Using used goods, having an outdoor ceremony, and using recyclables are a good way to have a more eco-friendly wedding.
One environmentally friendly philosophy has entered the wedding industry. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint during your special day, you don’t have to give up the vision you have for your wedding. Here are some tips to help you find ways to turn your ceremony and reception into an eco-friendly wedding.
Choose an outdoor venue where the sun can provide the lighting. Many outdoor venues have the modern conveniences of toilets and sinks, making a more comfortable atmosphere for your guests.
If an outdoor venue is not an option, hold the ceremony and reception during the day in a venue that offers natural lighting. Host all the festivities during the day to avoid having to use electricity.
Also, hold your ceremony and reception in the same place. This will reduce the fuel emissions from guests.
Look for a venue that is environmentally friendly.
Print up wedding invitations on recycled paper, but instead of multiple inserts in the envelope, send your guests to your wedding website for more information. Go paperless with save-the-date notices.
Buy seasonal flowers from local vendors. Use potted plants or topiaries as centerpieces. You could also use silk flowers for your bouquet and decorate with items that can be reused later. There are also many options for decorations that can be found in your garden, such as twigs, moss and ivy.
Rent hybrid vehicles or use a horse and carriage to arrive and leave the wedding venue, if you must have a special moment.
Rent linen napkins instead of paper. Ask for glass tabletops and forego tablecloths.
Choose caterers that source from local farms and dairies. You can also serve local wines, champagnes and beers. Ask your caterer about its green philosophy. Does the company use eco-friendly cleaning products and is it careful with its paper consumption? Your cake baker should also use organic products and source locally as much as possible.
Avoid sturgeon caviar or Chilean sea bass and other threatened species.
Choose a honeymoon location that keeps your green vision in mind. Travel in eco-friendly methods and look for a hotel that is designed to be environmentally friendly.
What to Wear for an Eco-Friendly Wedding
For the bridal party’s attire, go eco-friendly by reusing garments. Many brides wear a gown from their mom or grandma, but if that is not an option, shop at a vintage clothing or consignment store. You can also rent gowns, much like you rent tuxedoes. If you want your own dress, look for one made of sustainable fabrics, such as silk, hemp or organic cotton.
Instead of choosing specific bridal party dresses, allow the bridesmaids to wear dresses they already own or give just a few guidelines to allow them to choose a dress that can be worn again. Your bridal party can show off their own style while finding dresses they love.
For the groom, instead of wearing a tux that might never come out of the closet again, invest in a good suit that can be used for other special occasions. Allow the groom’s attendants to wear nice pants, button-down shirts and matching vests instead of jackets.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
You might have to ask your vendors what they are doing to reduce their carbon footprint. Find ways to reuse items from your eco-friendly wedding. Shop at flea markets or antique stores for decorations. Ask your decorator or designer about what he or she already has in inventory. Talk to your friends about reusing wedding decorations. It might take a little more effort on your part to be environmentally conscious, but it can also make for a beautiful wedding that matches your philosophy.
One of the most common wedding traditions practiced to this day is the catching of the bride’s bouquet.
The idea of getting married is nothing new. In fact, weddings are some of the oldest ceremonies to have been documented across all civilizations. There are a lot of traditions that have persisted through the years even if the mentality behind a wedding has changed. In Canada, for example, there are plenty of unique ways of going about the process of marrying your partner.
Common Wedding Traditions
Planning for a wedding requires time and research. Here are a few wedding practices that appear often in Canadian rituals in the current day and age, as well as in other cultures across the world.
Catch the Bouquet
One common tradition found in many weddings is the tossing of the bouquet. Traditionally, this is an act by the bride, who tosses the flowers backwards over her shoulder toward a crowd of single friends and relatives. It is customary for this part of the ceremony to only include women, but shifting attitudes have shown that single men can also get in on the fun if the married couple so wishes. The history behind this act is a bit more interesting than might be first believed.
In older cultures, it was common for single women to tear away a piece of the bride’s dress. This was meant as a gesture of good luck for the women holding the strip of garment. As wedding dresses became more expensive, brides found that it was a bit much to have their families and friends tearing away at their beautiful gowns. The bouquet toss was a custom introduced to ward away women who wanted a piece of luck and provide them with a competitive chance for their wishes.
