By Rayan Khayat
Weddings are always the perfect occasion for a joyfully extravagant celebration, and a great amount of energy and matter go into creating the scene the couple has idealized. Lavish decorations are set up, and a sublime feast must be prepared, all for a large number of invitees.
Unfortunately however, this could result in a lot of excess and waste. There’s the overabundance of food to consider, decoration items become unusable afterwards, and a high amount of electricity and power is used. So it’s definitely an occasion worth some environmental concern. If a couple and their families are committed to the cause, there are some multi-beneficial ways to care for the environment on their special day – it’s only a matter of making it part of the overall planning strategy.
This is a guide for the eco-friendly couple who wants to celebrate their marriage without forgetting to invite Mother Nature.
1. Inform The Organizers Of Your Intent
Ask them to keep the environment in mind each step of the way. You could also give someone the sole job of eco-supervising.
2. Keep Track Of Where Your Money Is Going
Weddings are costly so be sure that your money is going towards eco-friendly and ethical companies and services. This includes everything from supporting a caterer who uses locally grown foods and buying ethically mined jewelry.
3. Have It During The Day
This will help cut down on electricity. You can also use solar lanterns that continue to be lit towards the evening.
4. Use Locally-Grown Flowers
This will help the local industry and will help cut down on unnecessary shipping costs as well.
5. Reconsider Your Invitation Card
To minimize inevitably wasted paper, have a graphic designer create a creative and interactive online invitation. For guests who aren’t accustomed to the Internet, you could use a single sheet envelope-letter.
6. Donate The Leftovers
Ahead of time, choose an organization or impoverished area and deliver the rest of the food immediately after the wedding or early next morning. This way the food will remain as fresh as possible.
(Contact Fa’ed Ta’am for help donating your leftovers. Mob: +966554053053)
7. Reuse An Old Bridal Dress
Instead of making a whole new dress for yourself, consider using your mother’s or someone else’s and make the proper adjustments. Try using a designer who uses sustainable natural fabric.
8. Mention No Boxed Gifts On The Wedding Card
By doing this you won’t be receiving the same gift twice nor would you have to worry about the space problem a gift which is of no use to you creates.