How to Plan Your Beautiful Big Day, Naturally

Everyone’s going organic these days, and weddings are no exception. The reasons are simple: Mother Nature’s having a rough time of it, and as two people celebrate the beginning of their life together, they are also honoring the preservation of Earth. Should you decide to add organic touches to your wedding, read on for smart tips. Oh, and recycle this page if you print it out.

While there are several “green” labels out there, “organic” basically means “natural.” For an organic wedding, that can mean serving food from local farms (where the livestock is not fed preservatives), using seasonal and local flowers, even wearing a dress made from organic silk or cotton. Any time you import wedding supplies, you’re using more energy than necessary.

“There are so many ways to add organic touches to your wedding,” says Jonathan Rollo, chef and owner of Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop in Beverly Hills. “Bamboo is wonderful for placemats or centerpieces because it grows like a weed,  it’s lightweight—saving energy on transportation—and it breaks down in a matter of months, not years or decades.” He says people are cutting down on the paper-heavy invitations. “Couples are sending out smaller invitations, on recycled paper, and telling guests the rest of the information is on their web site.”

Rollo, who only serves organic food at his restaurant, knows that “organic” can often translate to “expensive,” and he’s quick to acknowledge the difficulties of going green. “You’re paying more because you’re not buying in mass quantity,” he says. “You’re buying from local vendors, and the food or products aren’t prepared in the normal way.” He also says that, with a little homework, you can significantly cut costs.

“First, make sure your caterer uses licensed, organic vendors for their products, and then get informed. Find local florists yourself, and check the web for tons of web sites about organic products.” One of the best ways to go organic, according to Rollo, is to utilize Mother Nature herself. “Have your wedding outdoors, in your backyard, and fill it with candles,” he says. “Or rent a local farm for the day, so you don’t use the energy of a lighted venue.”

In addition to the dinner menu, organic wedding ideas include cakes (honey is popular for a filling, as is agave and organic sugars), and seasonal berries are perfect for decoration. “You can actually make your own chocolate,” says Rollo. “Nowadays, alcohol can be organic; have a signature drink made from organic vodka or rum, like a martini with pomegranate juice or a margarita sweetened with agave.”

The most fascinating, and telling, factor of organic weddings is that they’re showing signs of growth, and “it doesn’t mean you’re a hippie.” Says Rollo, “The younger set has an increased consciousness about why this is important; it’s not just popular and trendy.” Nope, it’s about preserving the environment for future generations.

-David Toussaint

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