Sunday, August 28, 2011

Lets Go Green

Eco Brides

A beautiful wedding dress need not mean expensive wedding dress.  Of course every bride wants to look stunning and find that perfect dress .

There are some really great options for the creative eco friendly bride, maybe you have a family heirloom that you could wear?  Hire a beautiful  wedding dress or buy a nearly new dress, let’s face it most dresses are only worn the once so there are great bargains to be had.  The other option is to find a good dressmaker who can either make your own perfect dress or look for something vintage.  
Hemp Dress created from a previously used dresses and silk ruffle

Look out for dresses made from organic cotton

Some brides have issues with “conflict free” jewellery, so it’s always best to check with the jeweller of the origin of gems, diamonds and gold to ensure they have been ethically sourced .  A factor that I am sure a lot of brides do not even think about.  Again why not consider purchasing from an antique jewellery store or see if there is a family heirloom that could be adjusted.
Another great option is to have your own piece designed and created.
A couple that I know used the gold from a family piece of jewellery and took part in a workshop to have new rings made, check out the link below:
If you are concerned about leather shoes, look for shoes that have been made under fair trade conditions. Maybe consider some that can be dyed at a later date which means they can be reused.
For veils or hairpieces again, why not check out websites and stores for vintage or if you are feeling creative have a go at making your own.
Flowers
Look for a florist who uses local seasonal flowers or consider silk flowers as an alternative, these will last as a reminder of your special day.
Stationary
When looking for stationary consider invitations using recycled card.


Getting to the venue
How about on two wheels

Venues & Catering
 Choices vary from woodland, barn, Tipi weddings.



For a Tipi Wedding in North Yorkshire check out
Outdoor ceremonies are very popular, couples in England are not allowed to legally marry unless the location it holds a special licence for civil ceremonies, but as an alternative you can hold your legal marriage ceremony at a local registry office and then have a celebrant such as One Life Ceremonies conduct a more personal ceremony at the location of your choice.
More and more venues and caterers are environmentally aware nowadays. Check out if the menus they offer are made up from locally sourced and organic foods and don’t forget the vegetarian options.
When looking for a wedding cake, don’t forget to ask if they use organic, fair trade ingredients and free range eggs.
When it comes to favours look for ones that are made from recycled or natural ingredients, check out my favourite ideas for inspiration