Red carpet glamour from Tammam

Doesn't she look stunning....

The fabulous coat dress Eleanor Tomlinson wore to the Esquire Summer Party last night was tailored in the UK by Atelier Tammam after being hand embroidered by their fair trade stitching team in India using traditional Nepalese Banana yarn. The coat fabric is a hand-loomed organic cotton, naturally dyed ochre, with a natural dye over print, then hand block printed by traditional Kalamkari artisans in Andhra Pradesh. The coat is lined with a hand loomed peace silk and hand finished.

Accessorised yesterday with Beyond Skin shoes, navy tights (how is it still cold enough for tights?!) and a navy sash belt also from Atelier Tammam.

Just one design from Tammam's large fashion collection, this coat dress would make a stunning and unusual wedding gown. It is available made to order or to hire from Atelier Tammam in London's Bloomsbury.

To make an appointment for fashion or bridal appointments email info@tammam.co.uk or see more at www.tammam.co.uk

Vote for Eleanor as Best dressed at last nights party here.

Posted in Green Wedding Dresses & Gowns , Events , News

Pinspiration time!

Here at GU HQ we’ve been madly pinning tips, ideas, information and inspiration to Pinterest since we discovered this neat social networking tool some time way back. Now the lovely people over at Pinterest have developed it so that UK users will be able to select British spelling and set ups. This means your searches will feature more UK content - brilliant! So to make existing UK pinners aware of this, and get you all excited to join, they have launched a #PinItForwardUK campaign that started a week ago. Green Union’s been invited to help the campaign’s momentum and we are delighted to participate!

You might already have a Pinterest account and you might already have experienced the addictive nature of this online tool to help you find wedding inspiration, develop your very own wedding theme and build a picture of the suppliers you want to use for your wedding. But for anyone who hasn’t discovered it, Pinterest is a brilliant tool for couples to collect and organise the things they love and to build their wedding mood boards, not only with inspirational photos, but also potential wedding suppliers and services. It works like this:

You can “pin” things from around the web, or even from your own computer, onto boards you create, on any topic you’d like. At GU HQ we endlessly pin about weddings, green and natural weddings in particular. For instance we have a board devoted to Autumn Flower Inspiration with fantastic tips on seasonal flower choice and creative colour.

It’s a great tool for working out a colour theme for your autumn green wedding. As well as inspiration boards we’ve also got boards full of eco friendly wedding venues, fantastic tents, ethical wedding dresses, fair trade jewellery plus trends, seasonal inspiration and hand made decor ideas too.

What’s so great about pins is that they’re not only visual (mmm... that beautiful bunch of flowers!) but pins also link back to the source so you can get more details about the flowers or florist by clicking on that pretty picture.

Anyway, we find Pinterest really useful for saving and offering all manner of wedding inspiration and more, so follow us over there or if you don’t have an account yet go ahead and use this registration link to start pinning!

Time to pin it forward...
Let me introduce you to fellow wedding blogger and pinner Alexandra Merri of The Bijou Bride who has a Pinterest board packed full of wedding ideas that you can follow too.

Image: by Sarah Ryhanen from saipua.blogspot.co.uk via pinterest

Posted in Green Wedding Events

Fabulous festival wedding tents in Wales

Wonderful Welsh tent people Cariad Canvas and Wedding Tipi recently held a joint open weekend in South Wales following the Easter break.

The two businesses, working alongside each other, can create an awe inspiring canvas village ideal for mini festival style weddings and the also do birthday parties and corporate events.

It seems like a brilliant idea to us. By keeping everything on one site with luxury sleeping accommodation for all your guests in bell tents and yurts, and the kata tipi tents being used for your wedding celebrations, means you can really make a weekend of it and your guests can party the weekend away.

The event teams in both companies absolutely love a challenge and creating bespoke events for clients. They tell us that really anything you can think of can be arranged. A number of village extras are available such as sumptuous chill out lounges, bar tipi's, ladies’ parlour rooms, reception tents with concierge service and even security, children's play dens, giant festival flags, fire bowls, special effects, lighting packages and much more.

Like all good event teams, they work closely with a number of wedding and event suppliers, sourcing internal furnishings and extra touches; flowers, vintage china, event planning and photographers. Do take a look at their website and blogs as there’s loads of information there.

For more ideas and information go to Cariad Canvas's website or visit Wedding Tipi's site for ideas.

Contact info@weddingtipi.co.uk or info@cariadcanvas.co.uk for further details about their wedding tent services.

Suppliers who took part in the event were Big Wave Flags, Fancy Vintage China, Made in Mumbles, Sylvie & Joan and Maria Farelly.

Images: James van Nguyen

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Marquees & Tents , Wedding Accommodation

Clophill Centre Wedding Fayre

We've just found a fabulous new wedding venue where you can create your own unique wedding celebration!

And The Clophill Centre is inviting all brides and grooms to view their new wedding venue next weekend.

Formerly a fruit farm, The Centre is situated on rolling hills just south of Bedford and offers a wonderful venue for your special day. Set in 14 peaceful and lush acres, full of simple and rustic charm, it really is a beautiful setting for both your wedding ceremony and reception.

They tell us that when you arrive you will be met by a selection of the best suppliers in the wedding industry situated in the stunning marquee tent and all dedicated to making your wedding day special!

So if you're thinking of throwing a chilled out, eco friendly and green wedding North of London, you'd be mad not to go and check out this brand new totally relaxed wedding venue without delay!

WHERE? Clophill Fruit Farm, Shefford Rd, Clophill, Beds, MK45 4BT

WHEN? Saturday 23rd March 2013 from 11 am to 4 pm

FREE ENTRY and FREE PARKING

For more information you can visit their website, phone 01525 862278 or contact Lindsay by email: Lindsay@myeventsmadeeasy.co.uk

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Venues

Share the love with PapaKåta

PapaKåta , the folks who specialise in hiring out kåta tents, the giant teepees that create utterly unique and truly magical party spaces, would like to invite you to their Spring Open Weekend in April.

They say all the best parties happen in a PapaKåta tent so here's your opportunity to see for yourself if you're planning to throw your green wedding up in Yorkshire or the North of England.

They'll be there from 10am 'till 4pm and really look forward to showing you their teepees in all their glory!

To book a time to chat through your plans get in touch on 0800 612 9692, email tellmemore@papakata.co.uk or feel free to just drop by on the day. Visit their website for more ideas and information.

WHAT: PapaKåta Spring Open Weekend

WHEN: 6th & 7th April from 10am to 4pm

WHERE: Escrick park Estate, Escrick, YO19 6EA - just 5 mins from York

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Inspiration , Marquees & Tents

See sshh... 24 foot giant yurt for yourself

This must be the first wedding fair of the season! And it features a giant yurt supplied by GU partners sshh...

They tell us they're really excited about South Lodge Hotel's wedding fair on 27th January where their largest 24 ft yurt will provide a unique and elegant space for the fashion show with dresses on show from bridal boutique Mathilda Rose.

The sshh... wedding organisers will also be available on the day to discuss how Luxury Yurts could work for your wedding.

Where: South Lodge Hotel, Brighton Road, Nr Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PS.

When: Sunday 27th January 2013, 11am to 4 m.

Entry: £2.50

Go to sshh...'s website to find out more.

Posted in Green Wedding Competitions , Events , Marquees & Tents

Eco wedding fair

We heard there was an eco wedding fair in Bristol at the beginning of November (why weren't we invited?) and we thought you'd like to see how inspiring it turned out to be. Thanks to Jennie Hill for her lovely photos.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Photographers

Ethical jewellery Christmas event

If you're not going to the Rolling Stones concert in London on the weekend of 24th and 25th November and you happen to be in or near North Devon, or if you fancy a country escape down to the West Country, then this is a must do...

April Doubleday is Devon's (and arguably one of the UK's) leading designer maker of ethical, Fairtrade and Fairmined jewellery, a leading light in all things conflict free. Not only that but her jewellery is contemporary, unique, individual and fabulous!

This is a wonderful opportunity to grab a beautiful bargain for Christmas or even for your forthcoming proposal. Don't miss it!

Posted in Green Wedding Conflict Free , Events , Jewellery

Papa Christmas party

Fans of Papakata will be delighted to hear that PapaChristmas is returning for its third successive year, with 6 more party nights in their fabulous giant teepee village set in Harrogate, Yorkshire where you can eat, drink, be merry and experience the lovely event spaces, in party dress, for yourself.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Inspiration , Marquees & Tents

Autumn wedding event in a tent ...

Our friends in Llangollen, Event-in-a-Tent, are throwing open their doors to prospective eco chic wedding couples planning their nuptials in that part of the UK.

They say you will certainly get your marriage started in style in one of their stunning tipis, dancing the night away, a perfect place to party with fairy lights and fabulous glowing fires. The ultimate venue for either a summer wedding or Christmas celebration, which no one will forget in a hurry.

If you fancy finding out more about these fabulous giant tipis and how they could transform your green wedding into a mini festival, then do go along to their open day in a couple of weeks time.

What: Event-in-a-Tent Autumn Open Day
When: Friday 12th October - 3 pm to 6 pm, Saturday 13th October & Sunday 14th October - 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Delemere Forest, Cheshire, CW8 2JD

For more information go to their website, email info@event-in-a-tent.co.uk or phone Niamh and Matt at 01978 853559

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Marquees & Tents

Autumn teepee tent open weekend

Well, it's that time of the year again! Tent people all over the country will be opening their tipi tent flaps to the public over the coming autumn months.

Our friends at PapaKåta, the folks in the North of England who hire out Kata tents, the giant teepees that create utterly unique and truly magical wedding reception spaces, are the first to save the date.