Eternal Love
Some traditions are so ingrained in the cultural sphere that it’s hard to imagine another way of going about the process. Rings, for example, are the cornerstone of an engagement and subsequent wedding. There have been many different approaches to the exchanging of rings over the years. Essentially, experts have traced the tradition of the ring back to Egypt in its earliest days of civilization.
The Egyptians would trade rings as a sign of eternal love and commitment. Eventually, due to the conquests of the Greeks and Romans, the tradition was adopted. As civilization expanded through Europe, the custom became more widespread until it reached the height that it exists at now. The custom of wearing a wedding ring on a specific finger can also be traced back to the Egyptians. They believed that the third finger on the left hand was the one most closely connected to the human heart.
White Wedding
A common practice in the modern age is for a woman to wear white on her wedding day. This is actually not as old of a tradition as many might believe. In Western culture, the custom of wearing white began as a way of symbolizing the purity of the bride. This started during the Victorian Era in England and has persisted to the modern day in many countries. What’s more fascinating is that brides across the world wore a multitude of colors on their wedding day before this practice began.
White was a rare color to be seen during a ceremony in earlier traditions. It has lively and vibrant colors being more closely associated with the passion and beauty of shared love. Though it seems that most brides wear white in the current age, the trend is being pushed against. More women are wearing dresses that match their personal tastes rather than taking part in a tradition that holds no meaning for them.
As you plan your wedding, consider the meaning behind current customs. You may want to break from tradition or go with the flow – the choice is yours.
Wedding invitations are a great way to let guests know what attire and colors they should wear.
With wedding season almost upon us, couples are starting to mail out invitations. You’re probably thinking about your summer wardrobe budget, and trying to decide what you need to shop for over the next few weeks. In a standard wedding invitation, many brides will tell the guests what attire they are expecting, but this information may need some decoding. Here are some of the most common identifiers for dress codes at the event, to help you avoid feeling over- or underdressed.
White Tie
This is the most formal wedding. Think red carpet, Hollywood awards, your most special outfit. Most men think that the black tuxedo is the most formal outfit they could wear, but a white tie event takes it up a notch. A black tailcoat, white starched shirt, and high-waisted black trousers are required, but a formal military uniform is acceptable at a white tie event. It’s almost impossible to be overdressed for a white tie wedding, so wear that evening gown and tiara you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
Black Tie or Black Tie Optional
Black tie for men means a tuxedo. Women have more options at black tie events, but some experts recommend neutral hues when it comes to choosing colors, such as champagne, navy, or black. An evening gown is appropriate, but a tea-length dress can also work. Make sure the fabric is elegant enough to look formal. If the word optional is included, men can get away with a black or dark suit with a white shirt. Dress it up with a pocket square, but think timeless and classic. Women can go with a cocktail dress, provided it isn’t flashy or too sexy.
Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire
This type of wedding is a bit more festive and modern. Go with a trendier look, with sparkle and panache. However, semi-formal does not mean informal. Leave the jeans and khakis at home. For men, a tie is optional. Feel free to wear a light-colored shirt with a suit. Women can wear a cocktail dress appropriate for the season or even a dressy skirt with a stylish shirt. If the invite says, “beach formal,” get out the linen suit for men, or formal sundress with sandals for women.
Casual Attire or Informal
While this dress code does indicate an “anything goes” idea, it’s still better to choose more formally than you might for a simple party. Jeans and tank tops are really unacceptable, even though that may be your casual attire. Think casual business dress when it comes to an informal wedding. Remember that this day is special, even though the event may be low-key. Take the time to be well-dressed in a nice outfit. When the pictures are later revealed on social media, you’ll be glad you look your best.
Added Tips for Wedding Apparel
Most people still believe that white should not be worn to a wedding, unless requested by the couple. Brides are choosing all shades of white, such as ivory and ecru, so stay away from any shade. Know the environment where the wedding is being held to really understand what to wear. When in doubt, check with the family of the bride and groom. Men can also take the invitation to their tailor or the tuxedo rental business, which can help in choosing the correct attire.
If the invitation doesn’t specify dress code, you can get an idea of what should be worn by taking note of the time of day and place of the ceremony. Morning weddings tend to be a little less formal than evening weddings. When the venue is a religious site or church, don’t dress in an outfit which may be revealing or too short. Men should probably wear a suit or dress pants.
