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Eco weddings - they don't have to cost the earth

Published: 01 Dec 2010 - in organising and planning
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Tying the knot in an environmentally-friendly wedding is a nice way to celebrate, after all, who doesn't want to help the planet and recycle when we can?

Plus, as the Korea Herald reports, the average wedding generate 14.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide from food waste, transportation and the honeymoon.

But like organic food and the freshest, finest ingredients, it can be expensive to walk down the aisle while reducing your carbon footprint and going as sustainable as possible.

Luckily, for those of you on a budget who still want to make mother nature proud, one expert has offered some handy hints that will ensure your green wedding is beautiful but budget-friendly as well.

In an article posted on ExpertClick, Sheryl Woodhouse-Keese of Twisted Limb Paperworks explained that although the wealth of available options can be "overwhelming", some careful planning will keep costs low and everything running smoothly.

While the temptation may be to go wild with fancy invitations, decorations and flowers, the expert says it is easy to be kind to the earth and still make a wedding venue memorable. You can make your own centrepieces using blooms from local producers, while small garden centre plants are much cheaper than hiring a florist.

Similarly, invitations are a fun DIY project and, if made with sustainable products, add to the eco-friendly element of the occasion as well.

Ms Woodhouse-Keese said: "In addition to choosing 100 per cent recycled paper, there are other ways to go light. Use a reply postcard (no envelope) - you'll save paper and money, both on the non-existent envelope and the postage."

Another recommendation was to issue guests with miniature cards, as "a petite size can make a big impact because of its darling qualities and uniqueness". This ensures friends and family still have a memento of the day without using too many resources.

While serving local, organic food at the reception is another good idea, holding the whole event at the same location can save both money and petrol.

After all, if people do not have to journey between a church and party venue, they will not be producing as many carbon emissions and can get on with the celebrations straight away.

Couples that have their hearts set on treating themselves to a few fancy extras could still cut down on resources by simply inviting fewer guests to the occasion, Ms Woodhouse-Keese continued.

Not only will this save money, but inviting 50 friends instead of 200 will ensure the newlyweds get to spend more time with their nearest and dearest rather than trying to please everyone.

The expert also reminded couples not to lose sight of what an eco-ceremony is all about. "Keep in mind that the real reason behind having a green wedding is to benefit the environment for which we all share responsibility," she said.

Follow this advice and you are bound to have a beautiful day that you will proudly look back on with fond memories for years to come.

Next wedding article:

Feasting on your wedding day

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