Apr 30, 2011 | wedding planning, Weddings
I know I’m supposed to be interested in yesterday’s royal wedding. I hear about it everywhere I go, and, as a professional, I guess I’m expected to have an opinion on everything and note the fashions. I’m sorry if I sound grumpy here, but I couldn’t care less.
Yes, royalty is interesting. Yes, it’s a high-profile wedding. (Who was their wedding planner, anyway?) But to me, this kind of event highlights all the things I don’t like about weddings: the spectacle, the display of wealth, the emphasis on the trappings.
One news site has a blog all about the royal wedding. The topics are things like royal wedding fashion, celebrity guests, what Prince Harry’s date wore, the gown, the ring, a recipe for royal wedding cake, and then, finally, at the very end, tips for a happy and healthy marriage.
But isn’t that what it is really about? Any two people getting married are starting a new life together and the wedding day is the the first day of many together. I think the focus should be on the people, their relationship, and the joy of marriage. The millions spent on lavish entertainment and props are not the point.
So, if you enjoy watching the spectacle, I hope you liked this one. For myself, I’d rather work on a wedding that is less about the externals and more about the love.
Apr 22, 2011 | Eco-Friendly Events, Parties and Special Events, wedding planning, Weddings
Wildflower seed paper hearts in a clay pot make great eco-friendly wedding favors. Photo courtesy of christytylerphotography.com.
Today is Earth Day. If you’re planning a wedding or other event this summer, what can you do to honor the earth at your event? Here’s a short list of things you can think about:
- Transportation
- Location
- Food and Drink
- Clothing and jewelry
- Gifts
- Decorations
- Invitations and other paper goods
No one is expected to have a perfectly green event, but every little thing you do helps. If your invitations and menus are printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, it helps. If you can have your wedding, reception, and hotel for guests close together, it helps.
For a long list of green event planning tips, be sure to see my Eco Friendly Celebrations page. I like to do whatever I can to help people celebrate Earth Day every day.
Apr 15, 2011 | Other Events
Green Music Fest 2010
I have to give a little plug here for the two street fairs that I’m the Vendor Coordinator for this summer: Wicker Park Fest and Green Music Fest. Both are in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area of Chicago, and both should attract good crowds this year.
Both festivals have discounts for non-profit vendors, and Green Music has discounts for certified green vendors. Applications are being accepted right now. If you’re interested, don’t delay, as these are popular summer festivals. Green Music Fest is June 25 and 26, and Wicker Park is July 23 and 24.
I hope I’ll get to work with a lot of the creative, crafty types who populate this great city of ours. Get your application in, and I’ll be in touch.
Apr 5, 2011 | Eco-Friendly Events, Family Parties, Other Events, Parties and Special Events, vendors, wedding planning, Weddings
Rickshaw Rick, as he appears on his website.
Do you want something a little different for your next celebration? Try hiring a bicycle rickshaw to take you from place to place. Having a wedding at church and the reception down the road? You could have unusual and memorable transportation.
Rick Carter of Rickshaw Rick provides a service that is, I think, unique. He has several styles of bicycle rickshaw and a number of drivers, so he can accommodate large or small parties. There are covered cabs and open ones; colorful ones and wicker ones. And they are all powered exclusively by pedal power. Now, there’s an eco-friendly option to consider for your next party!
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