Modern Herbs

Rustic herbs look modern on a tabletop when dressed in sleek metal containers.
Photo: Martha Stewart

Custom Bottle Stoppers

Create custom bottle stoppers with pretty found knobs. Simply adhere the knobs to corks for instant vintage glamour!
Photo: Martha Stewart

Whimsical Paper Mobile

Create a whimsical atmosphere overtop any table with this feminine paper mobile, crafted from vintage dictionary pages.
Photos: Etsy

Archive Love: A Greenhouse Celebration

Get an extra daily dose of veggies by creating a casual greenhouse-inspired party. Reused aluminum cans filled with small edible plants are all it takes to make a vitamin-rich table setting. 

Photo: Once Wed

Archive Love: Rustic Mint Chandelier

Create a rustic atmosphere by crafting a hanging chandelier made from small pots of mint or other fragrant herbs. Use clippings of the herbs as fresh garnishes for cocktails and entrées throughout the party.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Archive Love: Exotic Inspiration

Amp up the exotic vibe at a laid-back summer get-together with this low-impact idea. Fill a simple bowl or serving piece with water and tropical colored floating candles. Place a few orchids in the water to float beside the candles; you can also scatter several orchids across the table for an easy, organic vibe.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Bridal Swap

Ever wonder how best to get rid of old wedding items, or where to buy them at the most affordable prices, and to stay as green as possible in the process?  Well, look no further!

Past brides and brides-to-be are participating in bridal swaps, where brides exchange wedding items of all kinds, such as centerpiece vases, ring pillows, candle holders, garters, jewelery, and so much more.  Even bridesmaid dresses, wedding dresses and veils are offered up!

Past brides aren’t missing the chance to get rid of old wedding items tucked away in their closets and make some money in the process.  Brides-to-be are also in attendance, leaving with wedding treasures they thought they’d never find.  

So who participates in the bridal swap event? 

Past brides who are in need (or want) of a little extra cash can rent tables and give away their most prized possessions (for a good, green cause!) and receive something in return.  Future, eco-conscious brides are also participants of this event; these green brides are looking for an environmentally friendly way to celebrate their partners, and what better way to stay green and look golden on your wedding day than attending a bridal swap?  Wedding vendors are also aplenty at this event, making their services known to brides who still need to put some finishing touches on their dream weddings.

Bridal swaps are eco-friendly wedding saviours because all kinds of items are exchanged rather than made new, avoiding the environmentally damaging effects of creating a most beautiful and perfect wedding.  So, if you’re feeling guilty about your wedding waste, decide to have a ‘green’ wedding and attend a bridal swap!

Green wedding vendors can also offer their services to brides who are still putting finishing touches on their dream weddings.  

The swap continues…

What’s neat about the bridal swap put on by Vancouver’s Dream Group Productions, is that besides having their own tables on which to sell their wedding items, past brides are able to list them on sites like www.smartbrideboutique.com, not only for the duration of the time leading up to the event, but for as long after the event as it takes for the items to sell.

For brides-to-be, items sold at the event are reasonably priced, so brides don’t have to worry about spending ‘more’ for what only seems like ‘less’.  Items are expected to be sold at half of their original retail prices.  

Some green bride ideas

Usually, it can be hard to find ways to go green on your wedding.  But by holding a green bridal swap, you not only help reduce waste for your own wedding, you’re also encouraging others to do it at the same time, in a fun and creative way.  Let’s be honest – do you really need those fancy new centerpieces? Go with “something used” and save your cash for honey moon shopping!

As writers of this article, Shoo-Foo Eco Linens is proud to be able to help brides ‘go green’ in another way: by offering an online green wedding registry where future couples can enjoy high quality bamboo towels and bedding for years to come! 

Archive Love: Farm Fresh Favors

Help support local agriculture by offering your guests seasonal produce, such as beautifully colored heirloom tomatoes, as favors. For a farm stand feel, arrange the produce in large baskets so that guests can take their time sorting through them. You can also supply guests with eco-friendly burlap bags, which they can use to carry home their produce, and then use again after your party.

Photos: Brides

DIY Favor: Vanilla Extract

We love this fun favor idea for a culinary themed affair: homemade vanilla extract. Check out the easy DIY steps here.

Photos: Ruffled