Blue Planet Green Events has done some absolutely beautiful weddings, and posted some inspirations for brides and single ladies alike! Check out their sites to see even more here...
BPGE Facebook
BPGE Pinterest
BPGE Main Site
BPGE Flickr Sets
enjoy :)
-JH
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Little Contributions: here and there
Updated some pinterest boards to keep internet interest and personality up to speed!
Worked on numerous photo albums on facebook, flickr, and the main BPGE website to keep followers interested.
Added beautiful pictures to not only show our work on clients' weddings but so they could share their special day with the facebook community!
I created an innovative and fresh marketing plan for Toni's road side blooms truck which I will hopefully help her implement while I am back in Athens!
I worked on an inventory system for the ladies to show clients when picking out table decor and other ornamentation.
The End.
- The Final Countdown
My time here at Blue Planet Green Events being the summer assistant has come to an end and here are some of my final marks...
Knowledge of Work: Excellent. I came into this internship with no experience in the industry and common knowledge of the average practices. However, I hvae always had an interest in party/event planning and an extreme attention to detail. After working the first event with some guidance from the other interns and the bosses I saw how everything was run. From chair/table cloth alignment to getting little things done before I was asked. I gave myself high marks in this area because I adapted quickly and picked up on every little thing I could in order to be the biggest help to the ladies.
Image: Good. Walking into the office on the first day I had no idea what to expect. What do I wear? How do I act? What will they be like etc. etc. I went in with a very professional attitude even though I have a very laid back personality. I was a hard worker and kept a friendly face around clients and workers. I realize the importance of upholding the company name when you are working for someone else. The only thing I could have done better would be more consultation and interaction with the clients themselves. I wanted to be more in the background and behind the scenes because I wasn't sure what the bosses wanted. in the future i will be sure to be more outspoken on the day of the events. But I am proud of some of the ideas I presented at client meetings and times of need.
Communication Skills: Need for Improvement. Communication has been something I've needed to sharpen (and realized I've needed to sharpen) for a long time. Sometimes I am afraid to speak up or just afraid to say the wrong thing it is easier to say nothing at all. There are also times when instead of asking for help when I should I let something go on too long because I try to find a solution on my own. Communication is key, and have been trying to find it on the key ring for some time. It was especially hard to stay in communication at some points because the the girl I was subleasing from unexpectedly cancelled our wifi at the beginning of the summer. And after many other strokes of bad luck I fell victim of cellphone and wallet theft. All of these factors made communication and all forms of internet work very difficult. But lesson learned: Always speak up, remain in constant communication whether or not you may think it will be annoying, and ALWAYS check emails and deadlines despite the major anxiety that they give you.
Professional Judgements: I would give myself good marks in all aspects of this field. I worked my butt off for the company and never let fact that I was barely getting paid get in the way. I taught myself that I am extremely loyal and dedicated to anyone I am behind. I was/am always polite and professional yet also personable and friendly. I think I understand how to be an employee with the right attitude, people skills, work ethic, and dedication to any employer. I definitely noticed a change for the better from day one to today. I notice more things, I see problems before they arise and I know how to fix them. I now have gained so much knowledge from this experience and also many achievements for the company, and not to mention some great new contacts/friends!
Everyone has different skills and great abilities to bring to the table but but being able to realize that fact is something I think I possess which can sometimes be more important that everything. Being able to have an unbiased and clear perspective on what is going on is something I have always been able to do. Knowing which talents to utilize at which particular moments is a great tool because this industry is faced with new sets of circumstances on a daily and even hourly basis. There were times when you have to get down and dirty during set up/clean up. You can't be afraid to run out in the rain to save a table cloth from getting wet. It can't be beneath you to pick up a dirty napkin from the floor. It also came in handy in the realization that this was a husband and wife's special day, it doesn't matter how hard or silly you think a task is it is your job to make their wish come to reality. If you are having a terrible day or someone is rude to you one must still put on a happy face and remain polite. There should also be no half-assing when it comes to a person's event, get done what needs to be done. Attention to detail and an eye for aesthetics are also important abilities when it comes down to it.
I need improvement in communication and timeliness on multiple accounts. Communication in e-mails, deadlines, and responsiveness. Also standing up for myself and being more confrontational when I think something should be different. The timeliness improvement is needed because there is only a short timeframe to get some tasks done, and although making something flawless is great, it must be done with haste.
My best experience here was being able to live in Charleston over a summer and being able to work for two people I have grown to really enjoy. I have realized the immense impact that working in an amazing environment has on a person's spirit. I am so glad I got to build relationships with the people I worked with. I've always been a huge advocate for fun and happiness; a person should never to settle for mediocracy. Plus living in a beautifully historic ocean front city within 20 minutes from the beach never fails to put a smile on my face! Oh and every time I had an idea that the others liked gave me a boost of confidence.
The worst experience was the way my feet and back felt after non-stop work from the early morning to after midnight (and knowing I would only make about $100). Although it was rewarding knowing I was working hard. (In general) Having all of our things stolen from a condo and being stranded in Hilton Head was also not the highlight of my summer.
Biggest fashion lesson learned you ask? It is that fashion can be seen in everything. People constantly try to categorize our world into neatly defined segments and I think it is ridiculous. Look around. Fashion is in the history, it is in the way we look at others, it is in how we express ourselves, it is in movies, in businesses, it is in art and culture. Every part of our world is reflected on every other part as well. Fashion is one of the main aspects of a wedding. The bride searches high and low to pick one gown she will walk down the aisle in just once. The dress could be the first thing picked out for the wedding or the last. Now think about what is the first thing you ask to see when a friend announces her engagement, yes the ring. There you have two of the major factors of a wedding are strictly material pieces of fashion. One a dress and one an accessory. Fashion is clothing and a reflection of an individual's personal style and preference. Literally girls everywhere dream of their fantasy wedding and the style that will shine through their special day.
Yours Truly,
Jessica
Current Event 6- The Evolution
Blue Planet Green Events
Last week on the Job
Men and women for centuries have been practicing the ritual of marriage. These differences of each specific practice ranges from time period, to country, to personal preference. Wedding ceremonies today have evolved beyond measure and it looks like there is no stopping them now. There are some specific rituals that have been around since the beginning of time, for instance the veil. However, some of the newer traditions such as white dresses developed much more recently. Today, you will rarely find a simple home grown wedding of old, but rather an elaborate production.
(Ancient Weddings)
According to the article and Yalom emotional commitment and communion between a couple were non-sought after factors. Sexual release, procreation, and house hold labor were the sole purposes of finding a wife in a nearby village. It may hurt to hear these things being said, but survival and continuing legacy were about all there was to focus on in far distant times. The ideas of marital consent from the bride and divorce were concepts not heard of until the Romans. Wedding of ancient times were not for show as they are today. With wealth and revolution came the elaboration of wedding nuptials.
