Eco-friendly weddings have entered the mainstream, with thousands of stores and Web sites offering all things natural, organic and reclaimed. As you start your new life, learn how to preserve the planet without surrendering flavor or flair.
Here, an escort-card table is made from scrap wood that mimics costly veneers; papyrus plumes complete the exotic look. Vase by Michael Davis Stained Glass, michaeldavisglass.com; table by Scrapile, vivavi.com; eucalyptus bench by Greenfeet, greenfeet.com; organic pillow fabric by Mod Green Pod, modgreenpod.com. —Paula Rackow
Not just the panda's favorite, fast-growing bamboo is the poster plant for sustainability. Use your cake to broadcast your good intentions. Ever exotic and elegant, bamboo leaves and stems in gum-paste decorate this fondant-covered wedding cake by Cake Obsessions, cakeobsessions.com. Inside, this organic confection, using preservative-free ingredients, fair-trade chocolate and seasonal fillings and spices, is as scrumptious as a conventional cake.
This tree-saving trifold invite uses embossed recycled paper and minimizes the number of inserts. Envelope by Zelda Tannenbaum for Hollis Hills Mills, 516-876-7373; calligraphy by Karen Charatan, karencharatan.com; burlap tablecloth available from TriServe Party Rentals, triservepartyrentals.com.
Symbols of cosmic harmony, lotus blossoms make a beautifully apt bouquet for a planet-loving bride. Organic fabric by Mod Green Pod, modgreenpod.com.
Organic fabrics and paper place mats, metal seats and glass stemware—all recycled—create a rags-to-riches table. Goblets and tumblers (used as votives) by Green Glass, greenhome.com; wax candles by Lumia, greenhome.com; bottles by Homebrew Adventures, homebrew.com; floral designs by Minoo for Au Ciel, au-ciel.com; recycled glass tumblers by Fire and Light, fireandlight.com; cultivated teak flatware by VivaTerra, vivaterra.com; place mats by Zelda Tannenbaum for Hollis Hills Mill, 516-876-7373; napkins by Janice's, janices.com; runner and pillow fabric by Mod Green Pod, modgreenpod.com; bar stools by Design Within Reach, dwr.com; lighting by Bentley Meeker Lighting and Staging, bentleymeeker.com.
First courses served in edible containers let you conserve water (for cleanup). This yellow pepper and arugula soup serves up beautifully in cucumber cups instead of bowls. Food by Counter, NYC, counternyc.com.
Chickpea fries dipped in saffron aioli satisfy fast-food urges. Food by Counter, NYC, counternyc.com; flowering herbs by The Chef’s Garden, chefs-garden.com.
Tree huggers love cocktails, too. You can serve up sips mixed with organic wines and spirits, like smoked-pear-infused vodka topped with champagne and syrup made from pears poached in white wine. Flowering herbs by The Chef’s Garden, chefs-garden.com. Martini glass by Libbey, libbey.com.
Reclaimed wine-bottles-turned-tumblers become holders for soy-based candles as fragrant as an herb garden. Tumblers by Green Glass, greenhome.com; Parsley Sage & Thyme organic wax candles by Lumia, greenhome.com.
Organic cotton napkins tied with variegated leaves, teak-handled flatware and biodegradable bamboo plates stack up against classic place settings. Napkins by Janice's, janices.com; flatware by VivaTerra,vivaterra.com; Veneerware plates by Bambu, bambuhome.com.
Favor your guests with potted plants to go; here, Irish moss in recycled glass is wrapped in burlap. Moss by Minoo for Au Ciel, au-ciel.com; burlap by Jo-Ann, joann.com; tag by Staples, staples.com; calligraphy by Karen Charatan, karencharatan.com.
More Eco-Party Planning Tips
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Repeat this mantra: What I can’t consume, reuse or recycle, I’ll rent.
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Choose vendors who are committed to recycling, and try to book venues that conserve energy with solar panels or fans.
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Work with caterers and bakers who use organic and/or locally grown and raised ingredients.
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Use seasonable flowers grown in the area, as well as potted plants that can be transplanted.
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Switch off most of the lights and burn lots of soy-based candles instead. If you’re having live music, go acoustic or use an iPod—its battery is rechargeable.
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Choose organic cotton and linen for tablecloths and napkins, and recycled paper for stationery.
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Limit emissions by arriving via hybrid car, electric vehicle or horse and carriage; bus guests from the ceremony to the reception.
Web Sites for Green Parties
Organicweddings.com
Eco-conscious caterers, bakers, floral designers and other vendors, plus favors.
Ozocar.com
Environmentally-friendly wheels for your reception; the site serves major cities.
Ecoparti.com
Items like biodegradable confetti and cotton favor bags are festive but don't add rubbish.
Organicvintners.com
From South Africa to Portugal, the world's organic wines brought right to your door.
Greenhotels.com
Energy-and-water-saving properties that cut down on waste and excess.
Treehugger.com
This site alerts you to eco-friendly designs and accessories that are chic and modern.
Organicbouquets.com
Do-it-yourselfers, head to this site for gorgeous organic blooms by the armful.
Greenfeet.com
Unbleached cotton and hemp beanbag chairs are great for your after-party.
