12 Ways on How to Have a Green NJ Wedding

New Jersey Wedding Vendors celebrated Earth Day this week. To make a difference in improving the quality of New Jersey’s environment, the effort must start with each one of us in whatever way we can help. What does Earth Day and the environment have to do with planning your NJ wedding and reception? You can help by making small changes, such as the NJ wedding vendors you use, the paper you select, the gifts you buy and receive, locations you choose, and more. You can actually add to the fun of planning your NJ wedding and reception by finding as many ways as you can to reduce the effects of your environmental footprint. Let your guests know by including it on the back of your ceremony program. What a great way to celebrate your future together, for your future will also be your children’s. It’s all about the choices we make in our daily lives. We’ve listed for you some green choices you can include in planning your NJ wedding and reception.

12 Ways to Have a Green Wedding - New Jersey Wedding Vendors

1. Hold your ceremony and reception at the same location or nearby, to cut down on fuel emissions.
2. Purchase a wedding gown from a consignment shop, then donate it to charity.
3. Make the ring bearer’s pillow from vintage gowns and lace; use a reusable basket for the flower girl to carry.
4. Create a centerpiece around an organically grown potted plant or plants and give as a door prize or favors; if you have cut flowers, donate them to nursing homes or hospitals.
5. Use local flora for wedding bouquets instead of flowers transported from afar using all that fuel - besides, this year they will be even more expensive with the skyrocketing gasoline prices!
6. Use recycled paper for your invitations, response cards, ceremony program, and thank you notes.
7. Use tableware that is either reusable or biodegradable.
8. Register with an eco-conscious retailer for gifts; by registering with any retailer, you will cut down on the unwanted gifts they may be discarded after collecting dust. (Instead of discarding them, donate them to charity.)
9. For bridal party gifts, consider non-consumptive items such as a massage, organic wine and soaps, health food store gift cards; instead of giving gifts in paper gift bags, use cloth bags that can be reused.
10. For out of town guests, leave natural baskets filled with organic personal items, snacks, and fair trade coffee with a reusable mug, not disposable.
11. For favors: give tree saplings from the National Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org., recycled handmade paper themed bookmarks with a book on how to live greener, donations in their name to an environmental organization, handcrafted items from local craftsmen including local jams, honey, or locally brewed beer - nothing that had to be transported or imported.
12. Visit www.idofoundation.org where you can find out wonderful ways to raise money for charity through your wedding favors, gift registry, and honeymoon!