Using used goods, having an outdoor ceremony, and using recyclables are a good way to have a more eco-friendly wedding.
One environmentally friendly philosophy has entered the wedding industry. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint during your special day, you don’t have to give up the vision you have for your wedding. Here are some tips to help you find ways to turn your ceremony and reception into an eco-friendly wedding.
Choose an outdoor venue where the sun can provide the lighting. Many outdoor venues have the modern conveniences of toilets and sinks, making a more comfortable atmosphere for your guests.
If an outdoor venue is not an option, hold the ceremony and reception during the day in a venue that offers natural lighting. Host all the festivities during the day to avoid having to use electricity.
Also, hold your ceremony and reception in the same place. This will reduce the fuel emissions from guests.
Look for a venue that is environmentally friendly.
Print up wedding invitations on recycled paper, but instead of multiple inserts in the envelope, send your guests to your wedding website for more information. Go paperless with save-the-date notices.
Buy seasonal flowers from local vendors. Use potted plants or topiaries as centerpieces. You could also use silk flowers for your bouquet and decorate with items that can be reused later. There are also many options for decorations that can be found in your garden, such as twigs, moss and ivy.
Rent hybrid vehicles or use a horse and carriage to arrive and leave the wedding venue, if you must have a special moment.
Rent linen napkins instead of paper. Ask for glass tabletops and forego tablecloths.
Choose caterers that source from local farms and dairies. You can also serve local wines, champagnes and beers. Ask your caterer about its green philosophy. Does the company use eco-friendly cleaning products and is it careful with its paper consumption? Your cake baker should also use organic products and source locally as much as possible.
Avoid sturgeon caviar or Chilean sea bass and other threatened species.
Choose a honeymoon location that keeps your green vision in mind. Travel in eco-friendly methods and look for a hotel that is designed to be environmentally friendly.
What to Wear for an Eco-Friendly Wedding
For the bridal party’s attire, go eco-friendly by reusing garments. Many brides wear a gown from their mom or grandma, but if that is not an option, shop at a vintage clothing or consignment store. You can also rent gowns, much like you rent tuxedoes. If you want your own dress, look for one made of sustainable fabrics, such as silk, hemp or organic cotton.
Instead of choosing specific bridal party dresses, allow the bridesmaids to wear dresses they already own or give just a few guidelines to allow them to choose a dress that can be worn again. Your bridal party can show off their own style while finding dresses they love.
For the groom, instead of wearing a tux that might never come out of the closet again, invest in a good suit that can be used for other special occasions. Allow the groom’s attendants to wear nice pants, button-down shirts and matching vests instead of jackets.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
You might have to ask your vendors what they are doing to reduce their carbon footprint. Find ways to reuse items from your eco-friendly wedding. Shop at flea markets or antique stores for decorations. Ask your decorator or designer about what he or she already has in inventory. Talk to your friends about reusing wedding decorations. It might take a little more effort on your part to be environmentally conscious, but it can also make for a beautiful wedding that matches your philosophy.
One of the most common wedding traditions practiced to this day is the catching of the bride’s bouquet.
The idea of getting married is nothing new. In fact, weddings are some of the oldest ceremonies to have been documented across all civilizations. There are a lot of traditions that have persisted through the years even if the mentality behind a wedding has changed. In Canada, for example, there are plenty of unique ways of going about the process of marrying your partner.
Common Wedding Traditions
Planning for a wedding requires time and research. Here are a few wedding practices that appear often in Canadian rituals in the current day and age, as well as in other cultures across the world.
Catch the Bouquet
One common tradition found in many weddings is the tossing of the bouquet. Traditionally, this is an act by the bride, who tosses the flowers backwards over her shoulder toward a crowd of single friends and relatives. It is customary for this part of the ceremony to only include women, but shifting attitudes have shown that single men can also get in on the fun if the married couple so wishes. The history behind this act is a bit more interesting than might be first believed.
In older cultures, it was common for single women to tear away a piece of the bride’s dress. This was meant as a gesture of good luck for the women holding the strip of garment. As wedding dresses became more expensive, brides found that it was a bit much to have their families and friends tearing away at their beautiful gowns. The bouquet toss was a custom introduced to ward away women who wanted a piece of luck and provide them with a competitive chance for their wishes.
