If saving the earth is your passion you should know  when it comes to wedding invitations online or “paperless” invites have come a long way.

We’re a huge fan of Green Envelope and what they can do with a digital invitation. It’s way more than just an evite. Their suite of invitations include all the components you’ll find in traditional print invites like guest reply cards and even thank you notes.
 
If traditional printed invitations are your thing, recycled paper comes in many different colors and textures and doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. 
 
For those looking to make a real statement, how about an herb or flower garden embedded into your invite? Yes, plantable paper invites are a thing. This biodegradable eco-paper is actually embedded with seeds. Your wedding invitation could become an herb garden! Botanical Paperworks online offers a big variety of plantable paper invitations that are surprisingly eco-chic and beautiful. They also offer menu cards, thank you notes, favor tags and place cards. There’s even biodegradable confetti!

So save a tree or two and even save on postage when you use one of these cool new options for your invites. 

​It’s the season of weddings and here at Simple Soiree, we love seeing what’s new and up-and-coming in bridal and weddings. Just like in fashion and design, weddings are always influenced by what’s popular. And every year, it’s something different.
 
Barn weddings, destination weddings, vintage weddings; we’ve had the pleasure of creating so many different events at Simple Soiree.
 
Lately, we’ve noticed a new “mindset” trending among our couples that’s completely changing the norm for their big day: “The Socially Conscious Wedding”.
 
Re-purposing Your I Do’s
 
We’re living in a world of awareness. We celebrate Earth Day, we recycle and even compost. We use terms like alternative energy and carbon footprints. And all that is greatly influencing how some couples plan their wedding.
 
Many couples use their wedding as a platform to showcase their eco-conscious lifestyle and as a chance to support their community. And here at Simple Soiree we help them create the details and the overall experience of their wedding to reflect their ideology.
 
When it comes to the “socially conscious” bride and groom, some are willing to forgo the traditions and think outside the box, in the name of their beliefs and lifestyle. And there are many clever and new ideas emerging from this way of thinking.  
 
More casual weddings are becoming the norm for our couples. They’re forgoing traditional wedding customs like having a bride’s or groom’s side for ceremony seating, using ushers, or waiting to see each other until that walk down the aisle. They’re making their own rules and focusing on creating an environment at their wedding that reflects who they are and how they live.
 
6 Big Ideas For The Socially Conscious Wedding
 
So, what does it mean to plan a “Socially Conscious Wedding”? We’ve broken it down to 6 key concepts for those couples looking to bring an eco-chic spin to their special day.

• Recycled
• Fair trade
• Locally sourced
• Sustainable
• Eco-friendly
• Charitable

 
 
It’s All In The Details
 
A socially conscious couple considers the time of year they’re getting married, especially if they are having all or part of their wedding outside. Bringing elements of the outdoors or having the whole event outside is often preferred for a bride and groom who are passionate about caring for their community and the environment.
 
Some venues and caterers are socially conscious in their approach, as well, so they make great partners in the wedding day details. Think farm-to-table catering or a botanical garden that hosts weddings.
 
Your Invitation Is Blooming
 
Want to save a tree or two? Online or “paperless” wedding invitations, have come a long way and don’t require the added cost of postage. We’re a huge fan of Green Envelope and what they can do with a digital invitation. It’s way more than just an evite. Their suite of invitations include all the components you’ll find in traditional print invites like guest reply cards and even thank you notes.
 
If traditional printed invitations are your thing, recycled paper comes in many different colors and textures and doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. 
 
For those looking to make a real statement, how about an herb or flower garden embedded into your invite? Yes, plantable paper invites are a thing. This biodegradable eco-paper is actually embedded with seeds. Your wedding invitation could become an herb garden!
Botanical Paperworks online offers a big variety of plantable paper invitations that are surprisingly eco-chic and beautiful. They also offer menu cards, thank you notes, favor tags and place cards. There’s even biodegradable confetti!
 