For couples wondering what sort of tent space to choose for their weddings, this is a great opportunity to see these giant teepees in all their glory, talk to the people who work with them and get some ideas on how to decorate them.

What: PapaKåta Autumn Open Weekend
When: Saturday & Sunday 13th & 14th October 2012
Where: Escrick Park Estate, Escrick, YO19 6EA

Check out their website at www.papakata.co.uk to book a time to chat through your plans, get in touch on 0800 612 9692, email tellmemore@papakata.co.uk or feel free to drop in on the day.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Marquees & Tents

All the fun of the green wedding fair

Very short notice, but Trafford Hall has just let us know about their wedding fair being held this weekend. It should be fun and will give you some great ideas if you're looking for a venue in Cheshire and some green wedding inspiration.

A magnificent Grade 2 listed building set in 14 acres of beautiful organically managed gardens, Trafford Hall is home to the National Communities Resource Centre, a registered charity offering training and support to those living and working in low-income areas across the UK to develop their skills, confidence and capacity to tackle problems and reverse poor conditions. Using Trafford Hall's facilities for your wedding can make a vital contribution to the charitable work undertaken there.

So why not go along and find out if you fancy throwing your own eco friendly wedding at this fabulous venue.

Where: Trafford Hall, Ince Lane, Wimbolds Trafford, Chester CH2 4JP
When: Sunday 16th September 2012 from 11am to 4pm

Free entry and arrival drink
Local, recommended wedding suppliers will be there to offer advice
Hair and beauty demos
Win wedding goodies worth up-to £2500

For more information go to Trafford Hall's website

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Venues , Wedding Planning

Win the Old Dairy for your wedding!

Our lovely friends in Carmarthenshire, award winning Welsh Green Weddings, are throwing a Green Wedding Fair and Open Day at the end of September.

They'll be showcasing eco-chic wedding suppliers and providing an opportunity for everyone to come and see what they offer. Whether you're a couple in the throes of wedding planning or you live locally and want to see what they are all about, go along and join them for a day of fun.

Organic, fair-trade, recycled and vintage will feature heavily, from florists to photographers, plus music and canapes in between.

Entry is free and there's also a prize draw to win the Old Dairy as your wedding ceremony venue - a very good reason to go along!

Couples can book a slot with their wedding co-ordinator in advance - just email simone@ceridwencentre.co.uk or phone 01599 370517.

When: Sunday 23 September 11am to 5pm
Where: Ceridwen Centre, Penybanc Farm, Drefelin, Nr. Drefach-Felindre, SA44 5XE

Posted in Green Wedding Entertainment , Events , Marquees & Tents

Luxury Bride Sample Sale 8 - 9 September, London

Have you heard about the Luxury Bride Sample Sale in London on the weekend of 8 and 9 September?

A two day sale event of luxury and ethical wedding dresses, shoes, accessories and underwear, including samples from the collections of two of London’s best kept secrets - hand crafted, ethereal couture bridal gowns from Tammam and luxuriously understated dresses with a quirky modern twist from Sabina Motasem.

They’re offering incredible discounts of up to 70% off and, with experienced wedding designers on hand to help you style and complete your look, it’s an event not to be missed!

Held at Atelier Tammam in Bloomsbury, you’ll find everything you need to complete your outfit under one roof, plus a selection of original vintage gowns from the Atelier’s collection – all with delicious cupcakes, guilt free nibbles and some bubbly thrown in.

So get along to Bloomsbury and pick up some wonderfully luxurious wedding bargains.

Location: Atelier Tammam, 5 Hastings Street, London WC1H 9PZ

Date: 8-9 September 2012 from 11:00 – 18:00

For more information email sabina@motasem.co.uk or info@tammam.co.uk

Posted in Green Wedding Dresses & Gowns , Events , News , Shoes & Accessories

Ethical British bridal glamour hits Manchester

At last brides in the North of England seeking the best of ethical British bridal design can tap into London's best kept secret without having to board a train.

British bridal label Sabina Motasem Bride, which specialises in luxuriously understated elegant wedding and cocktail dresses, is to showcase their brand new collection in Manchester later this month.

Sabina Ali, head designer says "The new collection oozes the glamour and sophistication of old and new Hollywood with a quirky modern twist, using geometry and simplicity combined with simple shapes, reminiscent of the Art Deco style." She says she found inspiration for the collection from the style and glamour of the Folies Bergeres in 1900s - 1930s Paris, and each dress is named after an inspirational iconic performer from that era.

The full collection will be available to view at the launch of Te Amo Bridal Boutique, at The Wedding HQ, in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter on 23 and 24 June, which is also the day when the Olympic torch will be going through the city.

Make a day of it and book a free fitting with Sabina who will be there for the whole weekend. Oh! And there's 15% discount on all purchases made from the Collection on the day.

It's important to book a place, so go to eventbrite for more information.

For more information about Sabina Motasem Bride and the new collection go the website or email them at mail@motasem.co.uk

Images: Ashford Daly

Posted in Green Wedding Bridesmaids , Dresses & Gowns , Events

Diamond Jubilee weekend celebrations

The lovely Emma Stoner, ethical wedding and reportage photographer, sent us these amazing pictures taken while she was out and about on assignment during the Diamond Jubilee Weekend. We think she has captured the joy, energy and friendship that pulsed our beautiful country during those four days of celebrations.

You can see for yourself what a professional Emma is - for more information and to get a taste of her wedding photography, go to her website.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Photographers

Put out the eco friendly bunting!

For everyone celebrating green weddings, eco chic jubilee events and ethical street parties, put out the bunting and have a great weekend!

The Queen's 60 years as head of state demonstrates fidelity, dedication, love, compromise and steadfast loyalty - all essential qualities for a long and fruitful marriage.

Image: mycakedecorating

Posted in Green Wedding Cakes , Decorations & Details , Events

Magical grand yurt palace launched

Amy at Hooes Yurts recently sent us this update, all about their amazingly huge new yurt and the day it was launched:

"Over the Easter weekend Hooe’s Yurts hosted an open day to celebrate the completion of our huge new 44ft yurt. It was a fantastic day supported by some excellent local wedding suppliers and enjoyed by a crowd of happy guests. Needless to say lots of cake was eaten and the yurt had the joyous christening it deserved!

The new 44ft yurt is a cathedral sized structure with the capacity for 120 guests to dine under its majestic high ceiling. This wonderful tent can be linked with other large yurts to create a yurt 'palace' ideal for big weddings. For the open day we attached a chill out snug with a wood burner to show how it is possible to create alcoves off the larger yurts which are great for entertaining children in a separate, but attached space, or for guests to relax in after some serious dancing!

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Marquees & Tents

Spring Wedding Yurt Event

And not to be outdone by the tipi people, Hooe's Yurts is throwing their very own fabulous tea party over the Easter weekend in April to showcase the newest addition to their wonderful fleet of tents.

It's a HUGE, brand new 44 foot cathedral sized yurt which can seat up to 120 guests. This giant yurt really does create THE most magical space to host a wedding reception.

For its launch the yurt will be decorated with stunning textiles by Hooe's Yurts, table settings from The English Tea Party and Jolly Good Wedding, bunting from Big Beautiful Bunting, wedding signs from Muddy Creek Signs and much more...

The Open Day will take place at a very special location, an old lead and silver mine nestled in the woods with beautiful views over the river Tamar in South Devon. It's the perfect place for a walk before coming to join Hooe's Yurts for a cup of tea and a yummy slice of cake or two!

WHAT? Hooe's Yurts Giant Yurt launch and Spring wedding tea party

WHEN? Saturday 7th April from 3pm until 6pm

WHERE? South Hooe Mine, Bere Alston, Yelverton, Devon PL20 7BW

If you would like more information checkout www.hooesyurts.co.uk, or if you'd like to have a chat before going along, please contact Amy on 01837 880334 / 07899813436 or email info@hooesyurts.co.uk

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Marquees & Tents

Papakata tipi spring open weekend

Here's another great event not to be missed if you're planning to throw a back yard wedding in the North of England:

The lovely people at PapaKåta, the folks who specialise in hiring out Kata tents, giant teepees that create utterly unique and truly magical party spaces, invite you to join them for a glass of bubbles. It's a great chance to see the teepees in all their glory and to personally chat through your event with them.

WHAT? PapaKåta Spring Open Weekend 2012

WHEN? 31st March & 1st April from 10am 'til 4pm both days

WHERE? Escrick Park Estate, York, YO19 6EA (just 5 mins drive from York)

For more information check out their website at www.papakata.co.uk. And if you’d like to chat to them about your plans beforehand, just give them a call on 0800 612 9692 or drop them an email at tellmemore@papakata.co.uk.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Marquees & Tents

World Inspired wedding venue

We've told you about tent tipi events in the North of England and in Wales - now it's time for folks in the South West of England to have a chance of checking out these stunning wedding tents.
World Inspired Tents will be showing off their fabulous tipis on the 24th-25th March at Darts Farm, near Exeter in Devon.

Throughout the weekend they’ll be showcasing no less than three of their Giant Hat tipis, joined together with a smaller Cirrus 40 tipi (enough to host around 120 wedding guests and your wedding reception caterers). The tipis will be kitted out in true ‘World Inspired’ style, with pine wood tables and benches, round tables and chairs, chill out furnishings, open log fires and lots of other lovely things!

The weekend will give you the chance to see the tipis in all their glory, meet the dedicated tent team, and let you imagine what a ‘World Inspired’ wedding or special event could be like.

