A Colorado bride’s first thought will not likely be her wedding’s carbon footprint.
With that said, Colorado residents are increasingly eco-conscious. So, the modern bride- and groom-to-be will probably consider the negative impact their ceremony could have on the environment. Although going green can mean spending more green, some options can actually save dough. And good news: Eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean twigs, tofu and thrift stores.
From the extreme to simple changes, it’s always a nice day for a green wedding on the Front Range. Some brides have even gone so far as setting up a carbon-offset program for their guests’ travels, requesting monetary contributions to a charity in place of gifts or buying a used wedding gown. Regardless of your level of commitment to sustainability, there are plenty of ways to get hitched without sacrificing style or your commitment to the environment.
Food
Catering often produces a lot of unnecessary waste, but it is actually one of the more expensive ways to go green. Still, there are options. Expert chef and sustainability guru, Matt Busker, runs Catering Consciously, an eco-friendly catering company based in Northglenn. From e-contracts to using only compostable products, Busker doesn’t cut any eco corners. And all of the food is local, organic and created according to seasonality.
“Our No. 1 priority is providing a menu that is based on locally grown food,” Busker said. “If it is grown in Colorado, we get it first.”
Although using a green catering company will certainly help save the environment, it usually costs up to 50 percent more than a traditional caterer. However, it’s worth talking to your potential caterer about pricing options; Busker said he tries to work with a budget, even if it means cutting his profit. If green catering isn’t an option, use dishware that can be re-used, provide guests with a recycling bin, donate leftover food or use it for compost, and choose a menu that reflects the season.
Venues
Backyards and mountain spots are typically the least pricey way to host a more eco-friendly wedding, but Colorado is home to plenty of green venues. Try Devil’s Thumb Ranch near Granby or 910 Arts in Denver. Also, having the reception at the same place as the ceremony limits the effects of transportation.
Paper
Invitations are a simple, yet effective, way to be lessen your impact on the planet. Use invites made of 100-percent-recycled paper or other recycled materials if you want to mail them the traditional way. Or, even better, opt for e-vites. Customizable wedding websites, such as weddingwindow.com, allow couples to electronically send save-the-dates, ceremony invitations, bachelorette party details, gift registries, etc. It’s a stellar way to be eco-friendly and potentially save money.
Flowers
Another effortless way to be more eco committed without splurging is by hiring a florist who uses flowers naturally found in Colorado. Denver’s Plum Sage uses local, organic flowers based on the season, while still offering some of the most beautiful arrangements around. The company buys much of its local product from Pastures of Plenty Farm in Longmont.
Photos
Choosing a photographer dedicated to reducing waste is something many brides don’t consider, but it might be the easiest way to be more sustainable without spending any extra money. Colorado wedding photographer Michele Hart chooses only local, eco-friendly photo labs, limits paper use and uses rechargeable batteries. She said dedication to sustainability doesn’t have to sacrifice quality or conveying a couple’s personality.
Dress
Sure, you love the planet and all, but you’re biggest priority is finding the dress (not just a dress, the dress). Style and Earth-friendliness are not necessarily mutually exclusive. ECO-Bridal Gowns in Denver is a haven for the green- minded brides of Colorado. Buy new gowns made with sustainable materials or peruse the consigned dresses.
Contact:
Catering Consciously, cateringconsciously.com, 303.450.4815
910 Arts, 910arts.com, 303.815.1779
Devil’s Thumb Ranch, devilsthumbranch.com, 800.933.4339
Plum Sage Flowers, plumsageflowers.com, 303.885.1130
Michele Hart Photography, michelehartphotography.com, 720.839.6855
