More and more people are going green.  Not the color green, but the type that comes from being earth-friendly.  We are all becoming more environmentally aware these days, and party planners are no exception.  The changes we are making in our personal lives are spilling over into the wedding/party planning process.  ECO-CHIC is on the rise!

Okay, so are you envisioning hemp dresses and bare feet?  NOT!  Organic or locally grown flowers or plants, recyclable invitations, email invitations and reusable dishes are just some of the ways you can go green.

While some people will go to extremes like renting a wedding gown or buying a used wedding gown, only using a facility that has been built with recycled materials or going without flowers because they view them as waste, it really doesn’t have to be that way.  Technology is helping a lot.  You can now send out EVITES (electronic invitations).  That eliminates the paper invitation, the response card, the envelope, the postage and the gas the U.S. Mail Service uses to deliver the mail.  WOW, that alone is a HUGE help towards going green!   If you really want the more formal, mailed invitation, you can ask for recycles paper and soy ink to be used.  Ask your caterer to use organic or locally grown food and you’ve just added more points to your green score.  Don’t use paper plates, paper napkins or plastic utensils and you’ve scored big again.  Basically, keep things simple.

There are lot’s of favors these days that have incorporated the “green” theme such as seed packets and tea bags; but anything that can be reused is also Eco-Chic such as key chains, bottle stoppers, bottle openers, picture frames, coasters, paper weights….you get the point, right?

If your event is held nearby all your guests, you can reduce your carbon footprint because you will use less gas getting people there.  Providing a bus, limo or carpool option is also a big help.  Some couples are purchasing carbon offset credits based on the size of their guest lists.  Some couples are going so far as to request their guests purchase carbon offsets in lieu of gifts!

With a little bit of forethought, it really isn’t that tough to be ECO-CHIC!

It’s that wonderful time of year again, when Bridal Shows abound and for all of you who just recently got engaged or who are in the final stages of planning your beautiful day, a Bridal Show can be the perfect one stop shop for ideas and services.   But they can also be an overwhelming experience, especially the larger shows.  There is always so much to see so many choices.   A few vendors will be there to service YOU personally, like skin care specialists, but the majority will be Florists, DJ’s, Event Planners, Caterer’s, Venues, Photographers, Videographers, Invitation Suppliers, Bridal Gown Stores, Tuxedo Stores, Hair & Make Up Specialists, Cake Companies, Transportation Companies, Linen Companies, Favor Companies, Musicians, Honeymoon Companies and a few other specialties like Gown Preservation, Bar Services and Alterations.     I always have much more fun at the smaller shows where I can spend more personal time with you.

So I wanted to share a few tips with you on how to make the most of the next bridal show that you attend so that it helps you create that perfect romantic wedding day you have always dreamed about.

The larger the show, the less personal time you will have with the vendors.  It is nearly impossible to spend quality time with the vendors.  It is my opinion, that the best you can hope for is to get some ideas….from what you see at the show.  Now if the show is a small show, that is a different story….you may get some one on one time with the vendors.

The vendors want to get your contact information and most will have sign up sheets or give-aways to entice you to leave your contact info.  For this reason, I suggest you come with pre printed labels that have your name, address, phone number, email address and wedding date printed on them.

Many vendors will have free goodies for you and before you know it, you’ll be carrying around several pounds of goodies and information.  You may want to bring your fiance or a friend to help carry everything.

If you see something you really like, make a note about it on the back of the vendor’s business card, so that later on you will know why you want to contact them.

Sample the food, sample to cake, sample the favors….taste is important in these areas!

Oh, and last but not least….WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!

I sincerely hope this helps you navigate the next bridal show you attend!