To give you heaps of ideas of what to do on the big day, there'll also be some really fabulous wedding suppliers and friends to give you loads of inspiration and bring you a really interesting and exciting weekend.

The dedicated World Inspired team will be on site for the whole weekend and they would love you to come along, talk tipis with you and answer any questions you may have about these stunning tents.

WHAT? World Inspired Tents' Spring Open Weekend 2012

WHEN? Saturday 24th March & Sunday 25th March from 9am 'til 4.30pm both days

WHERE? Darts Farm, near Exeter, Devon

For more information check out their website. And if you’d like to chat to them about your plans beforehand, or to book an appointment, just give them a call on 01271 865306 or drop them an email at info@world-inspired.co.uk.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Marquees & Tents

Wedding tent open day in North Wales

With the wedding planning season well under way we are hearing about heaps of open days and wedding events taking place over the next few months. So now's the time to seize the opportunity of checking out some fabulous green wedding suppliers who may be just the ticket for your own eco chic wedding.

The lovely Welsh tent people at Event in a Tent are holding an open day at the end of March and are inviting everyone planning an outdoor wedding in that neck of the woods, which includes North Wales, Cheshire and the North West of England, to go along and join them. It's a great opportunity to pick up inspiration and see for yourselves how their stunning range of tipis, which are available for hire, can be decked out for your big day. They are fabulous for weddings and parties as well as corporate events.

They tell us that there'll also be a number of selected wedding suppliers on hand to inspire you, so there should be lots of ideas and information for you to store away for your own big day planning.

WHAT? Event in a Tent Open Day

WHERE? Chirk Castle, North Wales, LL14 5AF

WHEN? Friday 23rd March, 3pm - 7pm; Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March, 11am - 6pm

For more information visit their website or give them a call on 01978 853559

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Marquees & Tents , Wedding Planning

fforest wedding open days

A little while ago we got really excited about a new eco friendly wedding venue in Wales that we thought was a perfect fit for those couples intending to throw a weekend festival wedding.

Now you don't just have to take our word for it - fforest is inviting you to see for yourself what an amazing place it is. It will be a day for couples and their families to go along and see what's on offer.

They will take you on a guided tour around fforest which will be decked out with all those extra little details that are included for a wedding weekend and Cassy will also being give a little presentation showing fforest at different times of year, not only giving you a good idea how it will look when you plan to get married, but also how every wedding at fforest is truly unique.

Contact Cassy Wiggins on 01239 612 133 or email cassy.wiggins@coldatnight.co.uk to book your place either in April or July.

WHAT? Wedding Open Days

WHEN? Saturday 14th April 2012 and Saturday 21st July 2012

WHERE? At fforest camp, Fforest Farm, Cwnplysgog, Cilgerran, Cardigan, SA432TB

Put the dates in your diary!

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Inspiration , Venues

Wonderful eco friendly wedding yurts

If you're planning an outdoor wedding next year (or even in 2013) and you're still undecided about what sort of tents to use, then you should check out these lovely yurts, those stunning round wooden tents based on a Mongolian nomadic design, created by our lovely Devon friends over at Hooe's Yurts.

The great thing is that Amy and Max, who own and run Hooe's Yurts, recently got married themselves so they understand the excitement and importance of "the big day". They hire out beautifully decorated yurts for couples who want to throw a wedding with real wow factor and they absolutely love helping to make other peoples' weddings individual, romantic, exotic and unforgettable.

Amy is passionate about textiles and travels the world collecting items to lovingly decorate and furnish the yurts adding a unique touch to the interiors and making them really special. All the yurts are designed with traditional wood burners inside so they can be well heated which not only makes a dull summer's evening warm and cosy, but also means that spring and autumn weddings can be a real possibility.

Posted in Green Wedding Decorations & Details , Ethical Vendors , Events , Marquees & Tents

Vote for Tammam

Did you buy a wedding dress or wedding fabric in our Eco Chic Boutique designed by our favourite ethical wedding dress designer, Tammam?

Now's the time to support the hard work that Lucy has been doing to promote ethical trading in the wedding industry by voting for her in the Wedding Industry Awards.

It's easy, just go to the website and tell them how brilliant Tammam is!

She gets our vote every time.

Posted in Green Wedding Dresses & Gowns , Events

World inspired wedding experience!

It’s that time of year, the summer is winding down and October is hot and sunny (!), which means World Inspired Tents is showing off their lovely Giant Hat tipis again.

We all know it’s tricky to visualise the teepees without ever being inside one, so seeing the tents in all their glorious canvas flesh is an absolute must! You will fall in love and won't be able contemplate any other type of tent or marquee for your wedding.

They’re planning to set up three Giant Hat tipis with the smaller Cirrus 40 tipi (often used as a service tent) and all the trimmings so you can really look at all the options.

At the open day you can meet their dedicated team, from office staff to crew members, so you will know exactly who you’re dealing with, but to make the most of your visit they suggest you contact the office to book an appointment on the day you plan to be there so that one of the team can make sure they’re available to talk tipis with you.

Make a date in your diary for World Inspired Tents open weekend at Darts Farm, Topsham, Nr Exeter on Saturday the 22nd of October and Sunday 23rd October.

Posted in Green Wedding Ethical Vendors , Events , Marquees & Tents

Beautiful Somerset wedding venue

We've just found a beautiful new wedding venue in Somerset. So conveniently close to Taunton that it would be easy for your guests to arrive at the wedding on time!

Woodlands Castle is holding a Ladies Indulgence Night this Friday so it would be a great opportunity to go along and see it for yourself. They are donating all proceeds on the night to the Breast Cancer campaign, so you will feel good about indulging yourself too!

They're offering a variety of free treatments including hair, nails and massage. Also you will have an opportunity to buy jewellery, home wares, cards and gifts.

There'll also be evening entertainment along with champagne and a delicious buffet.

WHAT? Ladies Indulgence Night
WHERE? Woodlands Castle, Taunton
WHEN? Friday 23rd September, 6pm until 11pm
HOW MUCH? £8 entry, proceeds donated to the Breast Cancer campaign.

Buy tickets here.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Venues

Getting married soon?

ITV are looking for couples getting married between now and November 2011 for a new series of For Better, For Worse.

This is a returning show, where they follow couples who got married 14 years ago, catching up with them every seven years. The programme is a study of modern marriage, and they're looking for just ONE more couple.

They are looking for people very much in love and looking forward to starting their lives together. They want to hear from people who have found their soul mate, or have an unusual wedding planned or just want to share their big day with us. They'd love to follow you on your journey into married life - so do get in touch.

Anyone interested can contact Nicola Cornick on 0207 157 3824 or email Nicola.cornick@itv.com ASAP for more info.

Image Green Photographic

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Natural Nuptials , Press

Kentish green wedding venue

If you're planning a wedding in Kent and looking for a uniquely eco-friendly wedding venue then take a trip The Pines Calyx. They're holding their Autumn Wedding Open Day on Sunday 30th October.

It's an exclusive and unique wedding venue set in St. Margaret’s Bay just North of Dover - one of our favourites.

Meet the team and some of Kent’s finest wedding professionals who will be exhibiting on the day.

Entry is free and open to all. Start the day with a complementary glass of Champagne on arrival and take your time to check out this wonderful space and chat with the lovely people who run this unique place.

The Pines Calyx is set in a wonderfully tranquil garden atop the famous White Cliffs. After you've had a look around the venue you could take a stroll around the beautiful garden, visit the tea room for refreshments and pop down to the Bay to admire the iconic Cliffs.

What? Wedding Open Day

Where? Pines Calyx, Beach Road, The Pines Garden, St. Margaret’s Bay, Kent, CT15 6DZ

When? Sunday 30th October 2011 from 11am to 4pm

Posted in Green Wedding Ethical Vendors , Events , Venues

Royal wedding flags

As Royal wedding fever grips the nation and the world we'd like to make a little boast that some of our partners are thoroughly involved in the event.

Big Wave Flags, for instance, have had their complete stock of fabulous festival flags booked for the event. They'll be 'flying the flags' at Camp Royale on Clapham Common for the entire weekend! Apparently they will be flying at some other undisclosed locations too...

Big Wave Flags is a unique company that makes and rents festival flags for weddings and other events. They will either rent stock flags or will create bespoke beauties for those that have a specific colour theme not already in their portfolio.

Flags really are a spectacular and cost effective way to enliven a large space. The flying colours and movement of the flags will uplift the day and give the whole event a dynamically colourful flavour.

Find out more information on their website or contact Andrew on 01209 891819

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

Forever Green throws open its doors in Nottinghamshire

Forever Green, a lovely woodland wedding venue in Nottinghamshire is throwing open its doors to visitors for three evenings this year when the venue will be all set up for a wedding with planners and suppliers on hand to chat with you.

If you're thinking of getting wed in the area then it's a great idea to attend one of their series of wedding open evenings.

Put the dates in your diary and pop along to enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly while you talk to their wedding planners and other selected suppliers about your special day.

What? Wedding Open Evenings - Free entry

When? 6th May, 12th August and 18th November 2011 7pm till 9 pm

Where? Forever Green">Forever Green, Ransom Wood, Southwell Road, Manslfield, Nottinghamshire
Entry is free and the event runs from 7pm till 9pm.

For more information contact 01623 675323 or email enquiries@forever-green.info

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Venues

Papakata Open Weekend in Yorkshire

Still wondering what sort of tents to choose for your mini festival wedding weekend?

Well, PapaKåta, the folks in Yorkshire who specialise in hiring out Kåta tents, the giant teepees, are holding their Spring Open Weekend on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th April 2011 from 10 am to 4 pm.

