So you have decided to throw a green wedding, or like the idea of it anyway. This is the one area in the wedding industry right now that is getting huge press. “Green” seems to the trend setter in 2010 for brides to follow. Choosing to follow this type of outline for your big day may seem appealing to some brides-to-be, but may make others a little gun-shy at the thought of committing to entirely eco-friendly wedding. We are here to tell you today that there a many options to explore before you completely veto this hot trend.

Erase every stereotype image of the peace-sign flashing, granola and bark eating, flowers in your long flowing hair hippie that you were already picturing when your hear the term “Green”. Yes, it’s true a long time ago they did exist, but in our modern day “hippie” has now been transformed into the term “eco-chic”!

So, what is it that is really holding a lot of brides back from jumping feet-first into this latest trend? Food. Believe it or not, from all the research I have found it really has come down to the menu. Couples are very concerned that guests will be forced to rummage through selections of vegetarian or raw foods, and cake that the bride and groom won’t even want to cut into! I am here to tell you this is not the case.

If you are using a venue that has an on site caterer, check to see if they carry an organic selection of meats and vegetables. If you are choosing from a list of vendors, see if you can find a caterer who is agreeable in pulling stock from local farmers in the area for your wedding menu. You can still have chicken, seafood, and even steak if you want…just choose organic. You’ll be doing your guests a favor too by choosing foods that haven’t been over processed and injected with antibiotics. Ask your baker if she is able to use organic sugar, flour, and eggs. If you are choosing to add a desert bar, check to see if a sugar substitute (like Stevia) can be used. Choose wines from vineyards around your state and replace soda with fresh lemonade and sparkling waters. Check to see if there is a dairy within driving distance. If so, take a day trip and sample their selection of cheeses. Use them in your hors d’oeuvre or give samples out as gifts for your guests.

Believe me, going eco-chic when choosing foods for your wedding reception menu does not have to be a drag. You can still have all the foods you want, just choose organic. If your venue allows, see if you can “recycle” your left-overs. Work with your site program director to see if they will allow you and your guests to package up your excess food at the end of the night and take it home. Another option would be to check with the food pantries or shelters in your area to see if they would accept food donations (don’t be surprised if most won’t take prepared foods, but they may accept items in unopened packaging). If choosing “green” is an option, I encourage you to do so. Not only will it be delicious, it will leave a positive imprint on our environment and for it’s future inhabitants!

Images from Back to Earth Catering, EcoCaters, cakes-you-can-bake.com, and Kai Organic

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 at 10:37 am and is filed under Green. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.