(White Wedding Dresses and Wedding Vendors)
Households of the early 1800s were simple, especially of the normal class people. Clothing was nothing like it is today and not just in regards to style. Closets were filled with a few pieces to be worn seasonally, and a best dress. This "best dress" would act as a wedding dress when the occasion arose. Usually a woman's best dress was dyed black or another dark color. It was not until 1840 when Queen Victoria wore a white dress during her wedding to Prince Albert. White was seen as one of the most luxurios colors due to its difficulty to clean, but after Victoria sparked this trend it overtook Endland and hopped across the pond to America. As time went on weddings continued to evolve. Towards the end of the century more outsourcing was being used to carry out weddings. Wedding professionals began to orchestrate ceremonies, and churches began to hold the wedding to allow for more guests. Now dressmakers were being brought into production of the bride's gown. Lavish cakes and flowers even began to make appearances at the affair. Quaint ceremonies of the past were turning into extravagant practices that would be the future.
(Wedding Industry Booms)
With the 1920s, 30s, and 40s came the big business. Stores finally opened their eyes to the immense potential profits that came with weddings. A majority of brides began to rely completely on wedding professionals (now know as vendors). Bridal sections in department stores opened up along with caterers, invitation engravers, photographers, and more. Young ladies and girls in America began to fantasize about the cookie cutter dream wedding.
(Wedding Diversity and Come Back to Center)
Uniqueness faded back in with the 60s and 70s straying away from the cookie cutter weddings of the 50s. However, the uniqueness factor would not last long. With the marriage of Diana Princess of Whales and Prince Charles, fairytales and opulence crept back into the minds of future brides. With today's weddings averaging $20,000 and professionals taking care of every detail of a couple's wedding, marriage ceremonies have traveled a long way from ceremonies of the past.
Since this article was written in 2007 I believe weddings have come even farther over the past few years. Weddings are even an bigger spectacle than they were a few years ago. With multiple wedding TV programs, growing technology, and social media outlets booming; weddings are bigger than ever. For most people weddings are a way to one up the last person. New bride's are getting over-the-top ideas from Pinterest and other online archives. Wedding planners can be found around every corner and wedding budgets are higher than ever.
This information means a lot for Blue Planet Green Events as an event planning company. Due to the fact that more and more brides are looking to professional planners to orchestrate the big day, this means more business for those planners. More business is almost always good business. On the downside of the information age comes wedding knowledge available to anyone with any sort of internet connection. The trend of the times is DIY. More and more brides are trying to create their own weddings from past ideas she finds online. However, the more the industry grows, the more overwhelming it will be to plan a wedding with no professional help. BPGE provides all facets of wedding help from total planning, to simply day of management, and even to providing flowers for the wedding. Adaptation is one of the best characteristics that any company in any industry can possess. With time comes change and we should file suit. Gay weddings will be next on the home front because of changing judicial laws within our country and even across the world. BPG is not only on the forefront of sustainable wedding practices but also on the future of the institute of marriage. Just the other day I helped with a photo shoot the company staged involving a gay couple's commitment ceremony.
This article relates to both sides of my educational knowledge: Marketing and Fashion Merchandising. So many aspects of the wedding business deals with business and fashion concepts. The process is extremely creative and beautiful on the outside, and a lot of business opportunities exist on the inside. I cannot wait to see where weddings of the future go, heck even my own wedding!
Here comes the bride: A history of the american wedding. (2007, May 08). Retrieved from http://www.randomhistory.com/1-50/009wedding.html
Last week on the Job
Men and women for centuries have been practicing the ritual of marriage. These differences of each specific practice ranges from time period, to country, to personal preference. Wedding ceremonies today have evolved beyond measure and it looks like there is no stopping them now. There are some specific rituals that have been around since the beginning of time, for instance the veil. However, some of the newer traditions such as white dresses developed much more recently. Today, you will rarely find a simple home grown wedding of old, but rather an elaborate production.
(Ancient Weddings)
According to the article and Yalom emotional commitment and communion between a couple were non-sought after factors. Sexual release, procreation, and house hold labor were the sole purposes of finding a wife in a nearby village. It may hurt to hear these things being said, but survival and continuing legacy were about all there was to focus on in far distant times. The ideas of marital consent from the bride and divorce were concepts not heard of until the Romans. Wedding of ancient times were not for show as they are today. With wealth and revolution came the elaboration of wedding nuptials.
(White Wedding Dresses and Wedding Vendors)
Households of the early 1800s were simple, especially of the normal class people. Clothing was nothing like it is today and not just in regards to style. Closets were filled with a few pieces to be worn seasonally, and a best dress. This "best dress" would act as a wedding dress when the occasion arose. Usually a woman's best dress was dyed black or another dark color. It was not until 1840 when Queen Victoria wore a white dress during her wedding to Prince Albert. White was seen as one of the most luxurios colors due to its difficulty to clean, but after Victoria sparked this trend it overtook Endland and hopped across the pond to America. As time went on weddings continued to evolve. Towards the end of the century more outsourcing was being used to carry out weddings. Wedding professionals began to orchestrate ceremonies, and churches began to hold the wedding to allow for more guests. Now dressmakers were being brought into production of the bride's gown. Lavish cakes and flowers even began to make appearances at the affair. Quaint ceremonies of the past were turning into extravagant practices that would be the future.
(Wedding Industry Booms)
With the 1920s, 30s, and 40s came the big business. Stores finally opened their eyes to the immense potential profits that came with weddings. A majority of brides began to rely completely on wedding professionals (now know as vendors). Bridal sections in department stores opened up along with caterers, invitation engravers, photographers, and more. Young ladies and girls in America began to fantasize about the cookie cutter dream wedding.
(Wedding Diversity and Come Back to Center)
Uniqueness faded back in with the 60s and 70s straying away from the cookie cutter weddings of the 50s. However, the uniqueness factor would not last long. With the marriage of Diana Princess of Whales and Prince Charles, fairytales and opulence crept back into the minds of future brides. With today's weddings averaging $20,000 and professionals taking care of every detail of a couple's wedding, marriage ceremonies have traveled a long way from ceremonies of the past.
Since this article was written in 2007 I believe weddings have come even farther over the past few years. Weddings are even an bigger spectacle than they were a few years ago. With multiple wedding TV programs, growing technology, and social media outlets booming; weddings are bigger than ever. For most people weddings are a way to one up the last person. New bride's are getting over-the-top ideas from Pinterest and other online archives. Wedding planners can be found around every corner and wedding budgets are higher than ever.
This information means a lot for Blue Planet Green Events as an event planning company. Due to the fact that more and more brides are looking to professional planners to orchestrate the big day, this means more business for those planners. More business is almost always good business. On the downside of the information age comes wedding knowledge available to anyone with any sort of internet connection. The trend of the times is DIY. More and more brides are trying to create their own weddings from past ideas she finds online. However, the more the industry grows, the more overwhelming it will be to plan a wedding with no professional help. BPGE provides all facets of wedding help from total planning, to simply day of management, and even to providing flowers for the wedding. Adaptation is one of the best characteristics that any company in any industry can possess. With time comes change and we should file suit. Gay weddings will be next on the home front because of changing judicial laws within our country and even across the world. BPG is not only on the forefront of sustainable wedding practices but also on the future of the institute of marriage. Just the other day I helped with a photo shoot the company staged involving a gay couple's commitment ceremony.
