Planning an Eco Wedding (Part 2)
Out top eco wedding tips (part 1) from Michelle at Just The Thing featured stationery, gift lists, confetti, transport and of course the all important dress. Part two focusses on the rings, flowers, the cake and last but not least the honeymoon.
Wedding & Engagement Rings
In a world where many high-street stores claim to sell conflict free diamonds and ethically mined gold, how can you be sure of what you’re really buying? Ingle Rhode is a great place to start. Their diamonds are conflict free, polishers and stone cutters work in good conditions and they donate 10% of their profit to causes including health, education and development for the communities with whom they trade. Ethical Weddings also have a comprehensive list of suppliers that provide a similar service.
Flowers
Cut flowers are not always the best option if you are planning a low impact wedding. Many have travelled thousands of miles and have been sprayed with pesticides by farmers in the third world working in not altogether the best conditions. An alternative is locally grown flowers, organic flowers or even native wildflowers. Karen Foster is a florist who is passionate about helping couples source local and fair trade flowers for their special day. Tracey Drew also provides native wildflowers from her home in Coventry.
Wedding Cake
Finding an organic wedding cake has become a real breeze. We love the Organic Chocolate Cake Company, they specialise in beautifully indulgent organic chocolate cakes for any occasion. www.toccc.co.uk. Similarly, made with organic ingredients and locally sourced produce, you might like to check out Fancy Nancy Couture wedding cakes at www.fancynancy.info for a designer cake tailor made for your special day.
The Honeymoon
Planning an ethical honeymoon can be a real treat. Alternative destinations will often help you to see the world in a new way. Why not pick a low carbon destination in the U.K like the New Forest or the Norfolk Broads, just as romantic but without the hassle of airport queues. Another option is to jump on the Eurostar as a starting point for many destinations in Europe. www.responsibletravel.com have a no fly option available for couples who wish to lessen their carbon footprint.