Ok, so, this doesn’t have anything to do with weddings, but it’s something I HAD to share. I believe THE GIRL EFFECT! Do you?

While I’ll definitely be mentioning boho during Green Week (Curious? Come back in the following weeks!), I could NOT wait to share it with you.

This FABULOUS new magazine is ALL about being green. And while it isn’t a wedding magazine (it’s good to mix it up now and then) there is a ton of delicious stuff that can definitely help you as you’re wedding planning and in the days after the wedding.

I love how Gina La Morte, the editor in chief and publisher, describes why they chose the name “boho” for the magazine:

A real boho (or bohemian) is all about freedom: the freedom to express your own personal style and not simply be a copy of the latest celebrity trend. boho is about taking risks and living your dreams, about changing the world and being eco-friendly, about having a love of fashion and being a beauty brat. Being a boho is all about enjoying the eclectic mix of things you love in life while still wanting to make a difference in the world around you.

After that, how could you possibly not read the magazine cover to cover? What’s even better? They stress having personal style that’s all yours. Doesn’t matter what category it fits in, if any, as long as it’s your own. Sounds like some of the best fashion advice I’ve heard – whether it’s your everyday style or your wedding day style!

Just Like Heaven

Former fashion model Taylor Foster-Allen followed her dreams to opening an organic specialty treat shop. Yummy!

Top Ten Tips : Eco To Go

Simple and quick ways to play your part in saving our earth.

Want more boho? Check out their website, bohomag.com. You can also subscribe to the magazine on the site, which I definitely recommend!

Years ago I saw a episode of Martha Stewart where her guest was a women that made, yes made, all of her flowers…out of paper! She would make a few here and there when she had some time and saved them up. By the time the wedding day rolled around, she had completed all that she needed!

There is no reason, if you so desire, that you couldn’t do the very same thing! Or perhaps you like the idea but do not wish to deck out your entire day in paper flowers – simply apply where you feel necessary!

Looking into paper flowers? Start with the Paper Source. I simply adore the store, but in the paper flower department, they are a great resource. Check them out!

I saw this fabulous post about shower favors on Perfect Bound. I LOVE the teacup candles. There is just something so elegant about good old fashion, girlie teacups! The idea originally comes from the Martha Stewart wedding crew (I won’t lie – I love almost everything they come up with!).
For the DIY bride, this would make a perfect project for a Saturday afternoon. Start collecting tea cups and saucers from thrift stores and yard sales (NOT from Grandma’s cupboards and shelves…even though that’s where all the good ones are!). Practice making a few candles (that wax is HOT) before you produce the “real deals”.

Once the candles have been used, you can turn that tiny treasure into something else that is useful and functional. My favorite idea also comes from Martha and Emily (Eco-Chic Bride): using the cups and saucers as containers to store or display your jewelry!
Like Emily also suggests, whip out that green thumb and put a little plant in it. Or, simply use it for a small centerpiece container full of flowers and/or greenery.
And if you’re really adventurous, perhaps during a post-wedding craft session you could attempt a teacup chandelier! The image below is in fact a teacup chandelier that hangs in Petit Four Cakes in Dallas.

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

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