This article relates to both sides of my educational knowledge: Marketing and Fashion Merchandising. So many aspects of the wedding business deals with business and fashion concepts. The process is extremely creative and beautiful on the outside, and a lot of business opportunities exist on the inside. I cannot wait to see where weddings of the future go, heck even my own wedding!
Here comes the bride: A history of the american wedding. (2007, May 08). Retrieved from http://www.randomhistory.com/1-50/009wedding.html
Monday, July 8, 2013
Headed to the office- week 6
(I am saving the final evaluation until my last week, but here is a little update on things so far.)
Now that the company's weddings have ceased until the end of the month, it is time to hang up the votive candles and head into the office. Normally the thought of being trapped in an office would have me running in the opposite direction, but not in this case. Blue Planet Green Events' laid back friendly demeanor translates into the company office as well. Luck for me, the little space to work in creates a warm, comfortable, fun work environment.
Lately I have been working on uploading photo albums from recent weddings and attaching information and cute captions to each. It is true, uploading photos is not the hardest task in the world but now that I am working for someone else these things should be done in the manner in which the owners wish. It is key to remember that as an employee, you are acting behalf of someone else's dream someone else's business. Uploading the photos involves choosing the best detailed photos that captures the essence of the wedding. the last thing people want to do when researching wedding companies is scroll through hundreds of pointless frames, they want to see beauty before they get bored. So I choose the photos best suited for the company website, company Facebook page, and company Flickr account. Once all of these photos have been chosen and uploaded I must then go through and tag the photos and add captions in order to gain a higher chance of visibility on the Internet. My main goal was to go through the three media outlets and figure out how to increase Search Engine Optimization as much as I could for the company. I did just that!
My next big task/accomplishment of the week was creating a marketing strategy for one of the owner's flower business. I have designed a plan with a target audience and all of the works included. I am extremely excited to show her my creativity and hard work on the project. Next step is implementation and bringing this idea to life! My goal is to optimize business for both the event planning company and now this flower business venture. Next thing is working on the website and keeping everything fresh and up-to-date. I've been here for over a month but I am excited to get into the office and put my marketing skills to work. I am not looking forward to the day when I hvae to leave this wonderful place.
Roadside Blooms
Fashion With A Conscience- current event #5
Peraelz. (2013). Clothing With A
Conscience. Verte, Retrieved from
http://issuu.com/vertemag/docs/vertemag
Stumbling through pages upon pages of
Internet links can be great...or terrible. Today wound up being a great
Internet day for me. At first I wanted to find a meaningful article on hemp
dresses, but that proved unsuccessful. After moving away from the idea of a
hemp dress I ventured to search for articles on sustainable men's wedding
attire. After an unimpressive showing from Internet material provided for the
men's wedding sector, I decided to nix the wedding subject and stick with
sustainable fabrics as a whole. Finally! I came across a wonderful website
about the Sustainable Fashion Initiative group. "Stitching for a better
tomorrow" happens to be the group's motto. This initiative group blends
the Fashion Merchandising major I am a part of at The University of Georgia
with an eco-friendly balance I practice in my current internship. As the two of
these worlds mesh in a beautiful marriage, I can already see a bright future.
With advanced technology in textiles and the advancement of a green conscience,
the world is heading towards a solid sustainable practice. Positivity for the
future of the textile business is great for the advancement of the eco-friendly
wedding company I am currently working for. It will not necessarily bring in
business directly, but it is advancement for mankind and the future of our
environment. However, coming from a marketing standpoint, I believe the global
trend towards sustainable practices in fashion will inadvertently sway more
couples to seek eco-friendly wedding practices. When more and more couples want
to follow through with a green wedding, Blue Planet Green Events will be there
to put it on!
When I fell across The
Sustainable Fashion initiative's program website I discovered a magazine that
the group had created. Verte is the name of the magazine and inside are
beautifully designed pages put together to spread awareness of the vast world
of sustainable fashion. Within the pages of the magazine I found a striking
article that really caught my attention. On page 45 an article by the name of
"Fashion With A Conscience," can be found. In the article,
interviewer, Isabella Peraerlz paints a picture about a youthful designer that
made it her mission to design sustainable clothing to change the world. Tabitha
St. Bernard's love for our planet led her to create the zero-waste economically
friendly clothing line she has today. She took something that everyone is dependent
on and interested in and found a way to make it better. Tabitha is paving the
way for followers to not only design but also wear sustainable clothing. This
trend can become a staple in every closet across the country if it becomes big
enough. Check out the sustainable designer duds by searching Tabii JUST.
Tabitha managed to take a lifelong interest of hers
and turn it into a reality. Just because clothing and textiles are sustainable
does not make them unfashionable Tabii JUST pieces are vibrant and elegantly
constructed. Many women would love to flaunt one of these eco-friendly pieces.
When thinking about the environment it is easy to say, "I'll leave that up
to someone else." When an overwhelming number of people leave sustainable
choices up to the next guy then we are not getting anywhere. Next time a choice
arises choose the right thing. Be conscious of your decisions because no matter
how cliché it sounds, every little thing counts. All of those little things
will add up to one big thing for the future of our blue planet.
current event #4- The Myth of Conflict Free Diamonds
McDonough, K. (2013). The myth of conflict-free diamonds. Salon, Retrieved from http://www.salon.com/2013/01/07/the_myth_of_conflict_free_diamonds/
One of the details to a green wedding lies in "the rock". After the initial engagement announcement the engagemet ring is what what friends and family swoon over. Conflict-free diamonds are one way for a bride and groom to take part in putting together an eco-friendly wedding day. When a couple starts the marriage in a sustainable atmosphere they are destined to uphold those standards. Now, with all of the optimism of starting a green life with with your new spouse out of the way, is finding a conflict-free diamond something that is actually attainable? I'm here to tell you that, unfortunately, getting your hands on one of these stones is harder than you would like to think.
According to Salon.com's article, "The Myth of Conflict-free Diamonds," due to a lack of trade regulation, differentiating between clean and dirty diamonds has become nearly impossible. Numbers don't lie and according to a piece in Foreign Policy, the odds of having a conflict stone on the market today is 1 in 4. What happens is, the mined diamonds are shipped in from places in the world like Central Asia, Africa, and other heavy mining spots. A majority of these diamonds are then sent to Surat, India where they are to be polished and cut for retail markets. A problem occurs when both illegal and legal diamonds mix in Surat, leaving traces of origin nearly untraceable. When the diamonds hit the end of the road in Mumbai, they are shipped out to sell with documentation of being clean even though that is most likely not the case. Since differentiating between clean and dirty gems has become so difficult, today's dealers have stopped asking altogether.
