Go Green!

With the state of our environment all over the news, it's no surprise that more and more people are choosing to go green. Despite popular belief, going green doesn't have to stop at the home or office. Below, I have included some tips on how to throw a fabulous party that will impress your guests, and make Mother Earth proud:

Location - Take advantage of our natural resources. Instead of renting an indoor venue, have your wedding at a nearby beach. Local parks and gardens also work great when hosting a party. Try to find a place as close as possible for your guests. Less distance traveled by your guests = more energy saved! Lighting - Avoid harsh, overhead lights and use candles instead. Soy candles are nearly 100-percent soot-free and they also set a soft, relaxing tone...perfect for your event! Food - Go organic and choose naturally grown produce. Purchase wine from a nearby winery, and buy your fruits and veggies at a local farmer's market. Reduce waste as much as possible, and substitute disposable plates and cups with silverware, glass cups, ceramic dishes and cloth napkins. After the party is over, don't pitch uneaten food. Start a compost with the leftover scraps, and put the food to use.

Decorations - Sometimes simple is better. Pick a few flowers from your garden, put them in a vase made of recycled glass, and Voila! You have an elegant, eco-friendly centerpiece. A bowl full of organic fruit (such as lemoms, limes or apples) is also an easy way to splash some life and color into your party. Invitations - Save a tree, and purchase invitations made of recycled paper. Here at Invitation Consultants, we have tons of options to choose from. Shown above are some of my favorites invitations, all created with recylced paper. From left to right: Vintage Leaf, Naturally Expressed, Romantic Blush