–Weddings in style by Tuscan Dreams
Going abroad to get married is nothing new these days, but more and more couples who do choose to hold their wedding overseas are going green.
Environmental concepts are now becoming incorporated into the usual celebrations. But if the idea of cutting back on traditional food and flowers alarms you, Italian wedding planner Erica Bellini says you can have an eco wedding without compromising on the style of your nuptials.
Erica, founder of Tuscan Dreams, says the location of your day is key. She says: When it comes to finding somewhere for you and your guests to stay why not hold your eco wedding in a typical Tuscan farmhouse. You still have the advantage of having excellent quality accommodation and a pool but you can save a lot more money by staying in a farmhouse as opposed to a villa.
You don’t need to be eco minded to have a green wedding. It’s a good excuse to cut down on waste, fuss and cost and have an original wedding. Take advantage of what beautiful Tuscany has to offer, especially its tasty local produce perfect for your reception. If your visitors use local amenities and support the local community it can strengthen the economy.
Fresh, organic food can easily be sourced by Erica, who has extensive knowledge of the area and its local specialities after spending the last 10 years organising weddings in Italy. She says: If your wedding is being held in or near a small town, for example, there should be plenty of local suppliers to support. By buying local, organic food you sacrifice absolutely nothing in taste and can show off the regions best produce.
As well as food, flowers are another vital part of your wedding. Erica says: Be eco friendly when choosing your wedding flowers. Small plants or herbs are a great alternative, such as lavender and ivy plants, as opposed to cut flowers. They can also be given to guests as a lasting memento.
For flower decorations use local producers of terracotta and ceramics, which are typically Tuscan, as an alternative container for the flowers. Herbs such as rosemary and sage will give you a lovely scent to your flower composition and are very reasonably priced.
Other important aspects of your wedding that have an eco alternative are:
- Stationary such as invites made with fair-trade or recycled paper/card products.
- Confetti which can be locally produced flower petals or bird friendly seeds. Real rice should be avoided as its bad for birds!
- Another way of supporting the local community is to give your guests miniature bottles of extra virgin olive oil or wine produced locally or even within the grounds of the wedding villa itself.
- Local farms offer other produce from wine and honey to Parma ham and salami, at reasonable prices, adding that extra touch.
So, you have loads of good reasons to turn your big day into a green wedding !
