I was able to attend an ISES (International Special Events Society) meeting this past Wednesday and the topic was Going Green. Some of you may know by now that I consider myself to be very into the environmental cause - I personally recycle, compost, have a rain barrel, got new windows, have energy star compliant appliances - and I am a vegetarian to boot, so I was really excited to see the new concepts coming out. On top of that it got me thinking about how we could have more “green” events/weddings here at Winterthur or for anybody. Some of my suggestions…

China - there are some great new products on the market - I drank out of a plastic cup on Wed. made from corn!! But don’t forget - with the advances in industrial dish machines - china is the  most green option since that leaves no trash and there is now less water needed to fill the machines.

Alcohol - There are Organic Wines and Vodkas. I have been made aware of Organic Rum and I am sure there are more to come. We are considering an option for the future, when the products are available, of having a fully Organic Bar.

Paper Trail - Of course everybody loves to pick out and receive beautiful invitations and in the day and age of emails it really it is a treat. But, how about emailed save the dates, invitations to the the showers, bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners. Even thank yous from those events are acceptable. Save the paper for the wedding invitation and the wedding thank-yous and save a tree in the process.

Favors - Edible is the way to go. Who needs more clutter or one lone picture frame or votive candle? Cute dress shaped cookies, candy stations, and colored M&Ms are the most coveted items we see and they never get left behind on the tables for us to throw in the trash! Don’t forget, everybody feels good about a donation made to a cause that is near and dear to you and your fiancee.

Also - there was a great feature story in the News Journal this weekend about eco-chic weddings, written by Gail A. Sisolak. Some great tips she mentioned include buying a vintage gown or vintage rings at an antique dealer, having your reception and ceremony at the same location to decrease driving, recommending a car share program (like PhillyCarShare) that utilizes hybrid cars for people to get to your wedding, and letting your bridesmaids pick out different dresses that fit their style in the color you choose so they will wear them again.

 If you have a Green Wedding Idea please email me and let me know - I would be happy to post it and add it to this blog.