Green Weddings Marry Ecofriendliness, Elegance
For many couples planning their nuptials, green, as in carbon footprint, is the new white. In growing numbers, brides and grooms are saying “I do” to sustainable nuptials, seeking hotels and wedding businesses that can help them in their environmentally correct quest.
The new paradigm seems to be mindful indulgence. With the average wedding costing about $27,000, green weddings, ironically, can cost up to 20 percent more.
One might think less is more, but green weddings, once considered “hippie” events lacking style or sophistication, can now be cosmopolitan affairs, distinguished by fleets of hybrid luxury cars and wedding bands made with “conflict-free” diamonds and recycled metals.
Green weddings now figure on the event menu at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu, on the Big Island. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai was recently honored with a “Who’s Keeping Hawaii Green Award” by Hawaii Home + Remodeling, Honolulu and Hawaii Business magazines.
With the resort’s Sustainable Nuptials package, the goal is to create a memorable experience that is socially responsible without sacrificing elegance, said Jennifer Gillis, wedding planner at the hotel.
To offset the carbon footprint of traveling to Hawaii and staying at the resort, the wedding package includes a credit paid to one of several organizations in the Sustainable Travel International carbon-offset portfolio.
The portfolio currently consists of MyClimate (verified emission reductions and certified emission reductions) and Bonneville Environmental Foundation (green Tags).
The Four Seasons Hualalai reminds couples that the reception is usually the priciest part of any wedding; holding the wedding ceremony and reception in the same place cuts down on resource consumption.
Going green on wedding days is even easier at the Four Seasons. The marriage license office happens to be within walking distance of the resort lobby. Less expensive, nondenominational officials are available to perform ceremonies. Solo acoustic musicians playing guitar, ukulele or violin can save electricity.
Perks include a teak chair setup for up to 25 guests; 2,000 locally grown dendrobium orchids sprinkled at the wedding site; floral leis for up to 25 guests; a wedding arch made of ohia wood or bamboo; a two-hour photography package; a two-tier wedding cake with floral topper; a bottle of champagne on the wedding night; free steam-pressing of the wedding dress and groom’s attire; ground transportation to and from Kona Airport; and a 50-minute couple’s massage at the Hualalai Spa.
