"Going green" is definitely the buzz phrase this year, but in my opinion, it's the only direction we should be going in! Many people are successful in their everyday lives with reducing, re-using, and recycling. But what about planning a wedding? Our efforts to limit our waste seems to fly out the window! And it's not necessarily because we don't want to plan a greener wedding... but because it's hard to know which vendors practice sustainable business practices and use green materials.
How does Jena Murray Photography practice with a green head on her shoulders? There's always room for more improvement, but so far our practices include the recycling and reuse of paper and shipping materials; the use of local resources for printing, collateral and business supplies; business collateral printed on chipboard and with soy-based inks; photographic printing in-house, using archival pigment based inks; and offering a "paperless" proof option. Also our signature albums are handmade by a local bookbinder, so we don't pay extra for shipping across the country and we're supporting another local business.
Here's a couple of websites to get those green juices flowing when it comes down to planning your wedding...
Encore Bridal is a high-end consignment/resale eBoutique born on the premise that quality, design, and service shouldn't be sacrificed for price. They sell new, sample, and nearly-new couture wedding dresses and bridal accessories at unexpectedly affordable prices. I love the idea of being able to purchase a nearly-new bridal gown on consignment from a recent bride. Encore Bridal also donates a portion of their profits from every sale to charities that support cervical cancer research and education - how cool is that!
Although we all like to think our bridesmaid's all wear their dresses again after the wedding, here's an alternative to present before it ends up in the back of their closet - Cinderella's Trunk is an organization that donates formal and semi-formal wear to young people who would otherwise be unable to attend such events as prom and school dances, weddings, and other formal events due to financial constraints.
The I Do Foundation links engaged couples with a host of charitable giving options at their wedding.
Did you know you can donate un-used food from your reception to a homeless shelter or food kitchen in your local area? Learn more about how to fight hunger problems in your town - Visit America's Second Harvest
Finally, my favorite book for planning a wedding with a green conscious - Eco-Chic Weddings, by Emily Anderson. Not only will you love her book, you won't be able to get enough of her blog... I have to admit, I read it at least once a week!
