REDUCE, reuse, recycle (and my fourth ‘R’ - repair, but that’s a topic for another day). Weddings can get excessive (no, really?), and even if the choices are eco-friendly, the question of consumption still arises. There’s one key question you need to ask yourself: do I really need that? Remember, NEED is different from WANT.
Ariel at the excellent Offbeat Bride blog:
“…I definitely get concerned when I see wedding trend articles that lay yet another financial concern on engaged couples, yet another way in which brides can whip themselves into a frenzy. “I must have tea candles on every table — and they must be SOY CANDLES!” How about just skipping the candles? As my friend Esther pointed out, it’s a little frustrating that the article seems to ignore the “reduce, reuse, recycle” aspect of environmentalism, focusing on green products couples can buy instead of suggesting that couples take the truly radical step of just buying less. “
Buy less, consume less - reduce. A radical idea…
Another reason to consider reducing the wedding “stuff” - there’s no doubt that making eco-friendly choices is more expensive than sticking with mainstream, mass produced stuff. By cutting stuff, you free up the budget for organic meals, flowers, etc.
This list is highly individual, and every bride will make different choices as to need or want, but here are some things to think about. Do you need:
- floral centerpieces for the tables?
- candles?
- individual place cards?
- a newspaper announcement?
- a ring pillow?
- toasting goblets?
- a ‘going-away’ outfit?
Run through your checklist. What are the things you can cut out?
