Green (not Patina’d) Wedding Bells

August may seem less appropriate for this column than June, since June is considered the month for getting married. Turns out, however, the true order of wedding popularity, according to Hallmark no less, is actually now August, then June, followed by July, September, October and May.

Procrastination on my part or not, luckily it seems an appropriate enough time of year afterall to look into the idea of planning a "green" wedding. There are countless books, websites, and advertorial sources of information on the subject, but let's look at a few tips that relate as locally as possible.

Green Venue? While there are no lavish banquet facilities in Bellmore, there are smaller-scale choices for a wedding reception, such as the the Vamps Club and countless restaurants. Also, although today's "green" weddings are not usually as basic as the hippy weddings that took place in national parks and on the beach in the 60s, with grooms donning kaftans and puka shell necklaces and brides going barefoot and holding wildflower bouquets, the concept of getting back to nature is not far afield. In and near Bellmore, waterviews abound at restaurants as well as in backyards for those looking to feel closer to Mother Earth.

Green Menu. Whether you choose a venue near or far, on a tight budget or sparing no expense, a large step in choosing a "green" location is to ask the caterer a few questions about the menu. 

Locally grown is the green rule of thumb. Bellmore was mostly farmland 50 years ago, but today locally grown more likely refers to food produced here on Long Island, although the seminal definition is within 250 miles from where the items are purchased. And, the emphasis is on fresh and seasonal produce, meats and dairy products.

One idea is to surround yourself in Long Island offerings by asking local merchants, such as Bellmore Fresh Farmer's Market on Newbridge Road or Pat's Farms in Merrick, to tell you a bit about this year's or this season's crops, what's good, what's not, what's abundant, and what's in short supply.

Also ask if local crops and food animals are raised using synthetic chemicals, like fertilizers and pesticides to curb insect growth and improve yields. You will soon find out, for example, there are no certifications or authority to ensure hormone-free or organic standards, but much of these initiatives are self-regulated.

Armed with the knowledge you learn here, begin asking questions of a caterer anywhere. Simply tell the caterer that you're environmentally conscious and want your menu to reflect that. There is no such thing as a fully sustainable or organic recipe, but ask that your meal be made from mostly fresh foods, with an occasional can of chicken broth or tomatoes thrown in and some dried spices, grains and pastas.

Durable Savings. Since durable items such as tablecloths, utensils and china are used at weddings, unlike the paper napkins and plastic flatware called for at casual gatherings, reuse is likely a given, but recycling may not be. Find out the extent to which the facility is focused on recycling disposable items such as wine and champagne bottles, aluminum cans, and corrugated cardboard containers, for example. 

Tree Savings. Few brides can choose the greenest option of sending out "save the dates" and invitations via e-mail, so the real test of an environmentally aware selection is to save a few trees by reducing the number of pages and papers in the snail mails sent out, and choosing recycled papers.

Today, fully and partially recycled papers are not the crispy speckled specimens of old, but are increasingly refined and attractive. Knowledgeable local vendors such as Have You Heard? and Perfection Printing are ready and willing to offer advice along with variety in selection, ranging from 30 percent post-consumer recycled content to 100 percent cotton choices. Ask also about the printing processes and ink, since soy-based inks and recycling of overruns are common today.

Better Blooms. The number one way to go green at a wedding is to use  in-season and locally grown flowers for bouquets and the boutonnieres, as well as live plants for centerpieces instead of cut flowers.  Add to that the savings in transportation costs in energy and pollution by choosing local sources, such as perhaps Bellmore Petite Florist. Another approach is to hire two florists closest to two delivery points, one nearest the bride's home and another nearest the venue, or make arrangements with the local florist to set up a reciprocal delivery with a further-away colleague's florist.

Better Images. Disposable cameras were once distributed at weddings so that friends and family could catch those oh so candid moments. Today, encourage guests to  bring digital cameras, and have them provide online selections via e-mail. This saves in many ways, including development chemicals and paper.