February 25, 2011

Celebrate Fair Trade Gold

With Fair Trade Fortnight just round the corner it seems the perfect time to tell you about the recent launch of the new Fair-trade Gold standard for jewellery. Its been a long time coming but now we're delighted to tell you it's become a reality.

February 14th 2011 marked the launch of Fair mined and Fair-trade gold, an exciting prospect for the jewellery industry, and one that we have long supported. Historically, gold mining has been a harsh and often unfair business for artisanal miners who are often left at the mercy of unfair supply chains making it difficult to get a fair price. Thanks to the new Fair-trade gold system, each stage of the gold mining process is monitored to ensure the money that the consumer spends will genuinely go back to those who worked to extract the gold from the earth.

To mark this positive development, one of our favourite jewellers, Leblas has just launched its latest collection of beautiful, timeless wedding bands for 2011. Each ring is made using fair trade white or yellow gold and conflict-free Canadian sourced diamonds. With rings starting from £220 right through to 18ct wedding bands, so whatever your budget, you can own a stunning wedding ring, safe in the knowledge that it has been responsibly and ethically mined.

Posted in Green Wedding Ethical Vendors , Jewellery , Special Offers

February 24, 2011

Don't forget Fairtrade Fortnight

Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off this weekend and there's plenty of fun and smiles to go around.

For Fairtrade Fortnight 2011 the Foundation is asking the nation to show off about buying Fairtrade which offers 7.5 million people in the developing world a more secure future.

You can show off Fairtrade any way you want. Take part in their bunting record attempt, hold a fashion show with your friends, or be loud and proud about how you support farmers and workers in developing countries.

They've got all sorts of tools to help you do it. So whether you're a business, a supporter or campaign group, look around their site, get inspired and get ready to Show Off Your Label.

Many of our partners and wedding vendors are businesses who support the fair trade ethic even if they are not actually registered with the Fair Trade Foundation so take a look around our Wedding Directory and find out more about fabulous wedding suppliers who will go a long way to making your fair trade wedding a bit hit.

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT
28th February to 13th March

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Fair Trade

February 16, 2011

Royal eco-wedding for Channel 4 News

If you're planning to get wed late March/early April and fancy a fabulous video of your eco wedding then here's a great way to get one!

Channel 4 News is looking to do a piece about marriage ahead of the Royal Wedding. They're considering why people believe in it, what it means to them and what made them want to take the leap and would like to feature an eco-wedding.

If you think you'd like to take part then get in touch with Katie Razzall on 07736 479377 or email her at katie.razzall@itn.co.uk.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Natural Nuptials , Press

February 09, 2011

Independent eco florists

A little bird has told us that two of our fabulous eco florists are to be listed in The Independent newspaper’s 50 Best Florists 2011 list this weekend!

Congratulations to Blooming Green and Flowers by Julie B. Its wonderful that the hard work of these dedicated ethical flower designers is now being recognised by the world.

If you want to read all about it make sure you buy The Independent this Saturday!

Posted in Green Wedding Flowers , News , Press , Seasonal Celebrations

Perfect rings for a perfect match

Valentines day is fast approaching, a busy time for proposals and, since Wills popped the question to Kate with that sapphire ring, it seems alternative coloured gemstones are all the rage for engagements.

And with impeccable timing CRED have launched their Eden range of engagement and wedding rings with a fabulous collection of traceable and naturally coloured stones set in Oro Verde Fair Trade 18 ct green gold and platinum.

They’re not only gorgeous but also ethical and completely comparative in price to un-ethical rings!

CRED collections, are available online, instore at their Chichester boutique or by appointment at their London studio.

