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Three Trendy Ways To Go Green On Your Wedding Day - Hudson Valley Edition

Did you know that the average wedding produces 400 pounds of garbage and 63 tons of CO2? With an average of 2.4 million weddings performed in the United States per year, this means that they contribute to nearly one billion pounds of trash annually. This shocking figure is being used to inspire environmentally-conscious brides to lessen the threat that their wedding will place on the environment. Although integrating sustainable practices into your special day may seem like a task too expensive, consider some of these unique, creative and relatively inexpensive ways to integrate sustainable practices into your wedding day. 

Tip: The wedding industry is forecasting green and sustainable trends including grass and wheat floral components and bouquets, minimalism, and non-traditional venues. 

Therefore, integrating going green on your wedding day will also keep the event trendy, according to some of the industry’s most influential trend forecasters. Now, let's begin to event plan a green Hudson Valley wedding together. 

Embrace the Hudson Valley’s Natural Beauty

One important industry trend is the increase in non-traditional wedding venues. One of the most effective ways of incorporating sustainable initiatives into your wedding day is in an outdoor space. The energy that can be saved from outdoor weddings is immense, but this is not the only benefit of an outdoor ceremony. The picturesque and natural settings of the Hudson Valley should not be taken for granted. Think about immersing your guests in the enchanting and natural farms, hills, and waterfront views that the Hudson Valley has to offer. Outdoor ceremonies are truly a magical and unique experience because of the natural and diverse beauty that other parts of the country may lack, so it is time to take advantage of what you have. If outdoor weddings are not on your radar, think about immersing your guests in rustic and romantic barns or vineyards. So, what is the bottom line? Take advantage of what surrounds you and consider transforming a traditional indoor experience into a non-traditional environmentally-conscious outdoor experience in celebration of the Hudson Valley’s natural beauty.

Take Advantage of the Hudson Valley’s Local and Seasonal Produce

What else, besides its natural beauty, is the Hudson Valley known for? Now it is time to think local and seasonal produce. Hosting a green wedding that offers local and seasonal produce will not only reduce staggering levels of CO2, but increase the support of your personal favorite smaller businesses and farmers. This will transform your wedding into not only a sustainable one, but a refreshing, high-quality, and healthy one. Local companies, such as Red Barn Produce and Hudson Valley Harvest source ethical, transparent and local produce directly from the Hudson Valley itself. Red Barn Produce has provided the finest quality vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy to Hudson Valley institutions for over 25 years. Meanwhile, Hudson Valley Harvest distributes local products to over 60 local restaurants and grocers. The influence of local and seasonal produce is very much valued in the Hudson Valley and can be easily sourced, thanks to sustainable companies such as these. When planning your food and drink menu, consider these points and you will be one step closer to hosting a uniquely delicious, refreshing and green wedding. Remember, your local vendors will thank you too.

All About the Atmosphere

Embracing the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley with an outdoor ceremony may include a reception and dinner inside. Creating a rustic and historic atmosphere can be done in Hudson Valley locations, such as Mount Gulian or Red Maple Vineyard for wine-lovers. Another industry trend to be aware of is the return of the traditional, elegant dinner party candlesticks. In the right locations, a romantic and intimate atmosphere may be achieved with candles, while simultaneously cutting down on the electric used. Staying in touch with your senses and incorporating resources, such as candles, will also heighten the memory that you may affiliate with your special day for years to come. At the same time, consider minimizing each aspect of your wedding in a way that makes it modern, clean and environmentally sound. Minimalism is certainly another trend that we will be seeing a lot more of in this year’s weddings. Consider incorporating this trend into your special in order to modernize and enhance your vision of the venue in a more refreshing and less overwhelming or cluttered way. The Hudson Valley is certainly the perfect place rich in sustainable and green options for planning and hosting your wedding. By considering each of these points, including outdoor ceremonies, the offering of fresh and local produce, and the creation of a natural and minimalistic atmosphere, your wedding will be one step closer to lessening the ecological footprint that many other weddings are responsible for!