Great Tips For Eco-Friendly Wedding Receptions

Everything from the simplest details to the most complex choices can have an impact on the environment in some way. For example, what if you are having a big reception and you decide to use disposable place settings, napkins, and utensils? Everything would end up in a landfill afterward.

You can stop the excess landfill pileup by choosing to use reusable plates and tableware that you rent or purchase for the occasion. Alternately, you can buy compost able, biodegradable, disposable table settings made from sugar cane fibers, natural corn and potato starches, or bamboo.

It comes down to personal choice and what is the most convenient for you. Either option is greener than regular wax- coated paper, Styrofoam, or plastic disposable plates and utensils.

There are many ways to have an eco-reception. Try incorporating some of these ideas into your event and into any pre-wedding parties:

Ditch the disposables. Say no to plastic, Styrofoam, and waxy coated paper plates. This goes for anything that is a single-use product not just tableware and eating utensils but also serving trays, punch bowls, dessert trays, and food warmers. Talk to your caterers to make sure they use reusable products.

Rent or purchase reusable items. Most catering services offer complete table settings or have a recommended rental service. You might even want to scour the thrift stores. You may find a variety of table settings that can be mixed and matched for an elegantly eclectic dinner service. If you don’t need everything you bought, you can donate it to a good cause such as a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, battered women’s shelter, or to a thrift store such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

If you do opt for some disposable products, make sure they are made from recycled materials and/or that they are biodegradable or can be recycled or composted.

Opt for a late evening or night-time reception and only serve drinks and cake. Other options include having a reception at a time of day where you are not required to serve a whole meal. At an afternoon reception, you could have just drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and cake.

Consider organic, fair-trade, and local food choices when selecting a menu.

A meatless menu is a very green choice. It can also help you keep costs down, because meat can add quite a bit to your bill.

Keep it as simple as possible by having a buffet. Guests can serve themselves while they mingle, and you have fewer catering staff to pay for.

Make sure your venue and caterer are as eco-friendly as possible. While there is no similar list for caterers yet, ask ahead of time about your caterer’s practices arid make sure they recycle and adhere to other green standards.

If you are considering a hotel for your reception location to find a hotel that has implemented environmentally friendly practices in its daily business.

For a great listing of green businesses for all your reception needs check out online versions of Green Pages to find screened and approved green businesses. If you want, you can also order a print copy of the Green Pages.
Don’t throw out leftover food. Send it home with guests instead. Have some packed up for you to take home if you aren’t leaving right away for your honeymoon. You could also donate leftovers to a local shelter or soup kitchen; make arrangements ahead of time to make sure they will accept prepared food, then appoint someone responsible to deliver it after the reception.

Encourage recycling and proper disposal of waste. Make sure your venue or caterer has containers set up to collect and separate recyclables. Make sure compostable items are composted. The goal is to keep as much out of the landfill as possible.

Article provided by Green Wedding Ideas
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