Category: Green Weddings

If you’re wondering why we’re including a brief item about recycling it’s because parties and special events often generate recyclable materials and leftover food that the bride and groom don’t want to take home. Nowadays, you and the caterer can feel good by donating the excess, and recycling plastic bottles, glass, metal and paper. An added benefit is that food donations are tax deductible for either you or the caterer. And if you recycle, the cost for extra garbage containers (bins) can be eliminated or reduced.

For centerpieces, I was thinking of using potted plants because I like the idea of something that lives on after the wedding. My colors are Wedgwood blue and cream. Will all that green still work?
—Sandi S., Danville

There’s no doubt that the biggest 2009 wedding trends all seem to be centered on the same idea: less is more. Budget weddings are big: Couples everywhere are looking for the best deals around before they plunk down the plastic. Check out this episode of Road To The Altar for one hilarious example of a wedding budget gone awry:

But then there are those who are country. People who consider cowboy boots and a sundress “formal wear”. People who frequently brake for farmer’s markets and dream of freeing the wildlife at the county petting zoo because keeping sheep in such a small area “just ain’t right.” People who say “y’all” because, well, doesn’t it roll off the tongue a little bit easier than “you all?”

What a perfect symbol for your wedding! Aside from being adorable, Pinky Trees are alive and growing. A clear capsule (which can be imprinted with your names, monogram, or wedding date!) holds a live plant that will keep growing in their capsules for 6-12 months.

No one wants a cookie-cutter wedding, but sometimes when browsing the ad-packed wedding glossies or bridal bonanza expos, it feels like your wedding is doomed to be generic.

Domaine Carneros made the decision to farm sustainably when they opened over two decades ago,so it was only natural that they began moving toward being a completely organically farmed winery. They also happen to have the first sparkling wine to be certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers, as of April 2008.

It’s a shame, really. All that time, effort and money spent on finding the wedding dress, and you really only ever wear it the one time. Fashion designer Hanna Hartnell of HARTNELL Santa Monica feels you, and has come up with an ingenious solution—the Double Dare Gown.

Consider this an invitation to a party in San Diego—the San Diego Wedding Party Bridal Show, that is! Held on March 8 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel from 12-5pm, this event features the crème de la crème of San Diego wedding professionals.

One of the best parts of my job is managing all the reference checks for the wedding professionals who want to be Certified By The Guide. I’ll admit it’s fun putting them through their paces, talking to countless industry folks and tons of brides for each company. Some don’t make the cut, but those who do are absolutely fantastic!