Whether it’s using more public transportation or using canvas bags to grocery shop, you can definitely see the world turning green. Of course, I’m talking about the move to become environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Whether you’re green to the extreme or just getting your toes wet, you can do something to help save our planet throughout your wedding planning period and wedding day.
In following posts, we will break down the aspects of a wedding and give you the resources to get and stay green. Here, we’ll give you a few tips to get you started.
Vendors In General:
When looking for vendors, pick ones that likewise care about the environment. If they already have a plan to stay green, the less work you have in trying to come up with eco-chic ways of getting their jobs done. Also, chose local vendors. Not only are you saving on things like transportation and long-distance communication, but you’re supporting your local economy.
Photography/Videography:
Say goodbye to the harsh chemicals used to develop film. With today’s options of digital photography and videography, not only are you cutting out nasty chemicals and other harmful substances, but you can share your photos and videos more easily. If you’re dying to use film, look for vendors who use less harmful developing alternatives.
Invitations and Other Paper Products:
Here, using recycled is an obvious option. According to Ariel Dekovic, co-author of 365 Ways to Save the Earth, 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, the energy equivalent to 380 gallons of oil, and almost 60 pounds of pollutants are saved from being killed, used, or released into the air when one ton of recycled paper is used. By using recycled paper for your invitations and other paper products, you’re doing much more than saving a tree. Also consider turning to the net. Not everything (directions from the ceremony to the reception, travel info, etc) has to be printed on paper. Make a website and share the information that way. Just be aware of net illiterate individuals. Check out these site for green products: womancraft.net, jampaper.com, and greenerprinter.com.
Flowers:
This is a vendor in which it is tricky to go local and go global. Pick a local florist or floral designer who gets its flowers from a pesticide free, organic environment. Or for centerpieces, think foliage rather than flowers (or at least potted plants). Take a few different kinds and sizes of plants, add some stylish pots, and voila! You have fabulous centerpieces that you can either reuse at home or send them home with your guests as favors. Also consider substituting items in place of flowers, such as silk fans or paper umbrellas in place of bouquets or clusters of candles instead of centerpieces. Can’t find a florist who uses organic flowers? Check out organicbouquet.com.
Venues:
Think simplicity here. This doesn’t mean that you have to pick a venue for your ceremony or reception that is stark or boring, but rather places that already have character and need little more to make it perfect for your event. Think gardens or a historic house. Not only will you be saving the effort of coming up with more decoration, but you’ll also be saving time and money. You can’t possibly go wrong with that.
Food and Cake:
Again, go local! Choose organic foods from local grocers. Pick caterers who use organic ingredients and pick foods that are in season (there is no need in adding a dish that requires two ingredients to be flown in from other countries). The same goes for beverages; go for locally made wines or a shop that carries homegrown goods. And don’t just throw the leftovers away! If it is fresh and untouched, many groups will pick it up and deliver it to people in need. For more info on this, check out secondharvest.org. To find out more about eco-friendly menu choices, check out sustainabletable.com.
For more fabulous green wedding recourses, check out these sites and books:
Organicweddings.com
Greenweddings.net
Zerofootprint.net
Newdream.org
Morehipthanhippie.com
Greatgreenwedding.com
“Choose to Reuse†by Nikki Goldbeck and David Goldbeck
“Cradle to Cradle†by William McRonough and Michael Braungart
“Eco-Chic Weddings: Simple Tips to Plan an Environmentally Friendly, Socially Responsible, Affordable and Stylish Celebration†by Emily Elizabeth Anderson
Talk about “Something old”! Check out this dress that was created from a World War II parachute. The dress is quite unique, but the story behind it is even better. Thanks for the awesome find, BridesClub.com!
“A good wife always forgives her husband when she’s wrong.”
—Milton Berle
An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have; the older she gets the more interested he is in her. — Agatha Christie
Epperson’s law: When a man says it’s a silly, childish game, it’s probably something his wife can beat him at.
Bill had always been a prankster. As each of his friends were married, Bill made sure some type of practical joke was played upon them. Now ready to be married himself, he was dreading the payback he knew was coming. 
 
Surprisingly, the ceremony went off without a hitch. No one stood up during the pause to offer a reason ‘why this couple should not be married’. His reception wasn’t disrupted by streakers or strippers, and the car the couple was to take on their honeymoon was in perfect working order. 
 
When the couple arrived at their hotel and entered the room, Bill even checked for cornflakes in the bed (a gag he had always loved). Nothing, it seemed, was amiss. Satisfied that he had come away unscathed, the couple fell into bed.
