An Organic Wedding...
How Far Should you Go?

Few people know more about going green than René van Rems. As a consultant on floral decor he has guided many well-known events and people into the green column. René is the author of several books on using flowers effectively and has some strong views on what going green means and how to go about it.

René van Rems will test your commitment to going green by announcing up front, ”it’s going to raise your wedding expenses up to 40% more for you to help save the environment.” If he still has your commitment after this, he will wholeheartedly provide you with the means to doing so.

“This is not a fad,” says René. “Europeans, for example, have a lighter carbon footprint than we do in the US. But to be effective in an atmosphere where Americans are just starting out in this endeavor, you need to find vendors who are spiritually committed to being earth friendly, It takes more than words. California is the toughest state in the nation in which to gain the ‘Certified Organic’ appellation. Vegetables have to be grown without being gassed for pests. Flowers have to meet stringent standards.” Says René, “You have be certain your vendors are up to the task.

“Ask what kind of tablecloths and chair decorations are being provided. Are they pure cotton, silk or other natural fibre? How will they be cleaned? Without phosphate? Will the dishes be washed in a phosphate-free detergent?” René pauses here. “Do you see how difficult being truly organic is?”

According to René, one of the best ways to go organic is to shop locally. “If you’re having a January wedding, for example, “ make sure your flowers are seasonal. So no black roses from South America.” Also, he points out, organic means no floral foam (it’s plastic). And no plastic containers to hold the flowers at the wedding and reception. Use glass instead. And, after the wedding, consider donating the flowers to a retirement home or hospital.

He concluded, “The best ways to guide yourself toward the organic way of life is, as I’ve said, to shop and buy locally and to make sure your vendors adhere to the same standard. It means banishing plastics in all forms. It means banishing the manmade from your wedding and sticking to what you know comes from nature. And recycle accordingly. If you’re up to the task, you’ll be helping give back to the earth what it’s giving to you.”