Bridezilla goes green?
Feb 19th, 2007 by Katie
I came across an interesting commentary the other day in reaction to The New York Times’ enthusiastic coverage of a Stateside bride’s big green day.
‘A ‘Green’ Bride’s Self-Involvement is Not Less Self-Involved Just Because It’s Green’ takes issue with the media’s portrayal of the ethical bride as some kind of green angel rather than an imperfect human being like the rest of us, or an inhumane monster in the manner of the traditional bridezilla!
While the tone of the article is perhaps a little harsh, and directed largely at what it terms the ‘Lefty lifestyle’, in one sense it did strike a chord.
There are times when the media’s search for the perfect green bride can leave the rest of us feeling a little off-colour. I am the first to admit that trying to tick every ethical box brought on a touch of the bridezilla on occasion! And other brides have admitted to feeling the same sensation of green guilt in the Ethical Weddings Forum…
When it comes down to it, we musn’t tie ourselves in knots to tie the knot! The fact that you’re thinking about the impact of your wedding at all is great… just do what you can. And don’t forget to take a step back, remember why you’re doing this, to marry the person you love most in the world, and get bridezilla back in the closet where she belongs!
Happy planning!
Katie
ethicalweddings.com
Oh the green guilt! I find that whilst I am making some ethical choices being a green bridezilla is not really an option in the real world.
Take transport choices for a start.
We wanted to avoid using cars on the 0.8 mile journey between church and reception. I would love to walk but the route is dangerous and not good if there is rain or has been any rain.
So I tried to find a rikshaw company, the only one I could find is the excellent Lily-Peds in Exeter, the only snag is that they are 175 miles away and would have to bring their pedi-cabs in a van the C02 emissions from a 350 mile round trip rather defeats my intentions!
So I thought a local carriage company might be the answer, but they still have to bring the horse and the carriage in two big lorries - 50 miles in total.
I’ve also looked into hiring a G-Wiz or a Toyota Prius but can’t find anyone that would do this.
Controversial I know, BUT is the answer to stop worrying, get in a car and offset the emissions?
Well, Natalie nobody seems to have helped you out in your agony!
The most important thing, as Katie says, is to always remember to enjoy your wedding planning and that the day is all about your love for each other.
It’s very early days for the concept of greener weddings, but both Ethical Weddings and ourselves are trying to raise the profile of this popular route to weddings that don’t cost the earth and so many couples are taking up the challenge. Now all we need is to have more ethical suppliers and services across the nation to help out our couples running with the baton.
In the meantime don’t lose any sleep over the travel problem. If you do one thing to make your wedding more eco friendly then you should be proud. If the travel thing really niggles, then of course offsetting is an option or else why not plant a couple of trees in a favourite spot to remind you of your happiest day for years to come.
Happy planning!