Eternal Love
Some traditions are so ingrained in the cultural sphere that it’s hard to imagine another way of going about the process. Rings, for example, are the cornerstone of an engagement and subsequent wedding. There have been many different approaches to the exchanging of rings over the years. Essentially, experts have traced the tradition of the ring back to Egypt in its earliest days of civilization.
The Egyptians would trade rings as a sign of eternal love and commitment. Eventually, due to the conquests of the Greeks and Romans, the tradition was adopted. As civilization expanded through Europe, the custom became more widespread until it reached the height that it exists at now. The custom of wearing a wedding ring on a specific finger can also be traced back to the Egyptians. They believed that the third finger on the left hand was the one most closely connected to the human heart.
White Wedding
A common practice in the modern age is for a woman to wear white on her wedding day. This is actually not as old of a tradition as many might believe. In Western culture, the custom of wearing white began as a way of symbolizing the purity of the bride. This started during the Victorian Era in England and has persisted to the modern day in many countries. What’s more fascinating is that brides across the world wore a multitude of colors on their wedding day before this practice began.
White was a rare color to be seen during a ceremony in earlier traditions. It has lively and vibrant colors being more closely associated with the passion and beauty of shared love. Though it seems that most brides wear white in the current age, the trend is being pushed against. More women are wearing dresses that match their personal tastes rather than taking part in a tradition that holds no meaning for them.
As you plan your wedding, consider the meaning behind current customs. You may want to break from tradition or go with the flow – the choice is yours.
Wedding invitations are a great way to let guests know what attire and colors they should wear.
With wedding season almost upon us, couples are starting to mail out invitations. You’re probably thinking about your summer wardrobe budget, and trying to decide what you need to shop for over the next few weeks. In a standard wedding invitation, many brides will tell the guests what attire they are expecting, but this information may need some decoding. Here are some of the most common identifiers for dress codes at the event, to help you avoid feeling over- or underdressed.
White Tie
This is the most formal wedding. Think red carpet, Hollywood awards, your most special outfit. Most men think that the black tuxedo is the most formal outfit they could wear, but a white tie event takes it up a notch. A black tailcoat, white starched shirt, and high-waisted black trousers are required, but a formal military uniform is acceptable at a white tie event. It’s almost impossible to be overdressed for a white tie wedding, so wear that evening gown and tiara you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
Black Tie or Black Tie Optional
Black tie for men means a tuxedo. Women have more options at black tie events, but some experts recommend neutral hues when it comes to choosing colors, such as champagne, navy, or black. An evening gown is appropriate, but a tea-length dress can also work. Make sure the fabric is elegant enough to look formal. If the word optional is included, men can get away with a black or dark suit with a white shirt. Dress it up with a pocket square, but think timeless and classic. Women can go with a cocktail dress, provided it isn’t flashy or too sexy.
Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire
This type of wedding is a bit more festive and modern. Go with a trendier look, with sparkle and panache. However, semi-formal does not mean informal. Leave the jeans and khakis at home. For men, a tie is optional. Feel free to wear a light-colored shirt with a suit. Women can wear a cocktail dress appropriate for the season or even a dressy skirt with a stylish shirt. If the invite says, “beach formal,” get out the linen suit for men, or formal sundress with sandals for women.
Casual Attire or Informal
While this dress code does indicate an “anything goes” idea, it’s still better to choose more formally than you might for a simple party. Jeans and tank tops are really unacceptable, even though that may be your casual attire. Think casual business dress when it comes to an informal wedding. Remember that this day is special, even though the event may be low-key. Take the time to be well-dressed in a nice outfit. When the pictures are later revealed on social media, you’ll be glad you look your best.
Added Tips for Wedding Apparel
Most people still believe that white should not be worn to a wedding, unless requested by the couple. Brides are choosing all shades of white, such as ivory and ecru, so stay away from any shade. Know the environment where the wedding is being held to really understand what to wear. When in doubt, check with the family of the bride and groom. Men can also take the invitation to their tailor or the tuxedo rental business, which can help in choosing the correct attire.
If the invitation doesn’t specify dress code, you can get an idea of what should be worn by taking note of the time of day and place of the ceremony. Morning weddings tend to be a little less formal than evening weddings. When the venue is a religious site or church, don’t dress in an outfit which may be revealing or too short. Men should probably wear a suit or dress pants.
