Community Based Wedding

For those of you that are green to going green like me,you were probably scratching your head when I brought up "community based weddings". Over the past few years they have become more and more popular not only among brides going green, but also with brides on a budget. So what's so appealing about a community wedding? Let's review with some quick facts...Consider this your Community Based Weddings Cheat Sheet:

Community based weddings are also know as...Potluck Weddings...or D.I.Y Weddings

Where are they usually held? Typically a community wedding takes place at a family home.

Who caters? You do!(Kinda) Guests are asked to bring one of their famous dishes instead of a gift. Think about the yummy smorgasbord of food you'll have!

What makes it a "community" wedding exactly? The idea of a community based wedding is really super special. For most people it is about having an intimate affair that really focuses on the two families coming together and celebrating.

So when you say D.I.Y. does that mean I have to make everything?!.. No way! For guests who aren't fabulous in the cooking department (like me) they can contribute in other ways. Some people might be really artsy craftsy and will make your centerpieces or programs for your ceremony etc.

What about guests coming from out of town? From what I've seen it isn't customary to ask them to cook (that would be a bit much!) Often times they'll help set up or maybe provide the music for your reception.

How does a community based wedding tie in with going green? Oh there's soo many ways! I'll break down some really fabulous ideas I've seen while wedding stalking...

-You'll be saving the environment from the traveling the caterers will have to do.
-You more than likely won't have food wasted because guests won't cook as large of portions as caterers usually do.
-Ask you guests to cook their dishes with local ingredients! (Not always an option you have with caterers)
-Have guests bring drinks their family or group of friends like. Again, end up with far less waste.
-With the wonder of the internet in all it's glory, you can get a family member or close friend to become an officiant and marry you! Saving again on transportation for a clergy member, plus one less person to provide favors/food/seating etc for.
-Have guests bring potted plants from their homes to your wedding to provide decor! Cuts out on buying flowers that may have been treated with chemicals or transported from a different country.
-Instead of going out and getting disposable flatware,cups etc for the reception, have a few guests bring their nice dinnerware (most people have a set for 6-8 ppl, if you get 10 ppl to bring theirs you now have enough for 10 tables of 6-8 guests!)It will certainly bring in the elements of community and reusing is definitely a plus!
-Have a bake off! One wedding I came across had the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, and the grandmothers from both sides each bake a cake or pie. It was a great way for the women to contribute to the big day plus share a yummy recipe from their family!
-Ditch the disposable cameras at each table and instead put a few of your photography savvy friends in charge of taking shots with their digital cameras. Disposable cameras are all waste to our environment. Remember, it's about resuing, not disposing!