Question:

I would like to learn more about the new green wedding certification class. How does it work and why do you think wedding planners should take it?

Answer:

With 46% of couples looking for green options, there has never been a better time to go green as a wedding professional. There are so many reasons to take the Green Wedding Professional certification class, but I think this Ripple, hosted by Andre Yap, might be helpful. For additional information, see the Green Wedding Planning Certification class page. 

Jacklyn Greenberg is the owner of JAGstudios, one of the hottest and fastest growing photography studios on the East Coast, in Connecticut, and all of New England! JAGstudios was voted one of the Best Photography Studios in New Haven Advocate's Best of New Haven 2007, 2008 and 2009. It was also a Top 10 winner WEDCOMP - International Wedding Photography Competition - 2008, 2009. Jacklyn is committed to a green mission in her business, and has started the Green Photographer's Blog to help other photographers share ideas about going green.

In this podcast, Jacklyn Greenberg discusses how she got into photography and how eco-friendly photography can actually be.

For a decade, Gwendolyn Gleason worked as a design consultant in Italy, for major design houses in the sport industry and only recently returned to the United States, bringing with her inspiration and insight. Her travels took her to Paris, London, Prague, Amsterdam and Berlin as well, where she immersed herself in culture and couture and was featured in Italian fashion magazines like Mondo Uomo and Uomo Vogue. But her native America still called to her so she returned in the spring of 1997 to regroup and handle family responsibilities. That's when she conceived of the eco-chic designs that became Gwendolyn Gleason Couture.

“My design philosophy embraces a woman’s femininity. My clothing details flatter the shape and diminish imperfections…making the body look slender and trim…with colors that are flattering to all skin types, not following any color forecast."

Each piece is designed with the most discriminating client in mind. From the delicate detail in her bridal and evening couture to the fine finishes in the line of sculptures accessories, Gwendolyn’s designs are beautifully unique.

In this podcast, Gwendolyn speaks about her work to find gorgeous and eco-friendly alternative fabrics to create beautiful gowns.

For over 27 years, Alisa Gravitz has led Green America, the national green economy organization. Green America (formerly Co-op America) develops marketplace solutions to social and environmental problems with a key focus on tackling climate change, building fair trading systems, stopping corporate abuse and growing the green economy.  Green America's major events and publications include Green Festivals, the Green Business Conference, National Green Pages and Real Green. Green America operates the nation’s largest green business and green consumer networks. 

Ms. Gravitz is a leading expert on how families and businesses can "go green," saving money and resources.  She is also a nationally recognized leader in the social investment industry. She authored Green America's acclaimed Guide to Social Investing, with over a million copies in print and the popular Guide to Community Investing.  The 1% in Community Campaign, a joint program of Green America and the Social Investment Forum, has moved over $2 billion into community investments from social investment portfolios.

In this podcast, Ms. Gravitz discusses the importance of going green, and her thoughts on the future of the green movement.

Courtesy of the Wedding Podcast Network, this podcast features Kate Harrison, the founder and CEO of the Green Bride Guide, talking about eco-chic weddings.

Jonathan Bailor is one half of the founding team of CameraRenter.com. He and his partner Michael Cartwright conceived of CameraRenter, LLC as a more reliable and eco-friendly friendly solution than using disposable cameras, and they have cherished the opportunity ever since. While CameraRenter has been praised by organizations such as The Seattle Times, the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), the International Special Events Society (ISES), the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), Microsoft’s Director of Events, WedNet, the Seattle Wedding Show, Junebug Weddings, nwBrideTV, The Green Bride Guide, Expo NW, ClubCorp, as well as countless event professionals, brides, grooms, and event planners, Michael and Jonathan’s favorite part of CameraRenter is being able to ensure that their clients miss nothing and remember and share everything from the best days of their lives.

In this podcast, Jonathan Bailor talks about how CameraRenter got its start as a budget- and earth-friendly alternative to disposable cameras.

Jennifer Stambolsky is the founder of EarthlyAffair.com, an eco-friendly wedding invitation boutique. She enjoys working one-on-one with environmentally conscious brides and helping them create customizable invitations. At home, she exercises the greener side of her creativity by continually finding new uses for old things.

In this podcast, Jennifer discusses her how she started Earthly Affair, and why going green is important in her business.

Question:

Hi Kate-

I have been told that Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are greener than standard incandescent bulbs, but I am not sure I agree. CFL bulbs contain mercury, a substance that is extremely dangerous for living organisms. When CFL bulbs get thrown away, this mercury ends up in landfills even though it is hazardous waste, and to date I am not sure there is an effective way to capture mercury from the environment.

Is this CFL trend just “green washing” or is there research to back it up? Wouldn’t it be greener to continue to use incandescent bulbs that do not contain toxic chemicals?

Answer:

CFLs are considered “green” because they use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and have a much longer lifespan.

Image:Benjamin D. Esham for the Wikimedia Commons

Question:

Hi Kate,

Do you have any directions for constructing a chuppah with birch poles? Thank you.

Marilyn

Answer:

Hi Marilyn,

The answer to your question really depends on where you are having the ceremony and what you want it to look like.

Let me begin by saying that there is no requirement to have a chuppah at a Jewish wedding, nor is there a certain way it must be constructed under Jewish law. The chuppah represents the home the couple will create together and usually has four open sides and a covering of some kind. Other than that, the look and feel is up to your imagination and aesthetic.

In terms of construction, there are two parts to consider: anchoring and securing the canopy.

Anchoring

There are several ways to anchor a chuppah. The easiest (for you) is to have friends or family members hold the poles during the ceremony.

Image: John Michael Cooper

Question:

Hi Kate-

In beginning to look at wedding dresses, I have begun to ask myself what is the triple bottom line approach to purchasing my dress? I, of course, like any other bride, would love to have a dress that fits me well, looks gorgeous on, and is made and purchased responsibly. On one hand, I am willing to pay for the right dress, on the other hand, I question if it is responsible to purchase a wedding dress that costs over $1,000 (or even $500). It is a dress that will most likely be worn for one day. I am starting to feel that if I buy in to that sort of pricing then I am supporting an over inflated wedding industry and supporting capitalism (with its varied and many pitfalls) in general. Because I have many artists in my family, I do like to support designers, but I feel a bit different about supporting a designer who sells many of the same dress rather than one or few of a kind.