Published on March 30th, 2008 | by Stephanie Evans

Hosting a Green Wedding Shower

Hosting an eco-friendly wedding shower isn’t all that different from throwing a typical wedding shower—it just requires a bit of green brainstorming.

Here are some green things to consider as you plan the shower…

Reusable Flatware for a Sustainable Table Setting

Invitations and Decorations

Set yourself a “no paper” invitation rule—send e-vites or set up a Web site specifically for the shower or wedding-related updates and send guests the link. Include an RSVP section to keep track of who’s coming. Encourage guests to carpool if they know each other.

It’s easy to overdo decorations. Most venues, ranging from homes to restaurants to hotels, don’t need too much added décor. Classic decorative items such as organic flowers add simple elegance. Purchase through an organic florist or look for Veriflora-certified flowers at your local grocery store.

3 Steps to a Greener Table

Items such as tablecloths, napkins, plates, flatware, and glasses are necessary for serving snacks.

Steer clear of vinyl or plastic tablecloths that are hard to recycle. Cloth tablecloths and napkins are reusable and organic options are out there.
To further cut down on waste, go with reusable tableware—champagne flutes made from glass, metal flatware, and ceramic plates—that lasts for years. If you’re using disposable tableware, don’t purchase plastic, which usually doesn’t make it to the recycling bin. Look for…
- Bamboo, which natually decomposes in 4-6 months. Find Veneerwear plates and utensils at Branch.
- Bagasse, a biodegradable and compostable by-product that comes from the process of refining sugar. Find Bagasse plates and cups at Eco-Wise.
Also, consider renting instead of buying. Renting extra chairs and tables, as well as everything for the table, cuts down on waste.

Food

The food your guests eat can be as organic as the tablecloth on which it’s placed. If you’re making the food yourself, choose seasonal, organic ingredients. If you’re having the event catered, look for chefs and bakers that incorporate sustainable practices (and ingredients!) into their business model.

Location

If you want to throw the wedding shower at an indoor venue, do a bit of research beforehand. Many in the hotel, restaurant, and spa industries are striving for a green business. Ask about planet-friendly practices at potential places of interest.

Games and Gifts

Wedding showers offer a great opportunity for guests and the bride to play games. Whatever game you choose to play, be sure to use recycled paper to keep score and give small eco tokens if prizes are in order.

If the shower is for an eco-conscious bride, chances are she’s selected green gifts in the registry, which should help to guide gift givers.

Give guests small tokens of appreciation. It’s nice to offer an assortment so various tastes and interests are covered—organic chocolate bars, wildflower seed packets, and travel-sized natural hand cream or lip balm all make nice, inexpensive, and useful favors. If you’re crafty and you have a bit of time, you can make elegant lavender sachets or veg-based soaps.

If you’re the bride, don’t forget to send eco thank you notes for wedding shower gifts. Look for recycled paper greeting cards and plantable cards embedded with wildflower seeds. Browse online at Twisted Limb Paperworks and Of The Earth.