Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Flowers

Green- Organic Flowers
Organic flowers are created by sustainable crop production with fair labor practices. No poisonous pesticides will be inhaled when you smell your beautiful bouquet. Organic Bouquet supplies various posies and individual stems. This source is best if you desire a simple flower arrangement.

California Organic Flowers offers a Wedding Party Pack for $245.95. They ship twelve bunches of organic flowers and you and your bridesmaids create your own bouquets. Custom orders are available at a slightly higher cost, but they will ensure color coordination.

Utilize a local organic farmer and alleviate the environmental stress of shipping. Locate local farmers through localharvest.org. Enjoy the freshest flowers and stimulate you economy at the same time.

Greener- Flower-Free Bouquets
Something different for a the bride who wants to stand out. Your guests will be wowed when you walk down the aisle holding buttons, paper, or a fan. Steer away from the traditional bouquet and let your imagination flow.
Paper Source provides kits to create paper flower bouquets. Purchase one kit ($14.95) and trace the pieces on recycled paper for a more economical and eco-friendly option.


Many button bouquets are available at the online store Etsy. Lil Fish Studios created this bouquet with vintage buttons and reclaimed leather. Price depends on number of stems and material requested. Save some cash and create your own.





$Greenest- Grow and Pick you own flowers
Plant your own flowers or bulbs in enough time so the blooms will be ready for your big day. Your ideal arrangement will grow as a result of the flowers you choose. Wrap the stems of your freshly picked flowers in floral tape then adorn them with ribbon. Spread the seeds from your blooms after your wedding day so more flowers can grow.

***As a result of my research for this post, I am considering a change in my flower selection. I found a great florist who creates amazing arrangements from a variety of non-organic blooms and greenery, but I really like the idea of creating my bouquet from organic flowers the morning of the wedding. I may still have the florist supply boutonnieres and corsages.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Wedding Guest Favors

Green- Organic candy or mints
Guests often forget their favors after a fun night of drinking and dancing. Supply your friends and family with something that can be used after dinner and your gift will not be given in vain. Purchase organic candies or mints in bulk, then wrap in a variety of styles. I like the organza pouches at Fetpak which come in a variety of colors.

St. Claires offers a selection of organic mints that run $9.95 for an eight ounce bag. Organic and vegan chocolates are available at Sweet Earth Chocolates at a very fair price. Purchase bulk and use the organza bags; favors will cost less than $1.50 each.


$Greener- A packet of seeds
A perfect favor for a spring wedding! Supply each guest with a packet of flower seeds to plant in their yard or garden. Londy's Creations offers personalized packets for only $.60-$.70 each!


I will give seeds to my guests and hope the blooms remind them of the good time they had on our special day.




$Greenest- Plant a tree or give a donation in the guest’s honor
Although your guests will not take something home with them, hopefully they will be happy with the good that will take place in their name. If you have an outdoor wedding, a tree planting ritual can be incorporated into your ceremony. If this is not an option, take your guest favor budget and donate that amount to a good cause. Network For Good is a great search engine to help you find your ideal charity.