The wedding of your dreams — and conscience
There are ways to reduce an event’s footprint, write Marc and Craig Kielburger.
Surely you’ve heard Modern Family star Sofia Vergara and True Blood stud Joe Manganiello are getting hitched this summer. And that her engagement ring might be worth half a million dollars. And that their wedding cake might be a staggering six- tiers high.
Every couple deserves to splurge in their own way on their dream day. Some take it to the next level. Prince Abdul Malik married last month in Brunei and the 11- day ceremony featured both bride and groom festooned in diamonds, and a bouquet of gemstones instead of flowers.
But for those who strive to be conscious of their social and eco impact ( and their budget, too) there are countless ways to throw a party that’s heavy on the memories and light on the planet.
For instance, HGTV’s heartthrob carpenter Carter Oosterhouse had 220 guests at his wedding to Amy Smart, and they produced only half a bag of trash.
Thankfully, for the 300,000 Canadians expected to enter into marital bliss this wedding season, the paparazzi won’t be parsing every move. But our gross national wedding footprint could benefit from some careful planning.
From sourcing local flowers and food to online invitations and offsetting carbon emissions, there are endless ways to throw an eco- chic and socially conscious celebration. Here are five of our favourite ideas:
ETHICAL BLING
Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie famously wear ethical engagement rings, like those available at Toronto’s Fair Trade Jewelry Company. At that retailer, the gems are fairly sourced and the precious metals are recycled.
You can also go old- school with an antique ring ( like Marc did when he proposed to his wife Roxanne), so no new stones are mined. Your local jeweller can resize family heirlooms, or even melt down the gold to create new wedding bands that preserve family history.
GO AU NATUREL
Think outside the banquet hall and host your big day outdoors to reduce electricity costs. The natural backdrop is more ecofriendly than throwaway decor, says Wedding Planners Institute president Danielle Andrews Sunkel. You could even support a local conservation area by having your reception under protected trees. Try local caterers who are more likely to have a menu with regionally sourced produce and Ocean Wise- certified seafood.
WHO IS SHE WEARING?
Made- in- Canada, socially conscious and eco- friendly dresses are hard to find, but they do exist.
The favourite Canadian designers among the married people we know are Vancouver’s Truvelle and Pure Magnolia, and Toronto’s Paloma Blanca.
You can also hire a local seamstress to make your dream dress with sustainable fabrics. Look for off- white or options treated without chemicals such as organic cotton, bamboo or hemp.
DO SOMEONE ELSE A FAVOUR
One U. S. wedding consultant estimates 70 per cent of wedding favours are left behind, so give your guests something meaningful. Marc and Roxanne’s favours were traditional Maasai necklaces, handmade by women in rural Kenya working for a much- needed alternative income ( sparking the idea behind “Forever Rafiki” favours in Me to We’s fair- trade Artisans program). We’ve also seen couples take their wedding favour budget and make a charitable donation instead.
A SECOND LIFE FOR YOUR DRESS
Instead of stuffing your gown into the back of a closet, let it support a good cause. Toronto’s The Brides’ Project sells once worn dresses at a discounted price to raise funds for cancer research. Wedding- Recycle. com’s Can’t Buy Me Love project offers free donated dresses to women who couldn’t otherwise afford one.
Several groups in cities across Canada — like the Cinderella Gown Project in Calgary, or The Princess Shop in Saskatoon — give donated bridesmaid dresses to teens in low- income areas to wear as prom dresses.
Brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger founded a platform for social change that includes the international charity Free The Children, the social enterprise Me to We and the youth empowerment movement We Day.