How to plan an all-natural bee-u-tiful wedding
Weddings can cost a lot, have an unfortunately large eco-footprint, and cause far too much stress than they should. Weddings are supposed to be celebrations of the love of two people. Getting caught up on prices and details is never conducive to the ceremony you deserve. All-natural weddings are a way to reduce cost, ecological footprint, and stress. Here are some ways to make your wedding more natural:
Recycled Stationery
Announcements and invitations are often the first on the wedding to-do list. There are so many options to choose from when it comes to design, layout, paper kind, and quality. Should it be a simple postcard or a tri-fold display with all the details a guest could need? No matter the style choice, a recycled paper option will help not only to narrow down the sea of options, but reduce environmental impact. Recycled paper uses no new trees in its production, and cuts water use in the making of paper by 75%. To add a personalized twist to your invitations, order one of these sweet “Meant to Bee” stamps that can be repurposed for thank you letters and table place cards. There are many options for recycled wedding invitations, more every year as recycled paper gains popularity.
Recycled wine bottles and tins
Not only can paper be effectively and beautifully reused for weddings, but empty wine bottles and shiny tins can be transformed into decoration. These are all the rage for natural and farm-chic weddings, and for good reason. Bottles and tins can be made into romantic lighting and flower arrangements. Either as centerpieces or sideline decor, these make an easy addition to just about any wedding. Using wine bottles and tins is both cheaper and better for the environment, making for a more natural wedding.
Beeswax candles
To use with or without the wine bottles, tins and even mason jars, beeswax candles are one of the best ways to create an all-natural wedding. They burn cleaner, burn brighter, burn longer, are less prone to drippage, are hypoallergenic, and are renewable. Beeswax candles are a great addition to any all-natural wedding. Surprisingly, these beautiful candles can be cost effective and easy to make yourself with only a few simple supplies. Learn how to easily make them here.
Natural decorations
Wood arbors are also popular choice for a natural wedding, and for good reason. They are easy to make from driftwood or fallen limbs, even bamboo. There are many options for natural arbors, and if you make it yourself, you can choose any design you wish. It will be completely unique and personalize the wedding ceremony. Once the arbor is made, make sure to decorate it with flower garlands that match your theme. When wedding staples like arbors are handmade, the opportunities to personalize are endless so get creative! The best part is that when the celebrations are over, the arbor can be tossed into the compost providing protection for native and wild pollinators that nest in such compost throughout winter... It can’t get much more natural than that!
Local or self-grown flowers
Flowers are a huge deal in weddings. They are arguably the most important decoration. From the bride’s bouquet to the groom’s boutonniere, from the arbor garlands to the table settings, flowers are truly the centerpiece. The tricky part is sourcing all the flowers. Even though they are cheap to sow, wedding arrangements can be one of the biggest price gougers. By growing flowers yourself, if you have garden space, a lot of money can be saved. It would make the wedding that much more special to have flowers you have grown yourself. If you do not have space or time to grow a wedding garden, there are local flower farmers everywhere, even in the city. Let them know as soon as possible what you’ll need from them so that they have time to prepare and fulfill your order. Not only do local flowers support an all-natural wedding, but they help to support local pollinator populations such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Once you’ve sourced your flowers, invite your wedding party to join you in making beautiful arrangements for your big day. This tutorial will help you learn how to make the full array of arrangements you’ll need for your entire wedding!
Spa kits for the happy couple
Pampering oneself does not have to mean exorbitant prices or artificial treatments. Before the big day, both the bride and groom (or brides or grooms) can relax and delve into luxury with one of these all-natural skincare spa kits filled with goodies guaranteed to bring a sense of relaxation and pampering. Click here to learn how honeybees contribute to healthy skin!
Keepers Collectives mission is to spread awareness around the essential roles of pollinators. What better way to get ready for your wedding with a complete and all-natural spa kit with a mission!
Gifts for guests
A typical thank-you to guests is small favors such as teas, chocolates, candles, and so on. Just a little something to take home. For your guests, show your gratitude by sending them home with a unique bee-made products like these Lip Balms from Keepers Collective. The lip balms come in Creamsicle and Peppermint Vanilla, and the lotion bars come in Honey Citrus, Lavender Rose, and Peppermint Vanilla, or Rosemary Lemon. Both the lip balms and lotion bars are easy to travel with and use on the go. These unique Beekeeper's Butters are specifically designed for wedding guests. They come in many varieties, and even include customizable wedding labels to memorialize the special day.
Drink Mead
Mead is an ancient drink, made with fermented honey. It has existed since about 7,000 BCE. The ancient Greeks knew it as “the nectar of the gods” as they believed honeybees to be messengers of the gods themselves. Mayans, Vikings, Egyptians, and the vast majority of Europe took to mead quickly. It was even used as medicine. Mead was often given as a wedding gift, and some etymologists believe the word “honeymoon” comes from the tradition of a married couple drinking their honey wine a month, or moon, after their wedding to aid fertility. As mead gains popularity in modern culture, it is likely to yet again be a wedding tradition. Join our ancestors and raise a glass of mead in celebration!
There are so many ways to plan an all-natural wedding, these examples are a great start and should serve as an inspiration and as you plan your special day. If you're looking for even more inspiration, read about 5 unique ways to thank your wedding guests here!