ASK THE PLANNER - Going Green

Dear Planner:
 My fiance and I want to incorporate a few eco-friendly items/services to our wedding day. What are a few things we can do?
Signed~
Happily Ever After


My Dearest Happily~
Whether you are just beginning or deep into your wedding planning, they are many things you can include in your wedding to make it more eco-friendly. A few of my favorites:

• A Wedding Menu Board and/or Place Card Board:   Depending on the theme of your wedding, these can be created on foam board, black board and a few other options. I LOVE the foam board options. Incorporate your theme/monogram at the time and create away. Take the file to your nearest printer and the board can be printed quickly (usually within one week). You can also have a calligrapher create a board. I adore the romantic feel of calligraphy and what a wonderful touch for your guests. {Photo credit: Weddingbee.com}
• Water Stations:  You may have noticed that many restaurants don't automatically offer water to you. It's not that they are being stingy or want you to order their bottled water. In most instances, they are trying to conserve water. You can do the same at your wedding. How many glasses go untouched? Have your caterer or venue offer a water station - complete with beautiful glasses and carafes, lemons, limes, etc. The guests can help themselves or you may opt to have a  water  station attendant.

• Use potted plants as centerpieces: Tulips, Amaryllis, paperwhites are a wonderful choices. Let guests take the plants home and plant the bulbs at the appropriate time. For the centerpiece that keeps on blooming. {photo Credit: ehow.com}

• Wedding gifts: Create a wedding gift registry with the I Do Foundation's partner stores and up to 10% of gift purchases will be donated to your favorite charity.

I hope this list helps you a bit in planning your wedding!