Upon waking, the couple was ravenous so Bill called down to room service and asked, “I’d like to order breakfast for two.”
At that moment, a soft voice from under the bed said, “Make that five.”
Here is the first of many posts about some of the best places to tie the knot, all over the world.
Welcome to the Heart of Dixie, where the warm weather and southern hospitality provide a simply irresistible backdrop for the perfect wedding. The birthplace of the world’s first electric trolley system and two American Idol winners, Reuben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, Alabama offers many wonderful places to tie the knot. Here are just a few.
Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa
4000 Grand Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama 35226
(205) 916-7677 | (800) 593-6419
For more info, contact: weddings@rossbridgeresort.com
This stunning Birmingham venue offers 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. Every direction you turn you’ll see beautiful landscapes, flowing fountains, and Renaissance-style architecture. With banquet seating for 25 to 600, the Renaissance is perfect for a celebration of any kind. Catering from the fully equipped kitchen is provided, as well as dressing areas for the bride and groom, alcohol, and cleanup services.
The Tutwiler – A Wyndham Historic Hotel
http://www.thetutwilerhotel.com/
2021 Park Place North, Birmingham, AL 35203
205.322.2100
Built in the 1920s and luxuriously restored in 2000, the Tutwiler, with its magnificent circular drive and towering columns, was made just for sophisticated guests and exciting occasions. It has produced many memorable events, ever since the press conference of Charles Lindbergh and the post-wedding gala of Tallulah Bankhead were held there.
Located in the heard of Birmingham’s business and financial district, a Tutwiler guest is never far from upscale shopping and exciting entertainment. The Tutwiler holds the Mobil Four Star and AAA Four Diamond awards, and has paid perfect attention to detail for the honeymooning couple.
Historic Rucker Place
http://www.ruckerplace.com/
1804 12th Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
(205) 558-2485
For more info, contact:
gail@ruckerplace.com
Originally built as a wedding gift for his daughter, Civil War General Edmund Winchester Rucker built what is now Rucker Place. The family lived in the beautiful home for 50 years, after which it became a Doctor’s office, and then restored to be the beautiful venue it is today. Offering a private preparation room for the bride and her attendants, Rucker Place also offers wrap around porches with garden seating that provide exquisite views of the city. Rucker Place is located only five blocks away from the Five Point South entertainment and dining district.
Also check out:
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
The Sweet House
Summit Club
Twin Oaks Manor
B&A Warehouse
Wills Creek Vineyard
I don’t think anyone knows the exact time and place that the engagement ring came about, but they have been in the works for a long time. In ancient Rome, brides often wore rings of iron. They called them betrothal (truth) rings The earliest surviving records suggest that Archduke Maximilion of Hamburg may have started the tradition of diamond engagement rings in 1477 upon his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy. The meanings, symbolism, and styles have changed time and time again, but married people today still wear them, just like those thousands of years ago.
In the 18th century, diamonds became more popular when a supply was discovered in Brazil. Diamond cluster rings were popular amongst the wealthy. The 19th century brought the discovery of the Kimberley diamond region in South Africa in 1870 and within 10 years, DeBeers Consolidated Mines Ltd was formed. Today, DeBeers still controls 65% of the world’s diamond trade.
Ever heard “A Diamond is Forever� DeBeers created the advertising campaign in 1947 and diamonds have been the standard ever since. According to the site diamondwholesalecorporation.com, DeBeers unofficially educated jewelers to instruct men that the amount of money they should be paying for their beloved’s engagement ring should be equivalent to two or three months of personal wages.
While much of the tradition is still there, times have changed. Today, engagement rings can be whatever you want them to be; diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, or no gems at all. Whatever suits your lifestyle, personality, and budget is the perfect engagement ring for you.
One of my favorite blogs recently is CareerRamblings. It’s not a wedding blog but as you start you new life with your spouse you can be sure that your careers are going to play a big part in your relationship. The authors of the blog do a great job presenting info on career development. I took a moment to find a couple of what I feel are their best posts:
Essentials New Business Owners Must Know – If you have recently started a business or you plan to start one soon take a look at this post. I especially like their tip on using the internet. In my opinion all businesses MUST be online and you will be surprised what it does for you even if you are a so-called “ecommerce” company.
5 Ways to Capture Attention Like a CEO – Almost everybody dreams of being an executive but obviously few actually know what it takes. There’s some great tips here on exuding the confidence and mannerisms of a CEO.
If you are interested in advancing your career, (which you should be!), take a moment to read this blog. Also, if you have a blog of your own I would recommend reviewing their site and they will even give you a link back!
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