Reuse and recycle (or borrow if needed) — by Guest Mom Beth Longtine

These days we hear a lot about going green, and that emphasis is beginning to hit the wedding industry as well. Many are trying to encourage less waste and to recycle when possible. The best way to go green? Use what you already have, and try to buy what you know you will use again.

So what did we reuse? Previously owned white serving dishes were used on the dessert table, and a black, tiered stand was painted white to fit in. A long-owned wooden tray got a coat of red, and was used to hold favors. A banner was made out of an old book catalogue. Real dishes and linens were used for dinner. From friends we borrowed beakers for the flowers, place-card holders, the photo backdrop, and cameras for the photo booth. And I could go on…



Something to remember: Friends love to help, just be careful not to ask too much of them. One item or task per person is enough to make them feel a part of the day, without making them feel taken advantage of.

photos from Holly Hoyt Photography