They'll have the tents up in all their glory and will be around to tell you all about them. In fact PapaKåta are now in their sixth season of hiring our these magnificent giant tipis and with the rosy glow of over 400 successful events behind them, they think the experience of their team is second-to-none, and they're still as excited about each new event, as they were about the first.

Whether you're planning an intimate dinner, or the celebration of a lifetime, they make sure each and every one of their clients have the time of their lives. They know it's a one shot deal, so they promise to move the earth to make your event happen!

For more information on their Spring Open Weekend or to find out more about their tents go to the website PapaKåta.co.uk, phone 0800 6129692 or email at tellmemore@papakata.co.uk.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Marquees & Tents

Climate Week

One week to show how we can combat climate change - 21 to 27 March 2011

Thousands of events and activities, highlighting the positive steps being taken to help combat climate change, have been planned by organisations from every sector for the UK's first Climate Week.

Climate Week is backed by every part of society - from the Prime Minister to Paul McCartney, the NHS to the National Trust, Girlguiding UK to the CBI, the Big Lottery Fund to the National Association of Head Teachers.

Organisations can get involved right now by entering the prestigious Climate Week Awards or registering to take part in the UK’s biggest ever live environmental competition, the Climate Week Challenge, or by planning an event for Climate Week 2011. They can also spread the word, so that others find out about Climate Week too.

Individuals can help right now by asking the organisations they know - such as their workplace or local school - to plan an event or activity for Climate Week in 2011.

If anyone's got any ideas of how Green Union can mark Climate Week for 2011, let's have your thoughts! Email info@greenunion.co.uk and we'll put your ideas to the vote later in the year.

To find out more about Climate Week go to www.climateweek.com, email info@climateweek.com or telephone on 020 3397 2601.

Posted in Green Wedding Events

Green wedding open day

If you're planning an eco friendly wedding in Kent and still open to your wedding venue choice then take yourself along to The Pines Calyx this weekend. It's an exclusive and unique wedding venue set in St. Margaret’s Bay just North of Dover - one of our favourites.

They're holding a wedding open day this Sunday 27th March.

Meet the team and some of Kent’s finest wedding professionals who will be exhibiting on the day.

Entry is free and open to all. Start the day with a complementary glass of Bucks Fizz on arrival and take your time to check out this wonderful space and chat with the lovely people who run this unique place.

The Pines Calyx is set in a wonderfully tranquil garden atop the famous White Cliffs. After you've had a look around the venue you could take a stroll around the beautiful garden, visit the tea room for refreshments and pop down to the Bay to admire the iconic Cliffs.

What? Wedding Open Day

Where? Pines Calyx, Beach Road, The Pines Garden, St. Margaret’s Bay, Kent, CT15 6DZ

When? Sunday 27th March 2011 from 11am to 4pm

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Venues , Wedding Planning

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

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

Ethical wedding trains liberated in London

Today St. Pancras International was the backdrop to Tammam's 2011 roving couture show. It's awesome glass ceiling drenched the luxury wedding gowns in natural light while long walkways and cascading stairs liberated the longest ethical wedding trains in London!

The perfectly cut, immaculately tailored, beautifully designed gowns are inspired by 1930's glamour with lovingly restored vintage lace matching beautifully with luxe peace silks and organic cottons in cuts that accentuate the body.

Hand made wedding dresses with traditional features include the 'Kate' dress, inspired by her majesty-to-be, and the eco-couture 'Josephine' gown which has been hand embroidered for almost 4 months using banana yarn.

Cutting edge eco luxury is hard to come by, but Tammam does it with a flair that fills the void between traditional designers and the ethical fashion set. No more need to compromise on style or ethics for your wedding day.

The Tammam made to order and pret a porter bridal collection will be available in our Eco Chic Boutique from the end of January.

Watch a clip of the show here.

Posted in Green Wedding Dresses & Gowns , Ethical Vendors , Events

Giant wedding yurt unveiled in Scotland

When Nathan of Red Kite Yurts called to tell me about his giant wedding yurt I was so excited! We've been thinking for a while now that Scotland is at last finding its very own Green Wedding movement and here is solid proof.

Until now our Scottish brides and grooms have been frustrated at the temptation all those wonderful eco friendly wedding suppliers south of the border listed in our wedding directory, and not being able to use them for their own weddings in Scotland. But now all that is about to change and Red Kite Yurts is leading the way with their giant wedding tent.

It's very hard to imagine a yurt big enough to hold 200 wedding guests until you stand inside this beautiful structure that is lovingly hand crafted in Scotland. But now you can go see it for yourself next weekend as, along with other trusted wedding services, Red Kite Yurts are hosting an open day to showcase their beautiful tent fully decorated and furnished for a wedding. Definitely worth popping along if you are in the area or still trying to find a unique wedding venue for your big day in Scotland.

What? Red Kite Yurts Open Day
Where? Touch Business Centre, Stirling, FK8 3AQ
When? Wednesday 26th January and Thursday 27th January 2011
Time? 10:00 – 16:00 daily

For more information contact Nathan Millard 01877 330 943 / 07785 770 737
nathan@redkiteyurts.com
redkiteyurts.com

If you're not in Scotland and still looking for that special wedding marquee or tent for your green wedding, visit our wedding directory where we have the very best list of eco friendly and ethical wedding tent providers in the UK.

Posted in Green Wedding Ethical Vendors , Events , Marquees & Tents

Save the date ...

A couple of months ago we gave you a sneak preview of Tammam's ethical and fair trade wedding gowns for 2011. Now you can see the range of couture wedding dresses for yourself.

Be at St. Pancras International in London on Friday 21st January and you'll be the first to witness this amazing roving eco-couture rush hour fashion show, traveling through time at the iconic station.

We've been waiting with bated breath for the launch of this absolutely stunning new range, created using peace silk, antique lace and organic cotton and we're delighted to tell you that the wedding dresses will be available to purchase in our Eco Chic Boutique from the end of January 2011.

For fans of Abbie, our best selling eco couture wedding dress, we now have new stock over all sizes.

When? Friday, January 21 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where? St. Pancras International, London
Open to the Public

Posted in Green Wedding Dresses & Gowns , Events

Ethical jewelry Holiday sale & party

One of our favourite ethical jewellers from across the pond, Bario-Neal is holding a Holiday sale over the next few days, with a generous 35% off their Boutique Jewelry. Until Thursday 16th December just use the code BNHOLIDAY at the checkout on their website and bobs your uncle!

And if you happen to be in Philadelphia this Thursday you are also invited to their Holiday Party, sponsored by the Philadelphia Brewing Co., with special guests Loop handcrafted Paper & Marina Borker Stained Glass.

Enjoy snacks, complimentary beer, and 35% off all Bario-Neal boutique jewelry, 20% off Loop Wrapping Paper, and 15% on Marina Borker stained glass votives and ornaments.

Thursday December 16th from 5.30pm to 9.30pm at Bario-Neal Studio & Showroom, 700 South 6th Street, corner of 6th & Bainbridge. 215.454.2164

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Jewellery

Wishing you a Folly Farm Christmas…

The Folly Farm Centre near Bristol and Bath is one of our favourite green wedding venues, and this year they’re offering their fantastic facilities for Christmas functions and winter breaks.

So, whether you’re seeking an inspiring venue for your office party or arranging a festive get-together with friends and family, or even a last minute wedding celebration! Folly Farm is perfect.

There’s a great choice of function suites, with the largest able to take up to 120 people. Comfortable overnight accommodation for up to 45 people is available in the lovely farmhouse and converted barns - fall asleep to the rustle of the wind in the trees and the call of owls in the surrounding nature reserve.

Eco friendly features range from biomass central heating to rainwater harvesting. And best of all, profits go to supporting the conservation and ecological work of Avon Wildlife Trust.

Find out more by e-mailing the Folly Farm Centre team today at info@follyfarm.org or phoning them on 01275 331590.

Posted in Green Wedding Entertainment , Events , Venues

Vintage wedding inspiration

Isn't she just gorgeous? We found her, and hundreds of other beautiful brides, on the V&A's website which has an amazing section dedicated to wedding fashion. If you're searching for wedding dress or bridal gown inspiration for your own wedding, this is the place to go.

In advance of what promises to be a fabulous exhibition of Wedding Dresses in 2013, the V&A is creating a database of photographs of clothes worn for weddings from all cultures between 1840 and the present, also including civil partnerships. The database of wedding fashions that they are building will provide a rich record for posterity.

There's a huge library of wedding photographs already on the site and its growing daily. Go there for wedding trends and inspiration or to upload a wedding that you know would be valuable material for the exhibition and the V&A archives.

For more information on how to participate in the V&A's wedding fashion story go to their website.

Posted in Green Wedding Dresses & Gowns , Events , Inspiration

Wedding Fair at Nottinghamshire's green venue

If you're planning to get wed in Nottinghamshire soon then you might find some great ideas at Forever Green's Wedding Fair this weekend.

Forever Green's wedding fair promises to be one to remember. Surrounded by their romantic setting of 70 acres of indigenous woodland, the fair will include live music, fashion shows, bucks fizz on arrival, fantastic goodie bag give aways and all the advice you could need from a top range of exhibitors whose sole aim is to create the most perfect wedding for you.

There's also a great opportunity to win venue hire work £1,200 - an offer that would be hard to turn down!

Entry is just £2.50 and automatically enters you into the prize draw giving you the chance to win venue hire worth £1200. Tickets can be purchased on the door on the day.

