Think globally, act locally, not just a catchy slogan my friend. As a modern bride you have nearly unlimited opportunities to make your wedding “green” or organic. From eco friendly invitations to fair trade flowers and organic food, and simply buying locally, you can make your wedding virtually carbon footprint free. And its all super easy, beautiful, and often times a little more budget friendly!
**Green Greenery**
Stacey of Blooming Earth Flowers, based in Knoxville, TN, offers organic locally grown flowers that are stunning. Buy buying organic flowers locally you reduce the need for expensive off season growing practices, cross country shipping and earth harmful pesticides, all while supporting the local economy and saving yourself a few dollars. And Stacey at Blooming Earth grows all her flowers and has an eye for beautifully creative arrangements! Here is a picture of some of her work.
**Reduce, Reuse, Recycle**
Another great way to green up your wedding is to purchase items made out of at least partially recycled materials. There is a vast array of recycled products available to brides. Invitations, programs, guest books, thank you cards, flatware, and party favors can all be made from recycled materials. Check out this great article here with links of where to buy:)
**fair food**
Local and fair trade food is generally fresher, tastier, and you have a much better chance of it being organic. Plus, ordering locally grown food establishes a new supply and demand chain and eliminates cross country shipping and unfair labor practices. Won’t you feel better knowing your guests are dining on fresh delicious local East Tennessee fair rather than beef and fish from who knows where? The local farmers market is a great way to find caterers and places that can accommodate your wedding. Luxe Catering is a great local Knoxville place!
**giving while getting**
For the couple who wants to give something back there is a fabulous organization called The I Do Foundation. The I Do Foundation allows couples who register at most mainstream stores through their website do donate a percentage of each gift bought to a charity of their choice. While not strictly “green” couples who register for gifts through the I Do Foundation are doing a great service for their neighbors all over the world.
Once the wedding is over you or your bridesmaids might consider donating your dress to Brides Against Breast Cancer. You simply go to their website and print off the donation form and include it when you mail your dress to them. They then sell the dresses at discounted prices and the proceeds go to fight breast cancer and breast cancer awareness. The best part is it’s all tax deductible!
**this ends the wedding week! I hope you all enjoyed and learned some good resources to use for your wedding! **
