Planning a Green Gay Wedding

Green Weddings

Planning a green or organic wedding need not be a sacrifice or a compromise of your fabulous gay wedding vision. It's actually quite easy to be green. Here are a few tips:

Clothing

Hemp wedding gowns used to be hideous – but now there are actually many stylish options. Check out this site for some ideas for your gown and bridesmaids dresses. Consider a wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses than can be worn again. Consider repurposing a mom’s wedding dress.

Venue

There are many hotels and other venues in the Greater Boston area that are energy-ecient, use

environmentally friendly products, have comprehensive recycling programs and minimize water, waste and toxins. Other spaces charge a rental fee that support efforts to preserve beautiful places.

Invitations and Stationary

Eco-friendly invitations exist – partially-recycled paper is fairly easy to nd and it's even possible to order paper that's plantable with embedded seeds. Minimize the use of stationary by eliminating save the date cards, ceremony programs and place cards.

Food and Drink

Beyond the obvious – organic food, cake, beer and wine – you can simply consider local ingredients. Massachusetts has many local farms that supply the nest restaurants and caterers, and locally grown food always tastes better. There are several local cake bakeries that will use only organic ingredients.

Décor

Organic owers can be tricky to nd but locally grown owers are great, too. Use owers that are in season that do not need to be transported from around the world (orchids are extremely popular but come to us from Asia, for example). Ask if your orist will rent vases or if they have any made from recycled glass. Also consider table linens made of organic cotton, silk or recycled materials. Use beeswax or soy candles instead of the standard petroleum variety. Skip favors for guests – they won't even notice – or, better yet, instead make a donation on behalf of each to a local nonprofit organization and indicate so with a card at each table. If you do want to leave a favor, consider tulip bulbs, saplings, organic chocolate or another sustainable option.

Transportation

Cut down on transportation costs and its environmental impact by having your ceremony and reception at the same location, or within an easy walk.

Photo by Infinity Portrait Design