Green Is The New Black

It was a big trend last year, and it’s certainly going to continue to grow into 2010…According to a study by The Knot, 60% of engaged couples are interested in being more environmentally conscious for their big day. My hat is off to them (vintage of course!). If you want to be green as well, but don’t know the first thing about calculating our carbon footprints, here are some simple and EASY tips we can follow… From the invitations to the apparel, there are many things you can do to go green without sacrificing elegance. Three words to remember: “reduce,” “recycle” and “re-use”. To kick start your initiative, have your invitations printed on recycled or “plantable” stationery. Utilize the internet for RSVPs or for invitations to other wedding events. Rent your dress/tux/suit, purchase a vintage one or if you must have a new dress/tux/suit, go for natural fabrics like 100% cotton, silk, or linen. Outdoor locations require less electricity- consider a daytime affair at a park or botanical garden. Arrange for you & your guests to travel on shuttles and/or hybrid vehicles. Even encouraging people to carpool will make a difference! Use potted plants instead of flowers, and soy candles for décor. Guests can take the plants home and put them in their own gardens. Re-use your ceremony décor at the reception. Even bridesmaids bouquets can be made into centerpieces! Look for caterers that use organic foods and ask what they do with the leftovers—delivering them to a local homeless shelter is a wonderful & meaningful way to keep from wasting it. Some venues may even compost the uneaten food. Some bakeries and vineyards are even producing products made from organic ingredients. Make donations to environmentally friendly causes in lieu of favors, or if it seems like a natural fit, give seeds or seedlings as favors. It may take a little research to find vendors who can accommodate your wishes, but if every couple did these little things when planning their wedding, just think of the huge impact it could make in protecting the environment for their future children.

Add a comment February 17, 2010

What’s in a name?

You’ve slaved over the dreaded seating chart for weeks, now how do you tell your guests where they’ll be sitting for the evening? From hanging from olive trees or manzanita branches, to pinning the cards to vintage frames, there are a silly number of options to make an impact. Keep your theme or venue in mind, and you won’t go wrong.

A vintage postcard rack held garden themed escort cards

Lovebirds swinging from a chandelier

What a gem of an idea!

Tag! You're it!

Happy as a clamshell compact

Beachy chic idea

Baby, light my fire! Vellum-wrapped votives go from escort card to table decor.

No way you'll be blue with this charming & tasty treat

Add a comment December 19, 2009

New Venue We Love

So the electric car may have been killed, but documentarian Chris Payne’s new green venue is alive and amazing. The Morroccan-themed Marrakesh House in Culver City offers several unique locations in one great place that allows you to create a different experience for your guests at each turn. Constructed from sustainable & recycled materials, not to mention solar-powered, the space doesn’t sacrifice style for the sake of being eco-friendly.

The central courtyard- aaah, what can I say? Vibrant. Chic. Can you see a wedding ceremony turned dance floor? I can.

Eclectic and beautiful!

The side yard- seats 100 for an intimate dinner and overlooks Culver City from it’s hilltop location.

A lawn with a view

The pool and lemon tree teahouse with it’s recycled tin can “chandelier”. Charming ceremony backdrop? Check. Cool spot for cocktails? You bet. You could even use the yard next to the pool for a small reception or lounge area.

Use a plexiglass pool cover and you've doubled the space size!

Tin can lids as a chandelier- who would thunk it?

So many visions for this location!

Speaking of lounge- check out the awesome interior VIP room. All you need is someone fanning you with palm fronds!

Caution: Hanging in lounge may cause extreme comfort (and a nap!)

With the estate rental, you also have access to the gorgeous interior as well- complete with a professional beauty styling room, and wedding couples can spend the night. There are noise and parking restrictions, but nothing too strict. If you are an eco-minded host or hostess looking for a fabu party space, definitely add this one to your list. You’ll feel transported to another land without ever leaving LA!

Add a comment October 5, 2009