What? Wedding Fair
When? Sunday 10th October 2010, 10 am to 4 pm
Where? Forever Green, Near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

For more information about Forever Green go to their website and for information on the wedding fair you can download their visitor brochure from their site.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Venues

And don't forget PapaKåta's open days this weekend

PapaKåta's Autumn Open Weekend taks places this Saturday and Sunday 9 and 10 October and they tell us they’re looking forward to a great turn out.

PapaKåta are the folks up in Yorkshire who specialise in hiring out Kåta tents. You know, the giant teepees that are made with beautiful cotton canvas and sustainable birch poles and create utterly unique and truly magical party spaces for weddings and events.

Find out more about this event by going to the blog entry.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Inspiration , Marquees & Tents

Eco-chic city wedding venue throws open its doors

Next weekend the dedicated team at the RSA will be throwing open the doors of the House to showcase their fantastic facilities for Weddings and Civil Partnerships.

Located in the heart of London, the RSA House’s Georgian façade conceals many unexpected delights of contemporary and traditional architecture. Whether you seek the inspiring grandeur of the Great Room or the intimacy of a candlelit ceremony in the Vaults, the RSA really is the most ideal wedding venue in the heart of London if you are planning memorable wedding day.

You won't know just how fabulous this wedding venue is unless you go along and meet the team and their suppliers on Sunday 17th October 2010.

No need to make an appointment, just get along there and find out more about one of London’s best kept secrets.

Contact weddings@rsa.org.uk, T: 020 7451 6815 or visit their website www.theRSA.org to find out more.

What? Open House
Where? RSA House, London WC2
When? Sunday 17th October 2010 11 am till 3 pm

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Venues

Wondering what wedding tent to choose?

The Autumn wedding planning season is kicking off with a vengence now and there are loads of events coming up for you to keep track of and gather inspiration from.

First up is PapaKåta's Autumn Open Weekend taking place Saturday and Sunday 9 and 10 October and they tell us they’re looking forward to a great turn out. PapaKåta are the folks up in Yorkshire who specialise in hiring out Kåta tents, you know the giant teepees that are made with beautiful cotton canvas and sustainable birch poles and create utterly unique and truly magical party spaces.

You’re all more than welcome to drop in at any point throughout the weekend to come say hello, have a glass of bubbles, toast marshmallows by the brazier and warm your cockles by the fire. But if you’d like an appointment with one of the Papa Peeps then just let them know your preferred time and they’ll pop it in the diary.

There will be demonstrations taking place on both days at 11.30am and 2.30pm by PapaKåta's operations manager Alan and the Papa crew, so even if you've already booked the Papa team for your wedding day and feel you may have all the details sorted, it may still be worth heading down to find out how to lift the sides, open the smoke flaps and have any of your logistical questions answered.

With flowers by the talented Kirsty at ‘Where Angels Play’ and local caterers ‘Saunts’ and ‘Kernalls’ there to tickle your taste buds with some warming winter fare, it promises to be a great weekend.

What: PapaKåta's Autumn Open Weekend
Where: Escrick Park Estate, Escrick, Yorkshire
When: Saturday 9th and sunday 10th October 2010

For more information or to book an appointment to chat with one of the Papa Peeps call 0800 6129692 or drop them an email at tellmemore@papakata.co.uk

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Inspiration , Marquees & Tents

Gorgeous Green Weddings in Wiltshire - at last!

We're absolutely delighted to announce that the long wait is over for Winkworth Farm's brand new green wedding venue. Set to throw open its doors at the beginning of August, Winkworth Farm is embarking on a new chapter in its life as a premier eco-friendly venue for weddings, offering the highest quality service that doesn’t cost the earth.

Set in over 220 acres of organic pastureland, Winkworth Farm strongly believes in supporting the local economy whilst using the latest green technology to reduce its Carbon footprint. The 12th century farmstead has been lovingly renovated by local builders and craftsmen to embrace its ancient past and introduce environmentally friendly modern technology.

No expense has been spared when considering the earth’s future and being green doesn’t mean sub standards here. Energy efficient heating and audio visual equipment has been deployed and even the hand dryers are green and locally sourced!

Not only are they good to the environment but they believe is being good to the community so for every wedding or event held a donation is made to Oxfam Unwrapped and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute.

Further details and a brochure can be downloaded from: www.winkworthfarm.com

Posted in Green Wedding Ethical Vendors , Events , Venues

Ethical pearls on sale!

Mai Pearls is throwing a sizzling summer sale for the next 72 hours so if you haven't already chosen the jewellery for your upcoming green wedding, take time out to search the pearl chest for fabulous bargains!

All the pearls used within the Mai Pearls collection are Chinese farmed freshwater pearls and each piece of jewellery is handmade by a small group of mainland Chinese women. Mai Pearls supports fair trade and local community initiatives. This means that they ensure their suppliers are paid fair wages for their work; working conditions are safe and of a good standard and no children are exploited.

Mai Pearls also gives 10% of it's profits to Operation Blessings, Chinese orphan care program.

For more information and to take advantage of this great summer offer go to www.maipearls.co.uk.

Posted in Green Wedding Ethical Vendors , Events , Jewellery

Fair trade jewellery on show

We're celebrating the very first international collective show of the best designers in the emerging ethical jewellery movement.

ESSENCE, hosted by CRED, is a space set aside to showcase a group of designers who share the vision that sustainable products do not have to sacrifice design or quality and are committed to sourcing all their materials and managing their business in a way that is socially, environmentally and culturally responsible.

ESSENCE is part of the Treasure exhibition, a centrepiece for London Jewellery Week, and is showcasing leading ethical jewelry designers including GreenUnion partners April Doubleday, Leblas and CRED's own stunning designer collections made from Oro Verde Fair Trade gold and platinum, recycled silver plus a range of jewellery from 6 emerging student designers from London Metropolitan University. All these dedicated and committed ethical jewellers offer stunning bridal collections and prices start from just £20.

SPECIAL OFFER!
Contact CRED by email or phone 01243 773588 to claim a 2 for 1 voucher for entrance to the show.

Posted in Green Wedding Conflict Free , Ethical Vendors , Events , Fair Trade , Jewellery

Generous jewellery offer for World Fair Trade Day

Celebrate World Fair Trade Day this Saturday 8th May by choosing some great fashion picks from CRED Jewellery.

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to get a fair deal from one of our favourite fair trade jewellers. CRED Jewellery are offering an amazing 20% off on their Silver collections and 10% off on their Fair Trade Gold collections for this weekend only.

To take part in CRED's World Fair Trade Day Promotion just shop on line.

PLEASE NOTE: the full price will show on checkout but you will find the discount has been calculated and confirmed on your confirmation email. If you are unsure just phone 01243 773588 or email info@credjewellery.com to place your order.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Jewellery , Special Offers

Win a luxury honeymoon!

LIVING TV's really popular hit show ‘Four Weddings’ is back and they are looking for more brides-to-be to attend and score each other’s weddings.

They are particularly looking for a couple planning to throw a green wedding sometime between May and November 2010 who would like to feature in the third series due out early in 2011.

The idea is that each wedding will be scored, by the other couples, on the venue, the food, the overall experience and of course, the dress. The couple that score the highest will win the luxury honeymoon of their dreams!

We think this is a great opportunity for couples choosing the eco friendly option to get the message out that there is another way to get wed, instead of plumping for that old cookie cutter wedding. What's more, if your wedding scores the highest out of the four then you will win a luxury honeymoon.

To find out more visit www.livingtv.co.uk/fourweddings

And if you are interested in taking part visit www.livingtv.co.uk/shows/four-weddings/apply-for-season-three or please call 020 7157 3596 or email 4weddings@itv.com with your wedding date, phone number, wedding theme, a bit of info about you and your partner and anything else you think they should know.

Hurry they are casting now! Don't forget to tell them that you found out about the show from us here at GreenUnion.

Lots of luck!

Posted in Green Wedding Events , News , Special Offers

Celebrate Earth Day!

Get out of the office, home or workplace, walk in the sunshine, look around you and smell the fresh spring air. Look at the flowers, listen to the birds.

Make a pledge to do just one thing today that will make a difference ...

Enjoy!

Posted in Green Wedding Events , News , Seasonal Celebrations

Vintage wedding event

Don't miss this fabulously glamorous vintage wedding event with Luella's Boudoir to be held in Central London.

They are showcasing loads of lovely wedding suppliers like our favourite wedding cake maker Utterly Sexy Cafe. There's a wedding planner, a stylist and plenty of beauty experts on hand to offer advice for the big day. See the best of bridal accessories, jewellery, hats and shoes - a lot of which are designed and hand made right here in the UK by skilled designer makers.

What? Luella's Boudoir Vintage Wedding Event
Where? One Marylebone (opposite Great Portland Street tube station) in London W1
When? April 21st 2010 from 6 till 9 pm
How Much? £10 - but Luella's Boudoir are offering our readers 2 tickets for the price of 1.
Just tel. 020 7312 3708 or email weddingevents@natmags.co.uk and quote luellas 2 for 1
For more information visit their website luellasboudoir.co.uk

Posted in Green Wedding Events

Green wedding open day in Kent - 21st March 2010

Still haven't found your perfect wedding venue?

Well gorgeous green award winning wedding venue and idyllic destination, Pines Calyx in Kent is throwing open its doors on Sunday 21st March to show off how greening your wedding can be a good thing for you and for the environment. It could be just the place for your romantically eco-inspired wedding.

Go along and meet their wedding coordinator and preferred suppliers, take a walk and enjoy a glass of wine in the beautiful gardens surrounding the Pines Calyx which has a lake, sweeping lawns and stunning sea views.

