By guest blogger Cynthia Najares, event planner – For All Time Events in Los Angeles
From the wedding venue to the engagement ring to the decadent cake, I’d like to share a few ideas for the budget-conscious, eco-friendly bride. These tips will allow you to experience the ‘best for less’ on your special day and even make your guests feel green if that’s your thing.
VENUE
I love looking for unique and affordable places to host an event. If you’re an eco-friendly couple looking to save money, I suggest exploring Claremont Women’s Club. This cute and quaint venue is as budget-friendly as they come. It offers outdoor tables, chairs and allows food and alcohol as well. I recently held an event for 100 guests and rented both upstairs and downstairs facilities for a 5-hour event at a total of $1,350. [Photos courtesy of Eva Marie Photography]
CAKE
The icing on your special day. There are so many options when picking that coveted sweetness for your wedding. Remember not everyone eats cake so if you’d like to cut costs, opt for a dessert station including a small cake for you and your partner to cut together. Check out Fantasy Frostings in Pasadena for a variety of sweet treats.
RING
If responsibly sourced and conflict-free engagement rings are your priority, consider an eco-friendly Northern Lights or E3 diamond for your ring setting.
DRESS
You can save room in your closet, a dent in your wallet, and another post-wedding task of sending your gown in for preservation by renting your dress and still feeling like a star. Definitely consider Rent The Runway or even eBay (yes, eBay) for your wedding dress. I’ve been able to get designer dresses such as Tadashi, Adrianna Papell and more for $100! These stylish dresses usually retail for $500 so be sure to broaden your horizons when deciding on that special gown.
ACCESSORIES
You can always borrow jewelry on your special day, plus it’s a sign of good luck. You’ve heard the phrase, ‘get something borrowed or something blue’? Check with your mom, aunt, sister or best friend for earrings, a pretty necklace or even a bracelet. There are also small businesses that specialize in custom accessories. Many of my favorites appear at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach usually open in the summer and winter months. Lastly, do consider eco-friendly bridal brooch bouquets too. They’re so pretty and on trend.
Wishing you the best of luck with planning your eco-friendly wedding! Whether you’re just beginning the process or knee-deep into planning, let us know how it’s coming along in the comments.
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