Even if conflict-free diamonds do pass through Surat, the labor endured there could be classified as intolerable. The boys working in these factories spend 100-hour work weeks squinting and inhaling tiny diamond particles. Payback for hard work in the diamond factory means early loss of vision and "diamond lung." Tuberculosis and respiratory disease is developed in tens of thousands of workers annually, and the workers are tossed out on the street when their work is no longer up to par. So whether your diamond is conflict-free or not, chances are that little diamond caused harm somewhere in some way.
Maybe the only way to have a truly conflict-free stone is to go synthetic. While buying a diamond that is grown in a lab is not the most ideal option for brides-to-be, it may be the safest route. I personally have always been accustomed to the idea of one day having a beautiful and natural diamond on my left ring finger. With further thought and consideration, we must think deeply about our purchases and the possibly harmful paths they took on the way into our possession.
By: Jessica Howard
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Week 5- wedding drama
This past weekend was a busy one for me! We had a big '30s themed wedding to get ready for on top of moving inventory out of the company warehouse. After this weekend I learned that each client you deal with is going to vary from the next. Working constantly with people leaves a lot of room for unpredictability. In the event planning/wedding business, things can go wonderfully or terribly. No matter the outcome or situation you find yourself in, you have to adapt and do the best that you can. The couple this particular weekend was known to run on a different clock than the rest of us. Despite showing up late for everything, we ran through the rehearsal then got back down to work. Normally the set up can be done on site and with many hours of preparation, but the venue this weekend was extremely strict. Magnolia Plantation only allowed us a few hours of set up before the wedding. All of the flower arrangements (which was a lot believe me) had to be prepared off site then transported to the venue which was thirty minutes away. Transporting delicate flowers and glassware is no easy task. We hit a few speed bumps in the whole process. At first one of the giant "kissing globes" which is a giant sphere of flower heads fell in the car and had to be redone. Mind you, these things weight almost 10 pounds and are very delicate. On top of the flower fiasco, when we arrived at the venue a whole box of mercury and red glassware fell out of the car and shattered. In this situation we had to brush off the losses and continue to make the decorations as beautiful as possible with what we had. Later that day after everything has been set up and things are calming down, guests walked over from the ceremony to join the reception party. Right off the bat an elderly guest sits at a table and the jar that the kissing globe was on fell over and shattered. Quick to think I had to apologize to the guest, clean up the mess, and improvise. So we sat the globes directly on the table and they still looked beautiful. So some problems to overcome in the wedding industry so far are: late brides, too many flowers, dead flowers, and broken glass. I have also failed to mention the misery that can come with doing an outdoor wedding in the middle of summer in Charleston, bring your bug-spray and a bucket of ice water to dunk your face in. One last tip for brides to be, never rely on technology when it is needed. The couple had the cutest little silent movie they made to played on repeat during the reception. However, the whole time I was running back and forth to the movie tent trying to reboot the system because it kept shutting off unexpectedly. Despite all of the problems that arose, the wedding turned out beautifully just like all of Blue Planet Green Event's weddings do!
The way these types of companies work is based on a rental/installation system. BPGE has a lot of their own inventory that the couples can rent, and the rest of the vendors are set up through the company. After clearing out the warehouse this weekend I got to see all of the different sets of antique jars, mason jars, different types of glass ware, different sets of vases, and all of the candles and different candle holders. Eventually, when I start my own event planning company, I will carefully choose the inventory that I purchase. Most of Blue Planet's inventory has a very rustic and southern charm to it. These style items are perfect for the specific clientele that take part in Blue Planet weddings. When couples pay for their weddings, the payments are made in separate installations leading up to the big day. Unfortunately, there was recently a couple who called off their wedding. The couple was no longer expected to carry out payments, but the previous payments are not refunded.
I've already shared my most memorable experiences for this week, and in the next few weeks I do not have another wedding to work. Instead I will be putting my marketing and PR knowledge to the test in the office. I will most likely be doing some website blogs, Instagram posts, Facebook updates, and any other promotion help they may need. I look forward to experimenting with advertisement and marketing practices and learning more about the back end of event planning. This internship has definitely been a learning one, both spoken and experiential.
Until Next Time,
Jessica
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Week 4 Blog: Fundraiser
Since the company I am working for does not have any particular window displays I will try to adapt and use a different display of theirs. Since weddings are constantly filled with changing arrangements, displays, and different aesthetics so much creativity and ingenuity is involved in the process. So much goes into the decor at weddings and rehearsals because it brings the entire aesthetic of the event to life. Creativity from the planner and the bride and groom's visions are combined in order to create the perfect day. The table settings and decorations at Blue Planet's weddings reflect the eco-friendly/rustic preference of its clients. Their style is very soft and beautiful. Using color schemes of the couple's preferences, Blue Planet uses a mixture of mason jars, fresh flowers, vibrant greenery, spanish moss, and battery powered candles. Their style is farm chic which blends in beautifully to the picturesque surroundings. By hiring professional photographers to shoot on scene at the wedding, potential future clients looking for event planners can visualize different styles and options. Also, we have sent multiple links of online photo albums to magazines for publication and advertisement.
I would be able to make a lot of suggestions marketing wise, but other than that the decor of the wedding is basically up to the couple's preferences and feasible options. Any advertising is good advertising however, it depends on the company's budget. With technology today, free publicity is easily attainable. There are many online outlets that will post your events and pictures for free. Facebook and a personal website are Blue Planet's biggest public outlets of advertisement.
Last Thursday we finally had the fundraising event for the American Lung Association. The event went great and all of the guests in attendance had a blast! Lori, one of the owners is the one who brought the benefit to life. It was at an art gallery, with many raffle prizes, a dj, a band, food and libations. After the event was over she was so relieved that it was a success. It was great to see her hard work paying off for a cause that she has a strong tie to. The funniest thing that happened was when guests were clearing out and Lori and one of her friends got into a mini-food fight. It was great to see how much fun they were having on the job. I have a huge wedding coming up this weekend that I am very excited about. The days are long and extremely busy, but I know there is a lot to be learned and these ladies are helping me every step of the way.
Last Thursday we finally had the fundraising event for the American Lung Association. The event went great and all of the guests in attendance had a blast! Lori, one of the owners is the one who brought the benefit to life. It was at an art gallery, with many raffle prizes, a dj, a band, food and libations. After the event was over she was so relieved that it was a success. It was great to see her hard work paying off for a cause that she has a strong tie to. The funniest thing that happened was when guests were clearing out and Lori and one of her friends got into a mini-food fight. It was great to see how much fun they were having on the job. I have a huge wedding coming up this weekend that I am very excited about. The days are long and extremely busy, but I know there is a lot to be learned and these ladies are helping me every step of the way.