What? Wedding Venue Open Day
When? Sunday 21st March 2010, 11am till 4pm
Where? Pines Calyx, St. Margaret's Bay, Kent, CT15 6DZ
How much? Free admission

For more information on the wedding venue and their open day please visit their website pinescalyx.co.uk or telephone them on 01304 851 737.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Venues

RSA Wedding Open House

The dedicated team at the RSA are delighted to be throwing open the doors of the House to showcase their fantastic facilities for Weddings and Civil Partnerships.

Located in the heart of London, the RSA House’s Georgian façade conceals many unexpected delights of contemporary and traditional architecture. Whether you seek the inspiring grandeur of the Great Room or the intimacy of a candlelit ceremony in the Vaults, the RSA really is the most ideal wedding venue in the heart of London if you are planning memorable wedding day.

You won't know just how fabulous this wedding venue is unless you go along and meet the team and their suppliers on Sunday 28th February 2010.

Find out more about one of London’s best kept secrets.

Contact weddings@rsa.org.uk, T: 020 7451 6815 or visit their website www.theRSA.org to find out more.

What? Open House
Where? RSA House, London WC2
When? Sunday 28th February 2010

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Venues

Forever Green Wedding Fair

If you're planning to wed in Nottinghamshire then you might find some great ideas at Forever Green's Wedding Fair at the end of February.

Romantically surrounded by 70 acres of woodland, the show is set to be a special one. You'll find live wedding music, wedding fashion shows, bucks fizz on arrival and fantastic goodie bag give aways.

Plus all the advice you could need from a top range of wedding exhibitors who can help you create the perfect wedding day.

What? Wedding Fair
When? Sunday 28th February 2010, 10 am to 4 pm
Where? Forever Green, Near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

For more information about Forever Green go to their website and for information on the wedding fair you can download their visitor brochure from their site.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , News

A Valentines Day Gift of Health

Give your Valentine a wonderful gift of health with a two day's Food and Health Course an Penrhos' Green Cuisine Cookery School. Get a head start on your new married life by learning all about the nourishing food that gives you Health & Vitality.

It's a practical course suitable for anyone wanting to learn how their choice of foods determines their health, well being and quality of life. Participants prepare their meals from whole, fresh, organically grown and seasonal food.

The course covers:
Organic growing - exploring our relationship with agriculture
The effect of food on the acid and alkaline balance in the body
The importance of whole-foods
The benefits of juicing
Sprouting and windowsill growing
How to incorporate the right fats in your diet
How natural wholefoods help restore weight balance & create radiance
Vibrant sprouting & the benefits to your health
and includes yoga one morning and a walk in the Radnor hills on the other morning.

Dishes you prepare are seasonal but may include:
Springclean juice
Vitality smoothie
Beetroot soup
Sprouted quinoa salad
Oatcakes and soda bread
Tagine of butternut squash, carrot and prunes
Puy lentils with yogurt and curry spices
Millet rissoles with spicy sauce
Cranberry and almond cake
Cashew nut cream

Two-day residential course costs £325.00 per person and includes:
Single accommodation in double en suite bedroom, tuition, talks, all meals and course notes.

For two people sharing a room on the Food and Health course, there is a discount of £40 per person.
A non-participating partner sharing a room during a Food and Health course pays £50 per night.
Penrhos will provide a continental breakfast for the non-participant in the room and they can join the course for supper.

And to celebrate Valentine's Penrhos' extra gift to you is a bottle of organic Champagne

For more details email Jean at jean@greencuisine.org or tel. 01544 230720

Posted in Green Wedding Caterers, Food & Drink , Events

Christmas wreath making fun

Favourite florists Rebel Rebel will be joining in the festive frolics at Broadway Market in London with their own Christmas wreath-making workshops.

Everyone is welcome to try all sorts of different styles, from traditional pine and dried fruit numbers to feather boas and sweeties, like a winter version of this fluffy summer wreath.

Rebel Santa will be on hand with heaps of help and advice......

Broadway Market’s late night shopping evenings are on the next two Thursdays December 10th and 17th.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Flowers , Seasonal Celebrations

The ultimate vintage wedding dress

Who wouldn't want to wear a vintage wedding dress designed for Audrey Hepburn?

Lot 333, the ivory satin bridal gown designed for Audrey for her planned wedding to James Hanson in 1952 which never took place, is part of a collection of dresses worn by Audrey Hepburn, to be auctioned off in London on December 8 by Kerry Taylor Auctions.

Posted in Green Wedding Dresses & Gowns , Events , News

Wedding fair in Nantwich - 15 November 2009

The Crown Hotel in Nantwich is hosting a Wedding Fair on 15 November from 11am - 4pm.

Entrance to the Fayre is free of charge and there will also be refreshments served throughout the day.

If you're planning to throw your wedding in Cheshire soon, this is the place to come a find wedding ideas and accessories from some fantastic local suppliers.

For more information visit crownhotelnantwich.com, email info@crownhotelnantwich.com or Tel. 01270 625283

What? Bridal Fayre
Where? The Crown Hotel, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5AS
When? Sunday 15th November 2009 - 11am to 4pm

Posted in Green Wedding Events

Learn how to arrange your wedding flowers

Fantastic floral arranger Sarah Pepper has just published her winter flower arranging course list and she's offering some great ideas for those wanting to know how to arrange their own seasonal wedding flowers themselves.

Festive foliage door wreaths, garlands, 'green' Christmas decorations, table arrangements and Christmas gifting (recycling and making inexpensive gifts and decorations) are all on the list of fun days with Sarah. There's a choice of flower arranging courses both at her own studio and also at several National Trust Properties and venues around Devon.

And if you're planning ahead, Sarah offers a choice of other courses and demonstrations throughout the year:

Wedding Design Demonstrations - A whole day to see Sarah making stylish bridal bouquets, buttonholes, wedding table arrangements and more. Sarah's top tips will inspire you to 'have a go'.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Flowers , Hens & Stags

Get baking!

On the second day of National Baking Week it seems absolutely appropriate to encourage all you brides out there to contemplate making your own wedding cake, or at least asking a close friend or relative to have a go.

Images from BBC Good Food.

If you follow a good recipe and have a trial run, you'll find its really not all that difficult to make a delicious and gorgeously decorated cake to grace your wedding reception. The great thing about making your own is that you can choose to use only the best, if not organic, ingredients and you know exactly what's gone into it.

Although I love baking and make cakes quite a bit I had never made a celebration cake until earlier this year when I was 'volunteered' to make my mother-in-law's 80th birthday cake. You can imagine the terror and nightmares that ensued! But I enjoyed every moment of the making, testing and tasting once I had decided to make a one tier zingy lemon cake with polka dot decoration. And I was pretty pleased with the result!

BBC Good Food has a really good wedding cake recipe by Jane Hornby. There's the bottom layer of chocolate cake, the middle layer of zingy lemon cake and the top layer of light fruit cake with a special section on how to put the whole thing together and ice it. There is everything you need with size guides for guest numbers, quantities, timings, step by step pictures and video tutorials too. Its so well laid out that even a beginner could make a fabulous wedding cake from scratch.

You could decide to make all three cake flavours, choose just one flavour, make a three tier, two tier or one tier cake depending on the number of guests you are having at your wedding reception.

You can't go wrong, give it a go!

Posted in Green Wedding Cakes , Events

The Designer Wedding Show

Once again, this weekend, the Designer Wedding Show will be taking place in Battersea Park, and they're promising an even better show than previous years.

First timers will be showing their collections alongside established bridal designers in the bridal catwalk shows taking place four times a day. This is the place to catch up on hot trends (like this one inspired by Nature) and spot talented new wedding providers and services, showcasing products which are often created right here in the UK by skilled designers and makers.

Only the cream of the crop is chosen from the fields of fashion, catering, millinery, stationery, venues, etc., all carefully chosen for their stylish wedding services and we're proud to say that several of our own partners will be there leading the way. Come along and talk to Berry Scrumptious for wedding favours, Maunsel House for a fabulous country venue and The Alternative Wedding List for ideas on charity gift lists.

So whatever stage you've reached in your wedding planning journey, whether you're newly engaged and looking for ideas, or need a bit of inspiration, its always and exciting and inspiring event to attend.

What: The Designer Wedding Show
Where: Battersea Park (courtesy bus operates from Sloane Square tube station)
When: Friday 9 October to Sunday 11 October 2009 from 10 am to 5 pm
Contact: www.designerweddingshow.co.uk or call 0871 230 5579.

Image courtesy of Elisabeth B. Photos of Clé Maraini.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Inspiration

London wedding showcase

If you didn't find the ideal wedding venue on your travels round the wedding fairs, or at the National Wedding Show, this weekend and you fancy throwing an eco chic wedding right in the middle of London's West End, then here's a chance to view one of our favourite wedding venues of all time.

The RSA House in WC2 is having their very own Wedding Showcase right in the heart of the big city next weekend and its dedicated team are excited about opening the doors of this beautiful House to show off their facilities for Weddings and Civil Partnerships.

The House's Georgian facade conceals many unexpected delights of both contemporary as well as traditional architecture. Whether you seek the inspiring grandeur of the Great Room or the intimacy of a candlelit ceremony in the vaults it's the ideal wedding venue to make your day memorable.

PLUS! Everyone attending will be offered a FREE wedding cake designed by Fancy Nancy when they book their wedding at the RSA. Who could refuse!

So do go along and meet the team and their suppliers. Find out about one of London's best kept secrets.

