Eco-Chic: How to do that with Invitations?

When it comes to invitations: how is it possible to have an environmental conscience while still adhering to the tradition of sending physical invites and providing your guests with a beautiful keepsake? That is a question I deal with all the time. First things first, there are increasing numbers of beautiful recycled/post-consumer card stocks on the market and in my experience, while usually a little more expensive than traditional "new" card stock, they have a more luxurious feel and texture and tend to be a little thicker. For all my eco-friendly brides, we always look to companies that state at least 30% recycled base for their papers and card stocks. I have found that many paper companies are joining the trend and many of the papers available today have at least partial (30% or greater post-consumer materials). In addition, the paper companies that I use for all the custom work adhere to the code of SFI: Sustainable Forest Initiative (see more at the website: www.1stimpressionsinvitations.com under the go green! page).

Second, forget the inner/outer envelopes- not necessary as our mail no longer arrives by pony express.

Thirdly, avoid extra inserts by creating a wedding website- your guests can rsvp there, find your registry, find maps, accommodations, etc.

Don't think for one second that using recycled materials means an invitation that looks cheap: quite the opposite! The invitations come out looking absolutely beautiful! Often the natural occurring texture of recycled card stocks leads to a richer, more vibrant product.

As a business, I reuse all the shipping materials, design to use as much as the paper as possible with very little left over scraps and any left-over paper scraps go to local artisans who use it for quilling, paper making, and other paper crafts.

Being environmentally aware doesn't mean you can't be chic; why not used green methods and make a statement!