Some couples decide to have a green wedding because they are genuinely concerned about the environment. But there other couples who go the green wedding route just because it has become trendy.  These couples often make silly choices in planning their green weddings because they don’t actually take the time to familiarize themselves with what eco-friendly weddings are all about.

To avoid making the same mistakes,  you need to be sure you to do your homework if you intend to have an earth-friendly / green wedding.

Here are some ideas you should NEVER use for green weddings.

1. Using old “ratty” stuff

Being eco-friendly and being tacky are two different things. Just because you are encouraged to reuse old materials when you go green for your wedding doesn’t mean you should old “ratty” things that would turn off  your guests. If you intend to re-use materials like old clothes or old household items, be sure to wash and clean them thoroughly first, restoring them to pretty as new condition.

2. Using “recycled materials” that are not really recycled

Know what you are buying when you go green for your wedding.  Some stores represent that items are made from recycled materials even when they are not. Make sure you only buy from reputable stores that sell real recycled items.
3. Over-using paper - because its recycled.

Its tempting to think that because you are using recycled paper it’s a justification to send ten-page wedding invitations to 500 people. Not so. That completely defeats the purpose of having a green wedding in the first place.  Remember, the idea behind a green wedding is to reduce consumption of materials. Its not a license to go over board.  That’s not a legitimate green wedding. Use only a few sheets of paper for the invitation. If possible, send other less formal wedding-related invitations such as save the date, engagement party invitations, and bridal shower invitations  via email.

4. Sacrificing quality

Reduce, reuse and recycle - but not to the point where you would be completely sacrificing quality.

5. Recycling food

This is simply not an option.  Serving leftover food or using leftovers as ingredients to dishes presents a health risk and could result in guests becoming ill. The health department prohibits this.

6. Locating the ceremony and reception considerable distance from eachother.

Having the ceremony and reception located a significant drive away from eachother consumes much gas and energy, contributing to adverse effects on our environment.

7. Not complementing the theme of the wedding

Make an effort to practice earth friendly methods but do not overlook the appearance of your wedding. If the tablecloths you borrowed from a friend clash with your wedding color scheme, its not working. Either change the color scheme, or find another way to go green where wedding table dressings are concerned.

8. Using disposable dishes for the reception

The concept of a green wedding is to minimize waste as much as possible, so using disposable items for the reception flys in the face of what a green wedding is supposed to achieve.

Green weddings are not just for environmental activists. Anyone can go green for their wedding day.  But if you are thinking of planning a green wedding, do it for the right reasons -  not just because you are following the latest trend.

Remember, our planet is in danger. What more meaningful way could there be to start your life as husband and wife than by saying “I do” the green way.  Your green wedding will be a wonderful legacy.