Earth and Budget Friendly Tip #1

On a budget these days? Looking for green decor options but want to stay friendly to your budget as well as the planet? For designs on a budget, use found containers for your flowers or other decor. Whether you use what you have at home or ask around from friends and family, you might be able to come up with a collection of vases or dishes that could work. Most florists or caterers would be willing to include those items in the day's festivities, as I did last year with Gorgeous and Green. Take a look:

Pictures courtesy of Heart Studios

We went with a cobalt blue glass theme, and incorporated used vases that I found on my end and that the bride and her family collected on their end. From round and tall, to small and narrow, the collection was varied but went together nicely.

And, after the event, they all went home with their original owners.

G&G

Local Sweet Favors

Why not go local for your wedding favors? Locally made and sold products cuts down on pollution and you'll know that your giving your guests a little bit of love that will benefit your local economic community as well. If you can, try sourcing organic or recycled products if possible, and add to the positive effect of your purchase.

Here in the Bay Area, we have a plethora of local craftspeople, artists, farmers and food artisans. But I'm sure every local community is known for local goods or art, you just have to do your homework.

I have become well acquainted with two Bay Area businesses who create sweet treats that can be used as wedding favors: Marshall's Farm and Coracao Confections. Both produce wonderful products.



Coracao Confections make lovely organic, vegan and raw chocolate confections. They use superfoods like acai, goji and maca and other tasty treats like almonds and coconut.




They have a two piece box that would act as wonderful treats for wedding guests:

Each box contains a superberry cup (antioxidants) and a caramel. Both look and taste delicious.






Marshall's Farm produces (with the help of local bees) natural and raw honey from various areas around the Bay. Not only is it delicious, but it has some natural allergy relief built in for those who live here. Check out their small 2 oz pots of honey that would look great on each guest's place setting:



They have several types of honey collected from local sites around the Bay, so depending on where you live or are having your event, you can get specific honey.

Supporting local businesses and craftspeople is not only sustainable for the environment, but for your community. The more we learn to depend and thrive on what is in our neighborhood, the healthy our communities will become.

G&G