There’s lots of "green" talk these days. Just about everywhere you turn there’s an article on how to live the green lifestyle, buy a green home orshop from green companies. Wedding planning is no exception. The new paradigm for weddings has become "mindful indulgence." You do not have to sacrifice quality or sophistication to "green up" your wedding, as a matter of fact, your guests will most likely notice your attention to detail as a higher standard and more sophisticated. Here, we've addressed a few frequently asked questions to help you plan your green wedding in Orange County.
What exactly is green?
Green is the respect and love for all creation and the balance of human needs and nature’s flow. Wherever you are on the "eco-spectrum", when your wallet goes where your heart is, you are not just following a fad, but making a statement to the world with your purchases and choices: "We love the planet and we intend to help keep it beautiful!"
What is a green company?
A green company takes care in all aspects of their business to practice sustainability. Sustainability goes beyond recycling or waste reduction. It encompasses a wide gamut of things relating to economic, environmental and social responsibility. For example, The Spiraled Stem Floral Design in Anaheim uses flowers from VeriFlora certified farms that practice sustainable agriculture, protect the ecosystems around the farms, conserve resources, reduce waste and emissions, and require fair trade labor practices for their workers. In addition to using VeriFlora certified flowers, The Spiraled Stem has a rebate program for returned containers, uses soy candles (which are non-toxic and cleaner burning) in the decor, and offers certain items for rent rather than purchase. All flower cuttings are sorted for composting as part of a city wide program.
How do I begin my green wedding planning?
The basics: pick a venue close to most of the guests, source locally for food, decorations, and flowers, and give favors that are made from recycled materials or edible favors. Downey’s Chocolates of Laguna Niguel has incredible artisan chocolate favors made with all natural "green sourced" ingredients and even vegan chocolates. If you want to take your greening to an even deeper level, consider visiting a green event studio or hiring a green wedding planner, and don’t forget an eco-friendly resort for your honeymoon.
In your planning, stay mindful of the elements of consumerism and waste of the typical wedding and do your best to minimize and even eliminate if you can. A green wedding can include the obvious, (organic meals and carpooling to the event,) all the way to the obscure, such as holding your ceremony at a non-profit location so the donation you give for the facility fee helps the charity.
So, how do you choose a green wedding vendor?
The Green Event Studio of Anaheim in Orange County is a resource center for eco-friendly brides to find all of your green wedding needs. "We incorporate environmentally sustainable flowers, products, materials, and practices into our studio and every project we do." says Christine Saunders, owner of The Spiraled Stem Floral Design. Saunder had so many requests from brides for referrals to other green vendors that she decided to open the Green Event Studio in conjunction with the launch of her new floral design studio.
With a little creative research, you can find all the resources in Orange County you need for a great green wedding that will not only be a memorable for your friends and family.
Darlene Grimes is a green enthusiast and realtor with OC Green Realty.
Photo courtesy of Scoobie's Photographic Images.