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Green alternatives decrease wedding waste
By: Adam Templeton
Issue date: 7/16/07 Section: Features
When people think about weddings, they probably don't think of veggie kabobs and hemp tuxedos. But more and more Americans are leaning toward greener, more environmentally friendly weddings.
"There's no real definition of a green wedding," said Emily Main, senior editor for National Geographic's "The Green Guide."
Green weddings are traditionally set outside to take advantage of natural daylight. Parks, lakesides and forested campgrounds can make ideal ceremony spots. Local golf courses also offer open-air wedding ceremonies and receptions.
"Most of our outdoor weddings are between 3 (p.m.) and dusk," said Eric Underwood, the food and beverage director of the Hidden Valley Golf Course in Lincoln. "We try and time the ending with a nice sunset."
Underwood said that about a third of the weddings performed at the course each year are done outdoors. However, he cautions that outdoor weddings require much more planning, as wedding-goers often find themselves at the mercy of the weather.
Annette's Catering & Desserts is one of many local vendors that provide vegetarian or vegan meals. Annette Earhart, the owner, said the catering service works at three or four vegan weddings each year.
"We even make totally vegan cakes," said Earhart. "No eggs, no dairy and specialized flour."
As an alternative to a catering service, one can also peruse local farmers markets for fresh, organic produce to serve at your reception.
Even the choice of material for a wedding dress can be tailored to meet green standards.
"Cotton is one of the most pesticide laden crops," Main said. "And it uses synthetic fertilizers, which have a high nitrogen content. The nitrogen strangles the oxygen out of the water and kills aquatic life."
Instead, Main recommends wearing clothing made from hemp or linen. She also encourages brides to overcome the stigma of buying a dress second hand and to consider donating their gowns to charity through sites such as www.idofoundation.org.
"There's no real definition of a green wedding," said Emily Main, senior editor for National Geographic's "The Green Guide."
Green weddings are traditionally set outside to take advantage of natural daylight. Parks, lakesides and forested campgrounds can make ideal ceremony spots. Local golf courses also offer open-air wedding ceremonies and receptions.
"Most of our outdoor weddings are between 3 (p.m.) and dusk," said Eric Underwood, the food and beverage director of the Hidden Valley Golf Course in Lincoln. "We try and time the ending with a nice sunset."
Underwood said that about a third of the weddings performed at the course each year are done outdoors. However, he cautions that outdoor weddings require much more planning, as wedding-goers often find themselves at the mercy of the weather.
Annette's Catering & Desserts is one of many local vendors that provide vegetarian or vegan meals. Annette Earhart, the owner, said the catering service works at three or four vegan weddings each year.
"We even make totally vegan cakes," said Earhart. "No eggs, no dairy and specialized flour."
As an alternative to a catering service, one can also peruse local farmers markets for fresh, organic produce to serve at your reception.
Even the choice of material for a wedding dress can be tailored to meet green standards.
"Cotton is one of the most pesticide laden crops," Main said. "And it uses synthetic fertilizers, which have a high nitrogen content. The nitrogen strangles the oxygen out of the water and kills aquatic life."
Instead, Main recommends wearing clothing made from hemp or linen. She also encourages brides to overcome the stigma of buying a dress second hand and to consider donating their gowns to charity through sites such as www.idofoundation.org.
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