Your wedding is the most important day of your life; but it’s also an extremely important day in the timeline of our beautiful planet Earth! There are so many ways that your wedding can positively impact the future of our planet. Today, we’ll discuss how carefully selecting your style of dinner service can influence the future of Earth as we know it!
It’s a Social Style of Dinner
It’s often joked that the only thing that people remember after a wedding is the food. And while we can say with confidence that’s not quite true, food is an extremely important element of a wedding! When selecting your dinner service, we highly recommend considering the eco-friendly family style.
Family style is a great way to make sure that all of your guests enjoy a farm-to-table meal at the same time. Gone are the days of waiting until your table is called to join the buffet line! Selecting family style means that a quick-moving catering staff can deliver fresh, hot plates of entrees and sides to your guests.
First, guests are greeted at their tables by a freshly chilled salad that they can enjoy immediately. As the larger plates arrive at each table, your guests can begin to serve themselves a selection of delicious food. They’ll have the option to select whatever appeals, offering them autonomy and independence rarely found at a wedding that will resonate deeply with them.
Family style dinner service also encourages your guests to get to know each other. When you ask your guests to look to either side and pass a plate, you’ll find that this simple act of sharing food opens a door for conversation. Family style is an exceptional way to match family and friends together; after an evening of sharing food, they’re sure to create a connection that lasts.
By choosing a Trademark venue, you’ve automatically eliminated any additional costs, such as rentals, dinnerware, or serveware. Family style is one of our top-rated dinner services, and for good reason!
Family style saves you time and energy. Unlike other styles of dinner service, where you need to have your guests pre-select their meal, family style ensures your guests can select what appeals in the moment. After all, who wants to choose what they’re going to eat several months in advance? Not only do you not have to keep track of meal orders – you don’t have to pay for the additional postage and stationary required for selected dinner service!
Your Meal Can Be Your Decor
If you’re like us, then you love food. So why not make food the centerpiece of your table? When you have great food that’s worth making it a focal point! You don’t need to worry about spending additional money on floral or centerpieces. Instead, you can set the tables with a tasteful (no pun intended) array of food. Trust us – your guests will love it…and so will your budget!
You’re Helping Eliminate Food Waste
A family style meal is good for the Earth because it cuts down on the amount of waste. Here at Trademark Venues, we’ve been doing weddings for over 20 years; one thing we’ve noticed over and over again is how much guests are prepared to eat…and how consistently they fail!
The plates of entrees and sides that are being passed ensures that your guests’ eyes are not bigger than their stomachs – they can take a little bit of everything, find something they love, and get more. What’s left at the end of the night? Only empty plates and full tummies!
Spread the Word, Not the Waste: Eco-Friendly Invitations
At Trademark Venues, we believe that sustainability should be woven into every aspect of your special day, and that includes how you announce it! Here’s how to make your invitations as earth-friendly as they are elegant:
Embrace the Digital Age
In today’s tech-savvy world, digital invitations are a fantastic way to reduce paper waste and simplify your planning process. With online invitations, you can:
- Instantly reach your guests: No more waiting for the mail! Your loved ones receive their invitations immediately, ensuring everyone stays in the loop.
- Track RSVPs with ease: Say goodbye to chasing down responses. Digital platforms make it easy to manage your guest list and keep track of who’s coming.
- Create a central hub of information: Build a wedding website with all the essential details: directions, accommodation options, registry information, and even fun facts about you as a couple!
Sustainable Style for Paper Lovers
If the charm of a traditional invitation is irresistible, there are still plenty of ways to make eco-conscious choices:
- Recycled Paper: Opt for invitations made from recycled paper, giving new life to pre-consumer waste.
- Seed Paper: How about invitations that bloom into wildflowers? Seed paper is a delightful and sustainable option that guests can plant after the wedding.
- Eco-Friendly Inks: Choose soy-based or vegetable-based inks, which are less harmful to the environment than traditional petroleum-based inks.
Don’t Forget the Details!
Extend your sustainable stationery choices to all your wedding printed materials:
- Menus: Print menus on recycled paper or consider a single, large menu displayed at each table to reduce individual paper use.
- Place cards: Get creative with reusable options like stones, leaves, or even small potted succulents.
- Thank you cards: Send heartfelt thanks digitally or choose recycled paper for a tangible expression of your gratitude.
By making mindful choices about your invitations and stationery, you’ll not only reduce your environmental impact but also set the tone for a truly conscious celebration.
Blooming Beauty: Sustainable Floral Choices for Your Big Day
Flowers play a vital role in setting the mood and aesthetic for your wedding day. But did you know that your floral choices can also be a beautiful expression of your commitment to sustainability? At Trademark Venues, we encourage couples to consider these eco-conscious options:
Locally Grown Love
Sourcing your flowers from local growers has a ripple effect of benefits:
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: By choosing blooms grown close to home, you significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation.
- Fresher Blooms: Locally grown flowers are often cut closer to your wedding date, ensuring maximum freshness and vibrancy.
- Support for Local Businesses: You’ll be directly supporting local farmers and businesses who are passionate about sustainable practices.
Giving Your Blooms a Second Life
Don’t let your beautiful blooms go to waste after the last dance! Consider these heartwarming options:
- Donate to Local Organizations: Brighten the day of others by donating your flowers to hospitals, nursing homes, or shelters. Many organizations will gladly accept your arrangements and share their beauty with those in need.
- Repurpose into Keepsakes: Preserve a few special blooms by drying them and creating lasting mementos, like framed artwork or potpourri.
Beyond the Bouquet: Exploring Alternatives
While fresh-cut flowers are undeniably stunning, there are other captivating options to explore:
- Potted Plants: Use potted plants as centerpieces or decorative accents. Guests can even take them home as favors, extending the joy of your wedding day.
- Dried Arrangements: Dried flowers and grasses create a unique and rustic aesthetic while offering long-lasting beauty.
- Non-Floral Decor: Consider incorporating branches, leaves, fruits, or even beautiful stones into your decor for a natural and sustainable touch.
By making conscious choices about your wedding flowers, you can create a breathtaking atmosphere while minimizing your environmental impact. Let your floral arrangements be a reflection of your values and a celebration of the natural world.
A Sustainable Celebration: Creating a Wedding that Loves the Earth
Planning a sustainable wedding isn’t just about following a trend; it’s about making conscious choices that reflect your values and contribute to a healthier planet. By embracing eco-friendly practices, you can reduce your environmental impact and inspire your guests to do the same.
Contact our team at Trademark Venues to learn more about how we can help you create a wedding that’s as beautiful as it is eco-friendly. Together, let’s make your special day a celebration that leaves a positive impact on the world.