It is well known that, going green with a wedding registry can mean a lot of things – going local, going healthy, going chemical-free and going safe for the planet. The part that is little known is that, going green with a wedding registry also means you’ll get the most unique, fun and highly cared for products on the market – and it won’t be a dime more expensive, or take a minute longer than directing your invites to a major retailer.
Sustainable gift registries and ideas are out there, and it only takes a little bit of effort for the planet-minded brides and grooms-to-be to find them. Yes, it may mean splitting up gift registries into categories of different stores, and yes, it may be an online-only thing, which grandma may have trouble with (until you teach her the modern meaning of ‘mouse’). But is it worth it?
Boy, is it ever!
Green doesn’t have to be more expensive, and in fact the quality and sustainable specialties of green brands are just as prestigious as going high-end on your wedding registry. For example, the gift registry at Shoo-Foo Eco Linens offers bamboo towels and bedding that are breathable, stay fresh longer, hang like cashmere, shine like silk and are probably the softest material you’ve ever felt in your life! Sensitive skin will especially appreciate their hypoallergenic qualities, and luxury seekers will love the 300-thread count of the bedding set, plus the 600 grams per square meter of the towels. They’ve got it all from robes to face cloths, shower mats, gym towels and of course, a huge bath sheet! (plus more!).
They are local and have the certifications to prove their sustainability. It’s a great place to start a gift registry for wedding showers, stagettes and rehearsal dinners that are all about being environmentally friendly and gifting with organic sources.
Then there are companies like Cookworks, a local Vancouver kitchenware store. While they may not be pushing the green side of their marketing efforts, brides can rest knowing that at least they offer high quality items that won’t be polluting the earth to get to your door, since they are local.
Another great option would be requests for fine art gifts (a great investment scheme), to support your local art community. In fact, Vancouver’s Jacana Art Gallery is stepping onto the wedding scene as an art gallery with a bridal speciality; couples can now book the sleek-looking space and customize the art decor for their reception or ceremony, plus request a gift registry there.
Finally, for lovebirds who already have all the household necessities, thinking outside the box will eliminate the need for boring cash envelopes. Consider asking for experience gifts, like a gourmet kayaking trip from Edible British Columbia. Or perhaps a rafting trip or some other fear-defying activity, perfect for learning the true meaning of “till death do us part.”
Registries are a great way to ensure your gifts are green by directing your guests to the items you specifically want. While there are more green companies out there offering gifts that would be perfect for weddings, often they can only offer one-of-a-kind items, or are not set up for keeping a registry over a long period of time. In cases like this, be sure to mix up your wedding gift requests, being open to what may arrive from the green sources without official gift registries, and being particular with the green stores that can well-manage your inventory of goodies-to-come!