Monday, June 10, 2013
10 Steps to a Green Wedding
Week Number Two
Blue Planet Green Events
Sierra. (2007, March 29). Retrieved on June 1, 2013 from: http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2007/03/10_steps_to_a_g.html
This article may be a little out of date considering it was written in 2007, but I chose to use it anyway because it touches on some great points that were left out in my last current event. This just goes to show there is never a limit when it comes to alternatives while striving to reach a green wedding. Every wedding can implement a different level of eco-friendly practice, and it is up to you and your wedding planner to decide what your footprint will be. The following ten steps are all about how to plan a green wedding.
1. With this ring...
Be sure to start off on the right foot with the right ring. Be sure to avoid "Blood Diamonds" with a certifiably safe engagement ring. Whether your hubby to be finds a vintage ring, lab-created diamond, peacefully mined ring, or certified "conflict-free ring" you are safe.
2. Location, location, location
Use your venue fund allocation wisely. To be as safe and unique as possible pick a local outdoor spot. Even the way you arrive and leave the wedding makes an impact. This article suggests riding up in a horse drawn carriage or hybrid car. Blue Planet Green Events recently got some great news about on of their favorite Charleston venues, Magnolia Plantation. Because of all the work the company has done with this venue they started on-site recycling! This exciting news means that the owners and we the interns no longer have to haul all of the recycling off on our own. The fact that this one company has changed the practices of an entire venue means we are really making a positive impact.
3. Please join us
Because the invitation is one of the first impressions an engaged couple will make, make sure they are not environmentally harmful. The article suggests tree-free paper, recycled paper, and straying away from paper with harmful finishes. It is even possible to cut down on the volume of invitations by sending a single postcard or including all wedding activities at once. Also suggested, is the idea to inform the invited party of eco-friendly transportation and hotel options.
4. The final fling
Remain green throughout the entire wedding! This includes bachelor/bachelorette parties. Be sure to keep things local, as organic as possible, and low-impact.
5. Here comes the bride
There are so many alternative options when it comes to walking down the aisle in an environmentally yet beautiful wedding gown. Thanks to fabric technology in the industry, there are many fabric options that are cooperative with the sustainable theme. Or, like the other current event also suggested, go with the vintage/reused dress idea. Also, be sure to use organic makeup! The beauty is in the details.
6. Set the stage
Decor should add natural beauty to the wedding. Above all use local, decorate with things found outdoors, even be conscious of the candles you use. The article suggests beeswax candles but Lori and Toni use electric candles that take rechargeable batteries. Be sure not to throw anything out, and be sure to bring all of the flowers from the ceremony over to the reception.
7. Eat, drink, and be merry
Basing your menu on local, organic, and in-season food items is key when hosting a green wedding. Use composting, a to-go system for left overs, and be sure to stay away from disposables.
8. Lasting memories
This article suggests looking for a photographer who will keep digital proofs in order to save paper and chemicals. The couple can even create a site for all of the guests to upload their digital pictures for the entire party to enjoy.
9. 'Tis better to give...
Fun fact: there are institutes like The I Do Foundation that will give a percentage of gift purchases to a charity of your liking. Be attentive when registering, stick to specialty stores with eco-friendly items and local treasures. As a couple, you can even as for your wedding patrons to donate to a charity on your behalf instead of buying a gift.
10. Happily ever after...
Remember that going green doesn't end at the reception. This article has many suggestions for low impact honeymoon getaways. Go local "You're going to be spending a lot of time in that hotel room anyway" ;), go on ecotours while you are away, opt for a trip that is beneficial to an environmental group, they even suggest staying at a locally run Bed & Breakfast.
I hoped you enjoyed diving into this article as much as I did. As a human taking up room on this planet, I have always tried to do a little something here and there to help out the environment. Normally that included being 100% opposed to littering, recycling whenever I thought about it, and opting for paper over plastic. Now, with this new job opportunity and these new finings my outlook is ever changing. It makes me want to make changes, no matter how small, for the benefit of our planet. All being green takes is a little initiative, some attention, and little life changes. This article is great for Blue Planet Green Events. It gives more ideas and more inspiration for our upcoming weddings.
Blue Planet Green Events
Sierra. (2007, March 29). Retrieved on June 1, 2013 from: http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2007/03/10_steps_to_a_g.html
This article may be a little out of date considering it was written in 2007, but I chose to use it anyway because it touches on some great points that were left out in my last current event. This just goes to show there is never a limit when it comes to alternatives while striving to reach a green wedding. Every wedding can implement a different level of eco-friendly practice, and it is up to you and your wedding planner to decide what your footprint will be. The following ten steps are all about how to plan a green wedding.
1. With this ring...
Be sure to start off on the right foot with the right ring. Be sure to avoid "Blood Diamonds" with a certifiably safe engagement ring. Whether your hubby to be finds a vintage ring, lab-created diamond, peacefully mined ring, or certified "conflict-free ring" you are safe.
2. Location, location, location
Use your venue fund allocation wisely. To be as safe and unique as possible pick a local outdoor spot. Even the way you arrive and leave the wedding makes an impact. This article suggests riding up in a horse drawn carriage or hybrid car. Blue Planet Green Events recently got some great news about on of their favorite Charleston venues, Magnolia Plantation. Because of all the work the company has done with this venue they started on-site recycling! This exciting news means that the owners and we the interns no longer have to haul all of the recycling off on our own. The fact that this one company has changed the practices of an entire venue means we are really making a positive impact.
3. Please join us
Because the invitation is one of the first impressions an engaged couple will make, make sure they are not environmentally harmful. The article suggests tree-free paper, recycled paper, and straying away from paper with harmful finishes. It is even possible to cut down on the volume of invitations by sending a single postcard or including all wedding activities at once. Also suggested, is the idea to inform the invited party of eco-friendly transportation and hotel options.
4. The final fling
Remain green throughout the entire wedding! This includes bachelor/bachelorette parties. Be sure to keep things local, as organic as possible, and low-impact.
5. Here comes the bride
There are so many alternative options when it comes to walking down the aisle in an environmentally yet beautiful wedding gown. Thanks to fabric technology in the industry, there are many fabric options that are cooperative with the sustainable theme. Or, like the other current event also suggested, go with the vintage/reused dress idea. Also, be sure to use organic makeup! The beauty is in the details.
6. Set the stage
Decor should add natural beauty to the wedding. Above all use local, decorate with things found outdoors, even be conscious of the candles you use. The article suggests beeswax candles but Lori and Toni use electric candles that take rechargeable batteries. Be sure not to throw anything out, and be sure to bring all of the flowers from the ceremony over to the reception.
7. Eat, drink, and be merry
Basing your menu on local, organic, and in-season food items is key when hosting a green wedding. Use composting, a to-go system for left overs, and be sure to stay away from disposables.
8. Lasting memories
This article suggests looking for a photographer who will keep digital proofs in order to save paper and chemicals. The couple can even create a site for all of the guests to upload their digital pictures for the entire party to enjoy.