What: RSA House Wedding Showcase
Where: RSA House, 8 John Adam Street, London, WC2N 6EZ
When: Sunday 11 October 2009, from 11 am to 3 pm - Refreshments will be served throughout the day.
Contact: weddings@rsa.org.uk Tel. 0207 7451 6815

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Venues

Forever Green reopens its doors

The newly refurbished Forever Green Eco Venue reopened its doors as a brand new green wedding venue back in June this year and, needless to say, it has been going from strength to strength ever since.

The venue's official launch party took place in September with a fantastic evening of entertainment which included stilt walkers, a hog roast, forest illuminations (see pictures above) and a charity auction. the venue was officially opened by Claire Young who featured on 2008 Apprentice.

If you're planning to get married in Nottinghamshire and would like to find out more about this exciting new wedding venue, Forever Green will be at the Newark Wedding Fayre, Kelham Hall this Sunday 4th October 2009.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Venues

Designer Flower Zone

Mairead Curtin of Rebel Rebel is on a mission to open our eyes to the bounty and sheer beauty of British seasonal flowers.

She says "If flowers (and more particularly British Flowers in season) are important to you, choose the date of your wedding accordingly. For example right now, for the last six weeks, we have had the most glorious English dahlias and hydrangeas. Brides hoping for peonies on the other hand, would be disappointed and should plan to marry in May." She suggests too that brides should try not to be too rigid with what they hope for because English flowers are at the mercy of the weather.

Now brides hoping to learn more about British flowers, and florists who support British flower growers year round, can meet a whole bunch of them at The National Wedding Show Designer Flower Zone where 12 London florists who use the flower market regularly are all together under the New Covent Garden Flower Market ‘umbrella’.

The majority of florists in the UK never leave their shops and just use Dutch lorries which deliver to them, but that is not the place to get British flowers. British flower growers deliver to the New Covent Garden Flower Market at Vauxhall on Mondays and Thursdays so they're the days to get the freshest English flowers. English foliage comes in to the foliage specialists daily and, at Rebel Rebel, they like to stock as many English flowers and foliage as they possibly can. Some things, like the English Dahlias, are far lovelier than the ones which come from further afield.

Mairead has sent us this inspiring photo and says "I guess the olive tin is the ultimate sustainable wedding flower container. Start hoarding tins, jars and bottles as soon as you know you’re getting married. You can involve all your family and friends in the hunt for good containers – it’s an excuse for them to throw out the gherkins which have been mouldering away in their kitchen cupboard since 1984..."

What: Designer Flower Zone at The National Wedding Show
Where: Earls Court, London
When: Friday 2 October, 12 noon till 7 pm; Saturday 3 October, 10am till 6 pm; Sunday 4 October, 10 am till 4 pm

You can find more committed florists who grow and source British flowers in our Wedding Directory.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Flowers

This weekend! Organic Food Festival at Bristol

Get down to Bristol Harbourside for Europe’s largest showcase of all things organic.

As part of Organic Fortnight and now in its ninth successful year, the Soil Association’s Organic Food Festival, in association with Yeo Valley, will be showcasing delicious organic food and drink with shopping, cookery demos and taste workshops for kids - alongside gorgeous skincare, fabulous fashion, organic textiles, home design, and advice on organic gardening.

You’ll find hundreds of organic products, an organic bar, cooking with Raymond Blanc, Barny Haughton and other top chefs, and a lively street food bazaar. It’s a great day out for the whole family, not least because it’s £5 per ticket .

When? Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September
Where? Bristol Harbourside
How Much? £5 per ticket and free for under 16s

For more information see the website:
www.theorganicfoodfestival.co.uk

Posted in Green Wedding Caterers, Food & Drink , Events

Somerset Wedding Event

If you're planning to get wed in Somerset over the coming months, you might like to go to the Wedding Celebration Event being thrown by wedding stylists What Katy Did. They promise to bring together the very best of West Somerset's wedding services including wedding dresses, florists, phtography, venues, event styling, statioery, cakes, hairdressing, lingerie, jewellery, local ice cream (mmmmmmm!), local wine, wedding and vintage cars, a piper, a harpist and function band The Man from Funkle.

Apart from the obvious pleasure of seeing what Somerset has to offer, the best thing about the whole event is that £4 of each entry fee will be donated to Help for Heroes, topical and just.

Where: Binham Grange, Old Cleeve, Near Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6HX. Tel. 01984 640056
When: Sunday 20 September
How much? £5.00 entry ticket on the day only and include wine tasting, canapés and raffle.

Posted in Green Wedding Events

Devon Open Studios

Throughout the next 2 weeks the very best fine artists and skilled craftsmen across the county of Devon will be throwing open their studio doors to the public. The range of work on show is fantastic encompassing painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, textiles, jewellery, collage, works in glass, metal, wood and paper, furniture making, installations and a variety of work utilising new media. Unlike traditional galleries there is no commission on sales and all the money goes directly to the artists themselves.

One of our favourite makers is participating. David Ames makes furniture for you to sit on, eat off, work at, sleep in and dream about. What a brilliant idea for a wedding gift! Go see him in his workshop and commission a unique piece of furniture to mark your green union.

He works with the natural beauty of the timber, an intrinsic part of the design, crafting the wood using a mix of traditional and modern techniques to produce pieces with an organic energy and contemporary feel.

Devon Open Studios is the flagship project of Devon Artist Network and largest event of its kind in the county. It is one of the highlights of Devon's cultural calendar and runs over 16 days each September attracting many thousands of visitors from across the South West and beyond.

The 2009 event runs until September 20 with over 240 artists showing work in 111 venues.

Posted in Green Wedding Events

The Great Big Green Wedding Fayre

5-6 September 2009

Special Offer! GreenUnion Visitors get in for a discounted price of £8.00 for two (full price £12.00 for 2).

For more details, directions and to book your discounted ticket, check out the fair's dedicated website biggreenwedding.co.uk, contact Jemma@biggreenwedding.co.uk or tel: 0782460682 to claim your discount just quote GreenUnion when booking.

The Great Big Green Wedding Fayre is taking place at the Crosby Hall Educational Centre in picturesque Little Crosby and will make full use of the centre’s beautiful grounds, hall and outbuildings for the whole weekend.

Jemma Herbert and Amanda Barr of eco chic stationery company GreenLeaf Press, organisers of the fair say “We want to create, in effect, a sample wedding celebration to showcase the very best green wedding suppliers in a creative, multi sensory way.”

They are encouraging visitors to say ‘I Do Green’ and choose from a stunning selection of alternative eco bridal wear, vintage accessories, fairly traded jewellery, seasonal blooms, locally sourced and organic food and drink, natural beauty products, eco conscious stationery, green gift lists and eco honeymoons.

There's plenty to entertain too with a catwalk bridal show courtesy of Oxfam Bridal, live musicians, workshops on key green topics, complimentary vintage tea and organic cakes, and a chance to win a weekend at Titanic Spa the UK's first Eco Spa.

The event takes place at Crosby Hall Educational Centre in Little Crosby, near Liverpool
Saturday 5th September 11-5 pm
Sunday 6th September 11-4 pm

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Special Offers

Save the honeybees

If you want to have locally grown seasonal flowers at your green wedding, you will be relying on our honeybees to pollinate and perpetuate the plants. But our honeybees are in great danger and there's a huge concern that they may not be around much longer to do this.

So we’re supporting the Soil Association’s campaign to save the honeybees and The Prince’s Rainforest Project, please lend your support. Click below to take part.

This story originates from MyGreenLyfstyle Magazine.

Posted in Green Wedding Events

Stock up on soy wax candles

If you're wondering wondering about stocking up on soy wax candles for your candlit wedding in the winter and want to know more about them and see them in the flesh then get along to the Eco Design Summer Fairs in London. Our partners Hapi Bean Soy Candles will be there.

Jo at Hapi Bean can show you how they burn and tell you all about how gorgeous her candles are. Unlike many soy wax candles where the soy beans are NOT sourced from deforested Rain Forest land. Hapi Beans candle wax is made from soybeans that are sourced from US farmers with long established farmlands free from pesticides, herbicides and they are GM free.

Hapi Bean's 100% unscented soy wax tealights and candles are hand made in the UK, they burn amazingly cleanly, leaving no soot residue. They offer traditional tealights and glass tealights, with more styles on the way.

Hapi Bean also creates gorgeous vintage china and glass candles exclusively for our own Eco Chic Boutique and will soon be offering a refill service.

Click here to buy vintage tea cup candles.

Posted in Green Wedding Decorations & Details , Events

Stuck for a Mother's Day Gift?

Mother's Day is this Sunday 22nd March and there's still time to get a gift for your mum or mother-in-law to show how much you appreciate them.

Find plenty of gorgeous gifts in our Eco Chic Boutique.

Don't forget how important your Mum and Mum-in-Law are on the run up to your gorgeous green wedding. Support, friendship, experience, maturity - all great assets to tap into when planning the big day.

If you're still thinking of that little gift, don't delay any longer, to get your gift there by the weekend you need to order soon!

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Gifts & Favours , Inspiration

Eco Chic Wedding & Home Show

Ethical Weddings and GreenFinder invite you to their first ever Eco Chic Wedding & Home Show on Sunday 8 March.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Show is a chance for you to meet ethical and green wedding and home suppliers who will tempt you into stylish sustainability with everything from organic cup cakes to a bicycle made for seven.

The lovely Jen Marsden, author of the Green Guide for Weddings will also be on hand to share her top tips for a gorgeous, glam and green wedding.

And if that wasn't enough, we have 2 for 1 tickets for all GreenUnion readers making it just £4 each.