Something Old Is Your Something New
Decorations are another place where many bride and grooms repurpose or recycle items for their wedding.
Empty wine bottles or glass jars, wood palettes, old mirrors and picture frames. A trip to the local thrift store for old books, vintage glass, jars, or plates is the perfect way to “go green” with your décor and hits four eco-conscious categories: eco-friendly, locally sourced, sustainable and charitable.
Looking for more rustic and earthy elements? Step outside for affordable  and even free beautiful décor. From tree branches and sticks to confetti made from leaves and scattered along tables, Mother Nature offers no shortage of options.
Some brides are choosing minimal flowers and lots of greenery for a more neutral and subdued color palette. And eco-conscious florists like Splints and Daisies even source flowers locally.
For those taking the whole experience outdoors, it’s the ultimate backdrop to showcase what being eco-conscious is all about. Venues like Rock Hollow Woods’s cathedral
A Meal With A Mission
When it comes to dining, the eco-conscious couple considers where their wedding food is coming from, literally.
Farm-to-table restaurants like the Accomac  means your wedding has less impact on the environment because the food is coming from and supports the local farming community. Live close to the beach or the shore? Local seafood is a no brainer. Lots of farmland and a Farmer’s Market in your neighborhood? A local organic farmer can help with fresh foods that don’t have to travel far and help the local economy.
We’re even seeing gourmet food trucks being brought in for food, like a local barbeque or taco stand. How about several “street vendor” style foods served in a clever way that showcases local cuisine?
And why bother with standard plates that waste water to clean them. How about compostable bamboo silverware and eco-friendly palm leaf plates? This “outside-the-box” approach is a far cry from dry chicken and a side vegetable served on standard white china.
 
Fair Trade
Fair trade is an opportunity to use a product from a developing country, purchased at a fair price. Maybe the coffee you’ve decided to serve is fair trade or perhaps you’ve selected bridesmaid gifts of bracelets made from a woman’s cooperative in Sudan. These items are sustainable to their communities, charitable because they are helping a developing country’s economy, and sometimes even recycled.
 
Getting Married And Giving Back  (add a little more detail for stand alone blog here)
 
For some, this joyous occasion is the perfect opportunity to do some good and give to a cause that they are passionate about.
 
Perhaps it’s a donation to the charity of their choice in lieu of a gift, or maybe something they’ve purchased or utilized for their big day offers a charitable contribution.
 
We’ve seen non-profit donations as guest favors and donation jars on the bar or table to collect money for the couple’s cause.
 
 
Eco-chic and So Unique
 
Any detail and all elements of a couple’s wedding can be eco-conscious. How much or how little is up to them and how far they want to take it.
 
At Simple Soiree, we love watching a couple’s day unfold from concept to creation. One thing is for sure, socially conscious weddings push the envelope (recycled, of course) with creative and new ways to say “I do”.
 
How do you want to say, “I do”? 

A signature cocktail can be created to fit into any budget or theme. You don’t have to use top-shelf liquor to create a delicious libation, but you do want to make sure that you choose a drink that will please the masses.  You can easily incorporate your wedding colors and theme. Or, if you’ve chosen a neutral background, you can take this opportunity to add a splash of color and make the drinks pop.
 If you haven’t taken a course in mixology it’s important to consult a professional for advice on customizing a drink.  If your budget has you restricted, make sure you do several taste-tests with friends as critics. It may take some time to find the perfect mix, but there are a lot of ideas and recipes online to try. 

​Another bonus to offering a signature drink is that it’s a great way to keep your liquor budget in check. By choosing one signature drink and complementing it with a small selection of beer and wine you don’t have to have a fully stocked bar. Don’t forget to offer a non-alcoholic version for your guests who don’t drink!!
As with any great party element, it’s all in the details and your signature drink is another great way to add details to your event. You can garnish glasses with something surprising and pretty…we love to see natural elements included like fresh fruit or flowers. Or serve drinks with custom coasters that match your wedding stationary.   
Lastly, use your signature drink to get guests to interact. Set up a drink station with a few options, provide a beautiful cut glass tumbler, and fun garnishes ( Think Make-Your-Own-Martini) or get the crowd talking by creating “His” and “Hers” signature cocktails, and asking your guests to vote on whose drink is tastier. A little friendly competition is sure to bring out you and your guy’s creative sides and most importantly, make this a fun part of planning for your big day. Cheers!

Nice weather is here and creates perfect days for a wedding! With wonderfully crafter flowers, a delicious cake and the best bridal party, this wedding was one to remember!

A gorgeous bride, her fabulous dress, and a doggy ring bearer are just a few of the details that made Tonya & Nick's fairytale wedding at Stokesay Castle perfect. Working from the bride's vision we incorporated a palette of deep purples, greens and ivory in everything from the florals to the lighting. Thank you to Neusse Photography for the photos.  Cake by The Well Dressed Cake.

Kristy and Jen's wedding was easily the most fun we've had coordinating a wedding. They kept us laughing with their quick wit and hilarious observations all the while showing their amazing love for not only each but also the friends and family who gathered to celebrate them. If there was any doubt these two are a perfect match it was laid to rest during the first look when the brides discovered they had chosen gowns by the same designer. From the gorgeous Farm at Eagles Ridge as a backdrop to the perfect crisp, fall weather this wedding was perfection. Oh and a lot of pumpkins because what would a Halloween weekend wedding be without pumpkins. Enjoy!