Eco-Conscious Invitations

Give some thought to all the paper products you want for your wedding. Photo by Paul Grigonis, pplusgphoto.com.

While venue, food, and transportation are going to have the largest environmental impact, the amount of paper involved in invitations makes it a worthwhile way to green your wedding. It’s pretty easy to have eco-friendly wedding invitations.

Here are some easy ways to minimize the impact of your party invitations:

• Use postcards as your reply cards;
• Keep the invitations simple;
• Use recycled paper for your invitations;
• Ask for replies by e-mail or online.
• If you feel comfortable with it, you can even send online invitations.

There are also invitation suppliers who specialize in eco-friendly invitations. Look around in your area for designers and printers who use environmentally friendly techniques.  (I know a few in the Chicago area.)

While you’re thinking about invitations, you can also give some thought to the other paper products you might want for your wedding:  place cards, menus, programs, etc.  Using recycled paper and non-toxic inks, or finding ways to use less paper are ways you can green your wedding.