9. 'Tis better to give...
Fun fact: there are institutes like The I Do Foundation that will give a percentage of gift purchases to a charity of your liking. Be attentive when registering, stick to specialty stores with eco-friendly items and local treasures. As a couple, you can even as for your wedding patrons to donate to a charity on your behalf instead of buying a gift.
10. Happily ever after...
Remember that going green doesn't end at the reception. This article has many suggestions for low impact honeymoon getaways. Go local "You're going to be spending a lot of time in that hotel room anyway" ;), go on ecotours while you are away, opt for a trip that is beneficial to an environmental group, they even suggest staying at a locally run Bed & Breakfast.
I hoped you enjoyed diving into this article as much as I did. As a human taking up room on this planet, I have always tried to do a little something here and there to help out the environment. Normally that included being 100% opposed to littering, recycling whenever I thought about it, and opting for paper over plastic. Now, with this new job opportunity and these new finings my outlook is ever changing. It makes me want to make changes, no matter how small, for the benefit of our planet. All being green takes is a little initiative, some attention, and little life changes. This article is great for Blue Planet Green Events. It gives more ideas and more inspiration for our upcoming weddings.
Green Celebrities -- 20 of Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Celebs (current event #3)
Week Three
Blue Planet Green Events
Shumaker, D. (2013, April 29). Babble. Retrieved on June 10, 2013 from: http://www.babble.com/entertainment/green-celebrities-20-of-our-favorite-eco-friendly-celebs/ed-begley-jr/
Okay, now it is time to take a look at America's obsession: Celebrities. We all know your guilty pleasure is searching the web what your favorite celebrities are up to, so let's see what kind of influence they are having on the green front. According to the article, "Some of them [celebrities] are actually thinking about saving the planet more that you realize." The article dives into a list of 20 celebs are working towards the betterment of planet earth and what they have been cooking up behind the scenes. So here is a little synopsis:
#1 John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston: After hurricane Katrina Travolta took a flight over on his jet to deliver supplies including a tetanus vaccine to victims of the tragedy. I think the couple did a noble thing responding to the hurricane with help, but it wasn't a very eco-friendly approach. But A+ in doing a great thing for the people of Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
#2 Jessica Alba: Alba co-founded a company named, Honest Company. Their mission statement is all about creating a product without negative implications affecting the planet. The company believes in protection of earth and the little people. I hope they stand up to their wonderful mission statement!
#3 Emma Watson: Just when you think Emma Watson can't get any better she does, and in our department too! She created an eco-friendly fashion line called, Pure Threads. The line draws inspiration from the hippie-friendly 60s and 70s.
#4 Will.I.Am: The musician recently stated, "I'm on a mission to educate and inspire consumers around the globe to seek out more sustainable lifestyle choices that will ultimately play a part in the movement toward a world with zero waste." Well said Will.I.Am. Plus, partnering up with internationally known Coca-Cola will help spread his brand (Ekocycle's) mission.
#5 Jon Bon Jovi: Rocker Bon Jovi is building affordable eco-friendly housing in urban-based ares. A great mission leaving a great footprint, thumbs up.
#6 Bruce Springsteen: Springsteen, along side of multiple other musicians, held a concert benefitting Hurricane Sandy Victims. Once again a celeb helping a desperate cause, but next time I suggest holding the concert in as much of a sustainable fashion as possible.
#7 Kevin Costner: Costner became a major investor in a company called Ocean Therapy Solutions. This company has devised a way to clean up oil spills in the ocean as eco-friendly as possible. Their method even returns the cleaned water to the ocean. Now that's what I'm talkin' about Costner.
#8 Robert Redford: Redford has been a long time advocate of eco-friendly practices such as green and renewable energy. Redford didn't have to jump on the bandwagon, he's driving it. Beep beep.
#9 Gisele Bundchen: Just because you are a beautiful model, living with your beautiful NFL husband, in your beautiful 22,000 square-foot-mansion doesn't mean you can't be green. During renovation, Bundchen included solar panels and a rainwater recovery system on the roof of her mansion. Simple solutions if you have the money.
#10 Woody Harrelson: According to the article, Harrelson is one of the most green Hollywood stars there is. Yep that's his, completely sustainable and recycled. Not to mention it's named "The Mothership," you. are. welcome.
Blue Planet Green Events
Shumaker, D. (2013, April 29). Babble. Retrieved on June 10, 2013 from: http://www.babble.com/entertainment/green-celebrities-20-of-our-favorite-eco-friendly-celebs/ed-begley-jr/
Okay, now it is time to take a look at America's obsession: Celebrities. We all know your guilty pleasure is searching the web what your favorite celebrities are up to, so let's see what kind of influence they are having on the green front. According to the article, "Some of them [celebrities] are actually thinking about saving the planet more that you realize." The article dives into a list of 20 celebs are working towards the betterment of planet earth and what they have been cooking up behind the scenes. So here is a little synopsis:
#1 John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston: After hurricane Katrina Travolta took a flight over on his jet to deliver supplies including a tetanus vaccine to victims of the tragedy. I think the couple did a noble thing responding to the hurricane with help, but it wasn't a very eco-friendly approach. But A+ in doing a great thing for the people of Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
#2 Jessica Alba: Alba co-founded a company named, Honest Company. Their mission statement is all about creating a product without negative implications affecting the planet. The company believes in protection of earth and the little people. I hope they stand up to their wonderful mission statement!
#3 Emma Watson: Just when you think Emma Watson can't get any better she does, and in our department too! She created an eco-friendly fashion line called, Pure Threads. The line draws inspiration from the hippie-friendly 60s and 70s.
#4 Will.I.Am: The musician recently stated, "I'm on a mission to educate and inspire consumers around the globe to seek out more sustainable lifestyle choices that will ultimately play a part in the movement toward a world with zero waste." Well said Will.I.Am. Plus, partnering up with internationally known Coca-Cola will help spread his brand (Ekocycle's) mission.
#5 Jon Bon Jovi: Rocker Bon Jovi is building affordable eco-friendly housing in urban-based ares. A great mission leaving a great footprint, thumbs up.
#6 Bruce Springsteen: Springsteen, along side of multiple other musicians, held a concert benefitting Hurricane Sandy Victims. Once again a celeb helping a desperate cause, but next time I suggest holding the concert in as much of a sustainable fashion as possible.
#7 Kevin Costner: Costner became a major investor in a company called Ocean Therapy Solutions. This company has devised a way to clean up oil spills in the ocean as eco-friendly as possible. Their method even returns the cleaned water to the ocean. Now that's what I'm talkin' about Costner.
#8 Robert Redford: Redford has been a long time advocate of eco-friendly practices such as green and renewable energy. Redford didn't have to jump on the bandwagon, he's driving it. Beep beep.
