After attending the ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) meeting last night that was focused on creating a “green” wedding, I have to say I was inspired to do a little research on some unique ways to make your invitations more environmentally friendly. Since the stationary is probably the most paper consuming item that you need during your wedding there is a lot of room for improvement. And I am a firm believer in the fact that you still need to send your guest a printed invitation rather than some available alternative options that have come up in the last few years, so we need to be able to offer an eco friendly option to all of your green lovin’ brides out there. OPTION 1: (don’t laugh) PAPER YOU CAN PLANT How fun is this? You send your invitation (or marketing piece if you are a business) to you guest/target and when they are done with the information they can actually plant the paper in the ground because it is made with seeds that will bloom in to beautiful flowers. This would be a perfect option for:

• Non-Profit Organizations
• Environmental Organizations
• Companies with a strong green ethic
• Brides who really want to set the tone for their green eco friendly wedding
• Any companies willing to strengthen their Sustainable/Green policies

One of the best parts about this paper, is that it is completely customizable so if you are worried about it lacking a great design all you would have to do is have your selected designer (hint hint) design it for you and get it printed on this type of paper rather than the standard linen, pearl or uncoated stock. OPTION 2: (slightly more practical) RECYCLED PAPER This is a great option for anyone who is environmentally conscious. In many cases guests and viewers won’t even know that it is recycled unless you place the recycled paper logo on the paper (if you are a business). The paper is still beautiful and good for the earth at the same time. OPTION 3: THE LOGO BEAN I have to admit, I’ve actually used this for a company before and it was AWESOME! So, I was thinking why not repurpose it. It is really easy and fun. So when you get it it’s an empty pot and you just water it and give it a little light like any other plant and when it grows the bean actually grows with your logo or design on it.

• This would be a perfect (and unique) save the date, if you had the date put on the bean instead of a logo
• Great favor for your guest to take home and grow.
• A green business