Posted in Green Wedding Conflict Free , Gifts & Favours , Jewellery

February 08, 2011

The perfect bunch - seasonal wedding flowers

As the wedding planning season reaches fever pitch and the first signs of spring emerge with the sweetest snowdrops, we will be bringing you seasonal wedding flower advice from lovely Green Union partner and eco friendly wedding florist Julie Ballard. Over to you Julie:

SPRING WEDDING FLOWERS:
Gardenia, Heather, Helleborus, Hyacinth, Larkspur, Narcissi, Muscari, Vibernum, Tulips, Daffodils

A jug of fresh flowers on a table does more than simply symbolise the hope that a new season, particularly spring, brings. It makes us feel good too. Many people notice how, when our environment changes with the seasons, it affects how we feel. This is a good time to treat yourself to something that won’t pile on the pounds but will lift your mood as much as chocolate does - and last so much longer! So, perhaps some tulips? With a little piece of natural fabric to tie?

If you are planning a spring wedding why not start by looking at flowers that will be available in the months ahead – British and locally grown wherever possible of course. We’re not talking about those flowers which are available all year round because they are flown half way round the world or more! Of course the recent bad weather has affected flower availability just as much as it has caused problems for vegetable growers, but the flowers are fast catching up with the season now. With some forethought, many beautiful displays can be created using just a few blooms with plenty of mixed foliage and other interesting ingredients.

Posted in Green Wedding Decorations & Details , Ethical Vendors , Flowers , Inspiration

February 07, 2011

Peace of green art

This picture by one of our new wedding photographers Emma Stoner was selected to be displayed on the 'Plinth of Peace' on Parliament Square last month. The photo was captured in the very place where it is displayed - opposite the Houses of Parliament.

Emma said 'The 'Peace of Art' image was taken at a spontaneous protest on the 2nd of July 2010, the date was initially given by the judge as the final date of eviction. After a day of uncertainty and unrest activists from the camp headed to the gates of Parliament with peace-flags, followed closely by a throng of press photographers and journalists. After hanging the flags on the gate, they blockaded the road to demand peace and draw further attention to their cause. This picture captures a joyful moment between a young couple living on the square and the euphoric mood of the protest after a dramatic day. Many of the protesters were arrested later that evening and Simon and Anita (pictured) served short-term prison sentences for their part in the action.'

Not only is Emma a talented wedding photographer but she believes wholeheartedly in putting her talent to good use too. And over the past year she has worked closely with the Greenpeace International picture desk, freelancing as both a picture editor and photographer. Alongside this Emma has completed several self-initiated projects further exploring issues of environmental concern and social interest. Most recently she journeyed to Ladakh, Kashmir, documenting the people affected by the devastating floods that hit this Himalayan region in August 2010.

As you can see Emma's true empathy with her subjects shines through and her photographs tell great stories whether they are about your very special and unique wedding day or about the grittier social issues that beset our planet.

For more information and to contact Emma phone: +447554934750 or Email: emma@emmastoner.com

Posted in Green Wedding Ethical Vendors , Photographers

February 03, 2011

Eco luxe gowns just steamed into town

As you know last week St. Pancras International was the backdrop to Tammam's 2011 roving couture show. And we're absolutely delighted to tell you that the long wait is over and this fantastic collection of ethical ready to wear bridal gowns is now available in our Eco Chic Boutique.

Hand made wedding dresses with traditional couture features include the 'Kate' dress, inspired by her majesty-to-be, 'Auriel' mix and match, back laced corset and romantically voluminous skirt in organic cotton sateen or peace silk satin. There's also 'Napolina', a beautiful fishtail peace silk crepe satin column dress and, of course, the ever popular 'Abbie' is still part of the range.

For more information on this fabulous new range of luxe wedding dresses please go to our boutique.

Posted in Green Wedding Dresses & Gowns

February 02, 2011

Fairytale frocks for eco-babes

At last we can offer you these oh! so sweet eco-friendly, simple but very stylish flower girl dresses in 100% organic cotton or 100% silk. These little frocks are made with a self lined bodice and single layer skirt for a fairy tale finish.

As with the wedding gowns, these new flower girl frocks are made in Tammam's atelier in India under fair trade conditions using hand loomed organic cotton and silk fabrics. They come in pale blue, gold and red and are available in age 6 to 12 months, 1 to 2 years and 2-3 years. What's not to like!

The great thing is that you can now buy them in our boutique.

Posted in Green Wedding Bridesmaids , Flower Girls