#9 Gisele Bundchen: Just because you are a beautiful model, living with your beautiful NFL husband, in your beautiful 22,000 square-foot-mansion doesn't mean you can't be green. During renovation, Bundchen included solar panels and a rainwater recovery system on the roof of her mansion. Simple solutions if you have the money.
#10 Woody Harrelson: According to the article, Harrelson is one of the most green Hollywood stars there is. Yep that's his, completely sustainable and recycled. Not to mention it's named "The Mothership," you. are. welcome.
#11 Leonardo Di Caprio: Little Leo created a foundation way back when to ensure a sustainable future for our planet and the planet's inhabitants. People, he can do no wrong.
#12 Drew Barrymore: Remember that classic water fountain joke from elementary school? "Hey, save some for the whales!" Well, Barrymore has starred in a movie set in Anchorage, Alaska that actually inspired the nation to do just that, save the whales. For the ladies, she has created an eco-friendly makeup like called Flower Beauty. Good news!
#13 Anne Hathaway: Luck for Blue Planet Green Events Anne Hathaway actually had a green wedding! Yay
#14 Brad Pitt: Just, duh.
#15 Cate Blanchett: Thanks to this article I have just learned a new word: "greenovating." Which is exactly what Blanchett did to her mansion. Like I previously mentioned, this concept is pricey but if funs permit, greenovating is the way to go.
#16 Matt Damon: Damon has partnered with the CamelBak company to launch an eco-friendly water bottle. All of the proceeds from this particular water bottle go to his organization which strives for more clean water systems globally. This is a great cause and an all around great effort from Damon, I strongly approve.
#17 Justin Timberlake: Timberlake went and built an eco-friendly golf course in Tennessee then won an award for it! When he "heard someone was going to take paradise and put up a parking lot [he] decided to buy paradise [himself]" I see what you did there Justin.
#18 Jessica Chastain: Jessica was voted "Sexiest Vegetarian of 2012" by PETA. Chastain sticks to her strictly vegeterian diet because she does not want to contribute to any further animal cruelty. It is always nice to see a celebrity who cares.
#19 Julianne Moore: Already one of my favorite actresses, Moore has joined forces with Moms Clean Air Force to promote anti-pollution. The group is taking big strides toward clean air for children, bumping her up even higher on my list.
#20 Ed Begley Jr.: One subject we have yet to touch on is green household cleaners and products. Not to worry, Begley Jr. has created his own line which is completely non-toxic and is made from all natural ingredients. If I have learned one thing, it is that even if a product is listed as "green" it cannot be trusted. Bedgley Jr. understands this concept, and his household line has gained my trust.
I hope you had as much fun of a time with this list as I have! Next time you go to look up juicy celebrity gossip, try to stick to the positive and avoid the negative press. What influence you expose yourself to is in your hands, whether it be positive or negative. These celebs are making a great influence in the green movement, and we are proud of them.
#12 Drew Barrymore: Remember that classic water fountain joke from elementary school? "Hey, save some for the whales!" Well, Barrymore has starred in a movie set in Anchorage, Alaska that actually inspired the nation to do just that, save the whales. For the ladies, she has created an eco-friendly makeup like called Flower Beauty. Good news!
#13 Anne Hathaway: Luck for Blue Planet Green Events Anne Hathaway actually had a green wedding! Yay
#14 Brad Pitt: Just, duh.
#15 Cate Blanchett: Thanks to this article I have just learned a new word: "greenovating." Which is exactly what Blanchett did to her mansion. Like I previously mentioned, this concept is pricey but if funs permit, greenovating is the way to go.
#16 Matt Damon: Damon has partnered with the CamelBak company to launch an eco-friendly water bottle. All of the proceeds from this particular water bottle go to his organization which strives for more clean water systems globally. This is a great cause and an all around great effort from Damon, I strongly approve.
#17 Justin Timberlake: Timberlake went and built an eco-friendly golf course in Tennessee then won an award for it! When he "heard someone was going to take paradise and put up a parking lot [he] decided to buy paradise [himself]" I see what you did there Justin.
#18 Jessica Chastain: Jessica was voted "Sexiest Vegetarian of 2012" by PETA. Chastain sticks to her strictly vegeterian diet because she does not want to contribute to any further animal cruelty. It is always nice to see a celebrity who cares.
#19 Julianne Moore: Already one of my favorite actresses, Moore has joined forces with Moms Clean Air Force to promote anti-pollution. The group is taking big strides toward clean air for children, bumping her up even higher on my list.
#20 Ed Begley Jr.: One subject we have yet to touch on is green household cleaners and products. Not to worry, Begley Jr. has created his own line which is completely non-toxic and is made from all natural ingredients. If I have learned one thing, it is that even if a product is listed as "green" it cannot be trusted. Bedgley Jr. understands this concept, and his household line has gained my trust.
I hope you had as much fun of a time with this list as I have! Next time you go to look up juicy celebrity gossip, try to stick to the positive and avoid the negative press. What influence you expose yourself to is in your hands, whether it be positive or negative. These celebs are making a great influence in the green movement, and we are proud of them.
-Jessica Howard BPGE assistant
"Green Weddings: Your Eco-friendly Wedding Guide" (current event #1)
Week Number One
Blue Planet Green Events
Current Event
This article about tying the knot in an eco-friendly fashion divides up all aspects of a typical wedding and sets the stage on how to keep it in green fashion. Those areas are: the venue, the stationary, the flowers, the catering, the favors, and of course the dress. After visualizing the sections, I realize that my company focuses on all of these areas so, so far so good!
When picking a venue with the least environmental impact it is key to stay away from big hotel ballrooms that often eat up electricity and put out large amounts of waste. Stick to a quaint, but often beautiful, venue such as a local farm. Plus, when you hold the ceremony and the reception in the same place, there is cut down on fuel emission and travel time. Blue Planet Green Events almost always holds outdoor ceremonies followed by nearby or on-site receptions.
Moving on to the next wedding area, the stationary. If you are a couple who wants to stick to strict eco-friendly guidelines then cut out paper all together. Nowadays an e-vite will suffice, and you can still make them as beautiful as ever. However, making this sacrifice loses a little of the sentiment, but it positively impacts the environment. If cutting out paper altogether is not your forte then simply cut down on the number of envelopes you use, or find a local stationary shop and have them make your set from recycled materials. Personalized recycled stationary adds a nice touch to any invite.
How a wedding's flowers are gathered and grown have a huge environmental impact, and that impact is not a good one either. Most people have their flowers shipped in from other countries or from far away which is terrible for the environment. Plus, most flowers are artificially grown out of season and used loads of pesticides to preserve the look of the flowers. Blue Planet only uses local flowers, within season, from places with sound and non-harmful growth practices. The first wedding I helped with even used flowers from the farm that the ceremony was held on. Buying locally not only helps out small companies, but the harm of the environmental is reduced.
