Everyone is on the “Go Green Bandwagon” as they should be.  If we don’t take care of our planet now, the future of our environment is in peril.  We offered some tips last spring on planning Eco-friendly Events, and we received a lot of questions on how to maintain that theme with the décor of the event including Wedding Favors.  If you add a sustainable touch to tablecloths, give out gift bags filled with earth-agreeable goodies or use eco-friendly wedding favors on your tables, you will most likely be appreciated by your guests and Mother Earth.

Here are some ideas for some earth friendly décor and favors that are also cost effective. 

• My favorite, use a potted plant for the centerpieces or buffet table decorations. If you do decide to use cut flowers, use organic or flowers from your local flower mart. You might consider buying tree saplings from your local nursery and wrapping the root ball in burlap and using them as wedding favors.  You can write a “Thank you” on recycled note cards and attach them to the sapling with some twine or earth friendly ribbon made from organic cotton.  You can bunch several of the tree saplings in the center of a table for a centerpiece and ask the guests to take them home and plant them.

• One of my brides used natural Manzanita branches set in a container with soil and moss as her Guest Sign in Book.  We had small pieces of recycled paper for the guests to write a message or thought to the bride and groom and then we instructed them to tie it to one of the Manzanita branches with ribbon.  It became the “Good Wishes Tree”.

• Another great decorating idea is the use of fruits and vegetables. Natural baskets with oranges or apples can be festive and certainly earth friendly. You might consider small basket of aromatic herbs on the buffet table or at the entry way to welcome your guests. If your event or wedding is in the autumn, you can make use of pumpkins, gourds and squashes. 

• Try to use eco-friendly, reusable table linens including tablecloths, skirts, and napkins. Look for cloth made from sustainable fibers like bamboo, hemp, and organic cotton.

• Candles are a great way to add atmosphere and dancing light. However, try to keep them green by using soy candles.  Look for candles made of biodegradable soybean wax and cotton or paper wicks.  You can find them by searching on line or at many candle stores.  Or try beeswax candles. Beeswax is a sweet, simple renewable fuel that burns long and bright. It is non-toxic and hypo allergenic. Beeswax candles provide long burn times. Use energy efficient light bulbs in your lighting.  Every little bit helps.

• Here are some other ideas to think about for party or wedding favors. Favors can really be a part of the table decor and make a stunning impression on your guests.

• Give you guests Fair Trade Certified Chocolate.  Try this website for some ideas. http://www.sweetearthchocolates.com/

• How about a bottle of organic wine?  Contact a local winery to see if they might produce small bottles for your favors. Some will even help by printing a personalized label with your name and date on it.

• Many favors use bamboo.  Look for sets of bamboo coasters or place card holders. Of course a small lucky bamboo plant placed at each setting is a nice way to say “thank you” to your guests.

• Polished rocks with inspiring words or sea shells as place cards work to create a great look and still be friendly to the earth.

• One of the best ideas is to purchase plantable seed packets to give your guests.  You can attach little cards with your name and date or purchase the seeds already in attractive packages to coordinate with your colors and theme. What a great way for your guests to give back to the earth and remember your special day all at the same time!

• Another great earth friendly wedding favor is to adopt an animal through a wildlife conservation agency or have trees planted on behalf of your guests. You can place cards at each place designating the agency and the cause with your wedding date on them.

• You can go to our website, www.joanburnseventplanner.com  and click on Wedding Favors.  There you can find some great eco-friendly wedding favors to use.

I found some interesting facts on why we should consider using eco-friendly decorations.

• Reusable items require fewer resources over their lifetime than disposable options.

• Chemical and water use is reduced when organic agricultural methods are practiced.

• Recycling keeps usable resources out of landfills and prevents additional raw materials from being harvested.

• Alternative fibers (hemp, bamboo) need fewer chemicals and less time to produce.

• (www.greenyour.com )

So what about after the party?  Recycle any of the decorations or favors that you can.  Reuse them for another party or donate leftover favors to the Senior Center so they can enjoy them also. If you used the idea of seed packets or tree seedlings as wedding favors and some are left, create a special day for you and your new spouse to plant them.  It will always be a remembrance of your wonder wedding day.

I really think Mother Earth wants us to celebrate special occasions, enjoy ourselves and show our love to others, I just think She wants to be a part of the party!  When you plan your decorations or party favors, with sustainability in mind, you can invite Her!

Joan Burns on Blend Radio
Joan was a special guest co-host on Creative celebrations party planning radio where she discussed earth-friendly party favors and décor ideas. The show aired live on March 22, 2009. To meet the rest of the guests and listen to the entire show, please click here. To listen to her interview, please double click on the play button.