Here are some simple tips for reducing the environmental impact of your big day or any other party!

 INVITES
• Imagine if your wedding invite could later grow into a tree or plant.  They can! Seeded invites on recycled paper are a great way to create a positve lasting impact for all your guests. The next best option is choosing recycled card and if possible choose a printer who uses eco-friendly inks.

OUTFITS
• For a truly unique dress or suit, consider second hand, vintage, organic or natural fibre based options to lighten your load on the earth.

FLOWERS & PRETTY STUFF
• Choose flowers that are local and in season and if possible grown without pesticides. Many flowers are shipped from overseas and are often produced with intensive use of pesticides.  If your flowers can be from your backyard or that of a loved one, even better! 

• Confetti can be cute but rose petals gathered from your neighbours yard are far more luxurious and eco-friendly!

• Pot plants make fantastic table centres which can double as gifts for loved ones who assisted the wedding.

• Candles can add ambiance to any event but be sure to use candles made from biodegradable natural materials such as non-genetically modified soy, beeswax or palm wax. Most candles are made from paraffin which releases toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and is not renewable. If choosing scented candles ensure they are scented only with essential oils, not synthetic fragrances. Click here for more info on natural candles.

• While little bottles of port and chocolates make cute gifts: giving seedlings, seeds or even a place card that will grow into a plant or tree once put in the ground, is the most stylish eco gesture and provides an ongoing reminder of your day.

THE VENUE
•  While choosing an exotic location is romantic, the earth friendly option is choosing the a venue that is close for the majority of your guests.

•   Ask your venue if they recycle and compost. If not perhaps you can teach them the basics.

FOOD & DRINK
• Delight your guests with locally produced seasonal organic food. This means less transport, no synthetic pesticides to pollute your food or the environment and hopefully a fresher, tastier menu. Click here for more info on the benefits of locally produced organic food.

Match your meal with local organic wines. Lighter on the earth but also lighter on the head for those who usually suffer from the high levels of sulphur dioxide used to preserve wine. (Organic wines are only permitted to use a small amount). Click for more info on organic wines

GIFTS
• Choose an eco-friendly shop for your gift registry or if you feel you have everything you need, consider recommending a donation to your favourite green or humanitarian charity.

O Organic Produce is Sydney's premier certified organic food company.  Fresh delicious organic food is our passion!  Specialising in catering from cocktail canapes to sit down meals for functions of all sizes.  We have a wide range of organic cakes and sweets with Gluten free and Vegan options. www.organicproduce.com.au


www.naturalweddings.com.au If you're planning to walk down the aisle lightly check out Australia's only online directory dedicated to eco weddings and events.  This gorgeous site created by the Biome team will help guide your earth-conscious planning.  Do you have a story to tell?  They are looking for green couples to profile; or you might be keen to list your eco-business on the directory.

In the UK try www.eco-friendlyweddings.co.uk for all your eco-wedding needs.