyone to enjoy.
Show off the beauty of the environment. Leah and Joshua’s wedding at Glacial Ridge Winery was a perfect example of this. Using a vineyard adds a naturally romantic feel to your wedding day.
Brio Art Photography
Reduce and Reuse
Brio Art Photography
Simplify your event to save money and save resources. Reuse rental equipment from our many talented rental providers and feel good about the reuse of materials instead of supporting mass production by purchasing. Katelyn & Thomas reused all of their decor from Geyer Rental.
Rent a tent! Brianna and Mike had a beautiful tented reception. By using a tent you are reducing the use of energy in lighting and air conditioning that you would use if you choose to keep your wedding indoors. Stay outside with the simplicity of a tent to keep your wedding natural and consider candles for lighting resources rather then an electrical source.
YuppyPhoto
Decorate with sustainable materials
Bamboo is a great option for centerpieces and chargers! Bamboo can grow up to two feet per day, making it one of the most sustainable materials on this planet.
Recycle Decor
Shelley Paulson Photography
Plan for floral items that you can reuse from ceremony site to reception site. Save money and waste less by donating the arrangements to friends and family or nursing homes and hospitals. Check with your expert florist about which native flowers are in season when you’ll be wed. If your ambitious, plant your own flowers ahead of time that will be ready for harvest at the time of your wedding like Ann & Chris did with their backyard nuptials.
Eco-Friendly Rings
More and more jewelers are using recycled gold and fair-labor gemstones. To make sure you are not purchasing a “blood diamond” ask your jeweler about the history of the stone. You can also have J.F. Kruse Jewelers re-work your old jewelry into a new piece. Check out local gem queen Ann Manning for unique designs to complete your wedding day style!
Arrive in Earth Friendly Style
Tim Larsen Photography
This tandem bicycle is an adorable way to make an entrance! We used it for our Boho Brides editorial and had so much fun.
YuppyPhoto
Sonja and Christopher are featured in the S/S ’15 issue. They made an earth friendly exit to remember with a horse drawn carriage at Blackberry Ridge!
Janelle Elise Photography
Life is but a dream in this row boat! Having a lakeside wedding? Guests will love this buoyant entrance like Katie & Westin’s wedding at Craguns in Brainerd, MN. Not only is it Eco-friendly it makes for an amazing photo opportunity.
Use Local Vendors
Keep transportation and gas use low and support your local economy by using local vendors. Check out our Find Vendors page for everything you need for planning your day! This is a win-win for your immediate community and the planet as a whole.
Go Digital
Most photographers are all digital these days, but it doesn’t hurt to double check. Digital photos don’t use harsh chemicals, wasted paper and rolls of film that film photography does. Opt for a photographer that has a digital purchasing option. Need a great place to start? All of our talented photographers listed use digital format.
An Eco-Registry
OK, we get that you are newly wed and you need…stuff to fill your newly wedded home. Why not opt for one green registry to keep things fresh? There are some great Minnesota local Eco-friendly shops you can find great things at like Our Green Home.
Need more ideas? Follow us on Facebook, twitter and instagram @centralmnbrides for more eco-friendly ideas! #centralmnbrides with your green planning ideas!