Another major component of any wedding is the catering. It is amazing to be behind the scenes and visualize the huge volume of waste after each event. The article suggests having organic or vegan meals at your wedding. If organic food is not within your budget try choosing a caterer that uses locally grown food. Also stay within season when choosing the menu. Blue Planet works with specific caterers that follow these practices. Our caterers also compost and cut down on waste by giving all left overs back to the couple so nothing gets thrown out.
One of the most overlooked items at a wedding are the parting favors. In the article the most practical solution is getting rid of the idea of handing out party favors, and replace that portion of the budget with a donation to a local charity. This issue is one that I have not yet encountered on this internship , but is a great suggestion I will pass along to the girls! Some other alternatives to environmentally harmful party favors are handing out edible favors or give out local treats to help in more ways than one.
Last but not least, the wedding dress. Yes, even your wedding dress has a harmful impact on the environment, and no the article does not suggest walking down the aisle in your birthday suit. Even though, that option would have a zero impact on the environment I do not suggest it. A fun alternative to a terribly harmful dress is to dig out your mom's old one and have a seamstress put a twist on it with your style. A recycled dress can turn out to be even more beautiful than a brand new one. This is also a cool idea I want to pass on to the ladies.
I am so glad to have read this article because it is helping me understand more about the green companies and little tricks of the trade. There are so many alternatives to harmful practices, that if brides and planners pay a little extra attention, the practices can be carried out. Seeing more and more articles about eco-friendly weddings is good for Blue Planet Green Events. It means that more brides will want to go down this path, and since they have been in this area for four years now they are ahead of the curve. I look forward to continuing my knowledge through experience and current events.
Blue Planet Green Events
Current Event
Albright, T. Retrieved on June 1, 2013 from: http://wedding.theknot.com/real-weddings/green- weddings/articles/eco-friendly-wedding-guide.aspx?MsdVisit=1
This article about tying the knot in an eco-friendly fashion divides up all aspects of a typical wedding and sets the stage on how to keep it in green fashion. Those areas are: the venue, the stationary, the flowers, the catering, the favors, and of course the dress. After visualizing the sections, I realize that my company focuses on all of these areas so, so far so good!
When picking a venue with the least environmental impact it is key to stay away from big hotel ballrooms that often eat up electricity and put out large amounts of waste. Stick to a quaint, but often beautiful, venue such as a local farm. Plus, when you hold the ceremony and the reception in the same place, there is cut down on fuel emission and travel time. Blue Planet Green Events almost always holds outdoor ceremonies followed by nearby or on-site receptions.
Moving on to the next wedding area, the stationary. If you are a couple who wants to stick to strict eco-friendly guidelines then cut out paper all together. Nowadays an e-vite will suffice, and you can still make them as beautiful as ever. However, making this sacrifice loses a little of the sentiment, but it positively impacts the environment. If cutting out paper altogether is not your forte then simply cut down on the number of envelopes you use, or find a local stationary shop and have them make your set from recycled materials. Personalized recycled stationary adds a nice touch to any invite.
How a wedding's flowers are gathered and grown have a huge environmental impact, and that impact is not a good one either. Most people have their flowers shipped in from other countries or from far away which is terrible for the environment. Plus, most flowers are artificially grown out of season and used loads of pesticides to preserve the look of the flowers. Blue Planet only uses local flowers, within season, from places with sound and non-harmful growth practices. The first wedding I helped with even used flowers from the farm that the ceremony was held on. Buying locally not only helps out small companies, but the harm of the environmental is reduced.
Another major component of any wedding is the catering. It is amazing to be behind the scenes and visualize the huge volume of waste after each event. The article suggests having organic or vegan meals at your wedding. If organic food is not within your budget try choosing a caterer that uses locally grown food. Also stay within season when choosing the menu. Blue Planet works with specific caterers that follow these practices. Our caterers also compost and cut down on waste by giving all left overs back to the couple so nothing gets thrown out.
One of the most overlooked items at a wedding are the parting favors. In the article the most practical solution is getting rid of the idea of handing out party favors, and replace that portion of the budget with a donation to a local charity. This issue is one that I have not yet encountered on this internship , but is a great suggestion I will pass along to the girls! Some other alternatives to environmentally harmful party favors are handing out edible favors or give out local treats to help in more ways than one.
Last but not least, the wedding dress. Yes, even your wedding dress has a harmful impact on the environment, and no the article does not suggest walking down the aisle in your birthday suit. Even though, that option would have a zero impact on the environment I do not suggest it. A fun alternative to a terribly harmful dress is to dig out your mom's old one and have a seamstress put a twist on it with your style. A recycled dress can turn out to be even more beautiful than a brand new one. This is also a cool idea I want to pass on to the ladies.
I am so glad to have read this article because it is helping me understand more about the green companies and little tricks of the trade. There are so many alternatives to harmful practices, that if brides and planners pay a little extra attention, the practices can be carried out. Seeing more and more articles about eco-friendly weddings is good for Blue Planet Green Events. It means that more brides will want to go down this path, and since they have been in this area for four years now they are ahead of the curve. I look forward to continuing my knowledge through experience and current events.
Week Three: What to expect...
Week three here at Blue Planet Green Events has been a little slow for the interns. We do not have a wedding for another two weekends so there isn't much work for me to do. Since Lori and Toni haven't exactly given me much work to do that means I must find something on my own in order to help! I have decided to focus my attention on getting some more fun stuff on their twitter, facebook, pinterest and instagram pages. Their current advertising campaign is focused mainly on word of mouth and promotions from similar local businesses. However, they do search out features in local wedding magazines and wherever they can get the name out there. Young brides/couples interested in sustainability, global issues, recycling, and "going green" are the types of customers that Blue Planet Green Events seek out. I believe that the company is going in the right direction with advertising and target, but I think that they need to push harder and bring in more clients. However, since it is only the two owners and a few interns that help out every once in a while, keeping a lower volume makes personalization easier to maintain.
Since there wasn't much to do around the office, I was able to help Lori with her American Lung Association fundraiser. I have tons of experience in fundraising and a knack for marketing, so I have been putting my efforts into helping with that. The event is on June 13th so I am excited to see how it turns out! It's going to be very fun and creative so I can't wait to tell you about it after we kick it off. I learn the most during the day-of-wedding mayhem. The only problem in the fundraising department is having to deal with a lack of success when asking for donations and raffle prizes. Working in weddings/events doesn't take over every day of the week, but when there is a wedding the day is slam packed with work and things that need to be taken care of. The days are very long, and you are constantly running around making sure everything is perfect for the soon to be married couple. One of the most valuable things i hvae learned so far is something Toni told me last week. She looked at me as said one lesson; "When you are an assistant you take on all roles during the reception. You become the waitress, bus boy, event planner, and candle lighter." This is something that will always stick with me because it is true. When you are the event planner you are responsible for every facet of that day and that event. It is up to you to make sure the day is as special as you imagined!
Until next time,
Jessica
P.S. Sorry for the weird timing of the posts...in downtown Charleston when you will/won't have wi-fi at your own apartment is a guessing game.
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