Earth Friendly Wedding Favors

I know that there are a lot of environmentally friendly couples out there wanting to incorporate their love of this planet into their wedding. That being said, it isn't always easy to do. The wedding industry by nature is wasteful, but that doesn't mean that we cannot try to infuse a little bit of "green" into industry trends.

As a planner, the things that I find to be the most wasteful about weddings are paper products, such as invitations with a gazillion envelopes, personalized napkins, menus at each place setting and ceremony programs. The biggest waste also tends to be one of the details that make each wedding personalized and unique...wedding favors.

Of course, there are things we can commit to doing as conscientious couples and planners. For instance, after the ceremony,I try to collect all the left over programs and recycle them. (I usually keep a couple just in case my clients want these for their wedding scrapbook.) I do the same thing during tear down with the menus and escort cards left at the reception. But what are we to do with wedding favors?

I find that a lot of favors get left behind as well. This isn't a problem if couples use boxes or paper bags because those can be recycled. It is also good if the favor is something edible. I find that the useless trinkets, like little silver wedding bells, are what people leave behind the most. Inevitably, they end up in the trash.

So I propose that couples really investigate doing more Earth friendly favors. Edible is great, especially if you keep the wrapping to a minimum. However, going the extra mile and doing something great for the Earth is even better! Giving away little trees with instructions to plant them in honor of your love would be such an environmentally sweet gesture!

Even if guests don't have a yard, there are plenty of public walking trails with woods in the Twin Cities metro and I'm positive those trees could make it into the ground. I know that not every guest would make the effort to plant the trees but if even half did, you would still be making a positive impact on the Earth.

Giving away flower seeds or great smelling herbs as favors is also an environmentally friendly way to have cute favors with a purpose! That is the greatest gift you can give to your guests and the environment.

PHOTO CREDITS: WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS

Happy Planning!