Over the past few years, Green Weddings have quickly gone from quirky trend to established norm, as today’s couples realize that it is possible to have a chic, trendy wedding that’s both affordable and eco- and socially responsible. Books, blogs and magazines have popped up all over the globe with information and inspiration on planning Green Celebrations. And leading the pack is the fabulous e-mag Eco-Beautiful Weddings, who, in a short time, have established themselves as the “go-to” guide for stylish eco-friendly weddings. So you can imagine how excited I was to be asked to contribute to their Spring 2011 issue’s Green City Wedding Guide. From organic wedding cakes to ethically mined wedding bands, I share some of my favorite picks for planning the perfect green wedding in Paris. Whether a Parisian wedding is on your horizon or if you’re simply planning a home-grown celebration, just be sure to check out Eco-Beautiful Weddings for all of your “greening” inspirations.
If you’ve ever been to the South of France, I’m sure you were as impressed as I was with the starring role that the humble olive plays in the culture down there. Olive trees seem to grow wherever you look- not just in groves and gardens, but in schoolyards, along roads and even in supermarket parking lots. The markets in Provence are literally overflowing with hundreds of varieties of olives, olive oils, savory cakes and tapenade, as well as rich soaps and fragrant body creams. For generations, the olive tree has been an enduring emblem of the South of France, possessing a wealth of symbolism like peace, fruitfulness and purification.
Besides the super-romantic significance of the olive tree, their modern silvery gray-green color and fresh scent are also great reasons to consider incorporating them into your French themed or eco-friendly destination wedding or reception. Take a look at a few of these easy “green wedding” deco ideas from Marie-Claire Idées:
a warm welcome for out of town guests: a market basket with a bouquet of olive branches and luxurious soaps and creams from the South of France
chunky pillar candles tied with olive leaves and white ribbon to decorate an alter or mantlepiece.
delicate paper cones filled with olive leaves and lavender to scent the ceremony space and decorate the aisle.
diy french wedding decoration idea: small olive branches and paper hearts to decorate a sweetheart table.
french wedding favor: wire-strung olive leaves and white ribbon tied around a porcelain saucer of French lemon cookies (or macarons!)
a string of white party lights intertwined with olive branches for a simple, DIY French centerpiece idea.
All images © Frédéric Lucano, Marie Claire Idées
A new, eco-friendly wedding gift registry site has recently been launched in France. Mariage des Mondes has partnered with ethical companies around the world to bring together a beautiful collection of gifts, housewares and travel packages which are all 100% equitable. Through this site, guests can choose from a liste verte of items like a delicate, hand-embroidered tablecloth from Madagascar, a set of acacia wooden bowls made from sustainably managed forests, or a cooking week-end on an organic farm in Auvergne- all with the knowledge that their gifts are completely ecologically responsible.
eco weddings in paris, www.mariagedesmondes.fr