To take advantage of this offer, quote ‘greenunion’ when booking online at www.ecochicweddingandhomeshow.com or by phone on 0121 454 1860

Posted in Green Wedding Events

Fairly traded

Launched yesterday down at the South Bank in London with a huge street party, Fair Trade Fortnight's well under way and you can find out what's going on in your area, join the great debate, tour the UK with fair trade farmers and workers, share your story, win funding for your own project or take part in the biggest banana auction in the world!

And we'll be bringing you some more ideas, tips, services and products over the next two weeks which are all in the spirit of fair trade.

Posted in Green Wedding Events

Its Not Easy Being Green

Don't miss Its Not Easy Being Green tonight on BBC2 where Toby Sawday meets a young bride at a wedding fair and sets about trying to green-up her wedding and her honeymoon.

We worked hard with the BBC to give them information and advice during the planning of the feature, and our partner Wedding Tree Favours is featured on the programme, so we're excited to see how it panned out.

Could be fun and you may get a few tips too!
Happy viewing - BBC2 8pm tonight.

You can find more stories of real green weddings here.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Natural Nuptials

Oxfam Bridal Competition

Oxfam Bridal Store in Shirley, Southampton let us know about their exciting competition to celebrate 'Donate your Dress Month'.

Be in with a chance to win a gorgeously romantic break at Lyndhurst Park Hotel (or one of the other 17 hotels in the Forestdale Hotel Group) in the New Forest and take your preloved wedding dress along to the store before 5th March.

Oxfam Bridal's a great way to give something back. Your dress gets a second life and gives someone else a chance to buy something stylish and economical. And it helps less fortunate people to overcome poverty and suffering through the Oxfam programme worldwide.

You can find the Oxfam Bridal Store in at:

76/78 Shirley Hgh Street,
Southampton,
SO15 3NE

'Donate your Dress' month runs until the 5th March 2009.
The lucky winner of the romantic break will be announced on the 8th March 2009 at the Lyndhurst Park Hotel Wedding Fayre.

Posted in Green Wedding Dresses & Gowns , Events

Keep Valentine's Day British

For romantics who want to celebrate an all British V-Day, buy direct from a British flower grower for an in-season bunch of delicate flowers from the fields.

A sweet and simple posy of Devon violets straight from the nursery evokes days gone by while a fabulously fragrant bunch of Scented Narcissi heralds the spring.

Or seek out something more creative, home grown and hand made.

Go to Catkin Flowers for seasonal bouquets with sentimental messages of love, Snapdragon Garden has beautiful pots of paperwhite narcissi decorated with a dogwood heart and Sweet Loving Flowers will make a heart of red cornus, eucalyptus and skimmia for you to send to your true love.

Make haste though and don't forget that with V-Day on Saturday you may have to pay more for delivery on the day and last orders are 11th February.

For more information on florists supplying seasonal British flowers this Valentine's Day go to our green wedding directory.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Flowers

Don't Tell the Bride

Are you dreaming of the perfect day?
Is ‘the green wedding’ your favourite topic of conversation?
Do you have hundreds of ideas but not hundreds of pounds?
Do you think your man can pull off the ultimate wedding of your dreams?
If so then Don't Tell the Bride is looking for a unique couple and has £12k to make your big day.
EMAIL: weddings@renegadepictures.co.uk
Or call: 020 7479 4210

DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 2009

Posted in Green Wedding Events , News , Press

East London Design Show

The East London Design Show is not to be missed as a shopping stop in your December calendar. Lets face it why bother with stressful Oxford Street when you can get cleaver/handmade/interesting gifts right from the makers...

5th December from 12noon till 8pm
6th & 7th December from 10am till 6pm
Shoreditch Town Hall - Liverpool Street or Old Street tube stations (10 minutes walk from either).
Buses: Routes 5, 22A, 35, 47, 48, 55, 67, 78, 149, 242 and 245 stop nearby.

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Gifts & Favours

Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all our American friends.
When I saw this image at create my event I thought it just sums it all up in a nutshell. Find lots of inspiration (and credits to the individual images) in this mood board, for your own Thanksgiving party or wedding.

Posted in Green Wedding Decorations & Details , Events , Inspiration

National Tree Week - Trees Offer

Celebrate your wedding and Tree2mydoor's 5th Birthday, save money and give native trees to your wedding guests with this excellent HALF PRICE TREES OFFER!

During National Tree Week the online tree gifts company is offering customers a massive 50% discount for all native tree gift orders placed on Wednesday the 26th of November through to Sunday the 30th of November. Saving you over £12 per native tree!

Tree2mydoor's native tree gifts include one native tree with tree care guide and one greetings card that you can personalise at time of order. The trees are individually boxed in unique packaging and can be mailed to your chosen recipient so they make perfect wedding gifts, or order enough for wedding favours and send your guests home with a little green gift of their own.

This generous offer is only valid for 5 days during National Tree Week 2008 so visit www.tree2mydoor.com/national-tree-week.asp to claim your tree now!

To claim the discount, simply use the following promotion code when placing an order online: 5thgift

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Gifts & Favours

Apple days

And following on our theme of gorgeous glowing autumn colours, textures and produce, it's that time of the year again...

APPLE DAY celebrating the heritage of English apples, is on 21 October this year and there are heaps of events all over the country this weekend or next, celebrating the quintessential qualities and diversity of the appplicious English apple. You can find out more at Common Ground or just do your own thing. Full of rich symbolism, the apple is a wonderful way of carrying a theme through your wedding day if you're marrying in the autumn. Delicious to eat cooked and raw, beautiful to look at and a jewel when used in decorations, place settings or as wedding favours, use apples to your heart's content.

William Crump, American Mother, Adams Pearmain, Tom Putt, Lucombe’s, Pine Major, Woolbrook Russet, Upton Pyne, Plum Vite, Hoarry Morning and Slack ma Girdle are just a few of the wonderful names of apples - use them for your table names.

Go pick a few apples or support your local farmer's market and wander home to make this delicious apple cake:

Cream together 125gms butter and 125gms soft brown sugar and mix in 2 eggs beaten.
Sift 200gms self raising flour into a separate bowl.
Peel and core 500gms cooking apples and cut into quarters (or eighths if very big).
Fold the flour into the butter/sugar/egg mixture and then spoon the thickish batter into a 22cm round cake tin.
Push apples deeply into the batter and pack them in as tightly as possible.
Mix up a tbsp brown sugar and a tsp cinnamon and scatter all over the top of the mixture.
Bake at 180C for 40-45 min.

Eat warm with lashings of clotted cream! Mmmmmmmmmm...

Posted in Green Wedding Caterers, Food & Drink , Decorations & Details , Events

Lovely Green Wedding Event

If you're up in Yorkshire next weekend make time to go along to the Lovely Green Wedding Event at Norristhorpe. There'll be heaps of fun and frolics, and of course a celebration of green and local wedding ideas.

Be warned! If you’re used to the usual wedding fair conveyor belt, go prepared for something refreshingly different. There's an action packed timetable. From hay rides, pints of Black Sheep beer, an eco-couture showcase, organic make-overs and a range of Yorkshire’s finest green wedding innovators, the day is all about proving your wedding can be green but with bags of style. Forget the Jesus sandals and lentils, they’re talking full on sophisticated fun and glamour!

When: Sunday 19 October from 1 pm 'till 4 pm
Where: Low Farm, Lodge Lane, Norristhorpe, Yorkshire, WF15 7LE
How: For directions see website.
How much? Tickets are £10 each or £15 for two which includes an organic fair trade afternoon tea served on vintage china. The day will be a non-profit making event with all the proceeds going to Radio Aire’s Cash for Kids Charity.

To make a ticket reservation please contact Olivia Brabbs on 07779345819 or Claire Ellis on 07778 653501 or e-mail hello@lovelygreenweddings.co.uk

Posted in Green Wedding Events , Inspiration , Wedding Planning

Eco Chic Boutique is launched!

We're so excited to announce the launch of GreenUnion's eco friendly online shop. Absolutely no compromise on gorgeousness! If you're tired of the hum drum and fed up with the mass produced, our new online shop is a saviour for anyone who prefers a personally styled gift to mark a unique celebration.

We want to provide and promote gorgeous and ethically made products with high value in terms of skill, content, design and beauty. From bespoke event stationary to hand made holiday tipis, the products we have carefully sourced are eco friendly, organic, hand made, fairly traded and British. World products also feature where they are sourced with a clear conscience.

The range includes lingerie and dresses by Enamore, exclusive wedding stationery by Seed, bespoke maps by illustrator Marta Munoz, gorgeous hand made jewellery by Maura Nicholson, exclusive handmade candles by Hapi Bean and much, much more...

Come and see for yourself! GreenUnion Eco Chic Boutique

Posted in Green Wedding Events

Looking for unique wedding gifts?

If you're looking for a unique wedding gift and thinking about commissioning a wonderfully skilled local British based craftsman or artist for a bespoke piece of artwork that will last a lifetime, here's a great opportunity to search creative studios for that special item.

Devon Open Studios is a huge project being held over the course of two weeks across 9 trails throughout Devon. The initiative started on 6th September and runs until 21 September, so get out there enjoy the countryside and meet some artists, designers and craftsmen.

Take this beautiful bed for instance, made by David Ames in North Devon, what a fabulous idea for a lifetime of cuddles!

Posted in Green Wedding Events

Organic Fortnight

We're a bit late reporting about the annual Organic Fortnight organised by the Soil Association. It started Saturday with the Food Festival in Bristol, but you can see who was there if you go to the website.

There's still plenty of time to get involved. For starters there's a fantastic joining offer for September - the first 200 to join the Soil Association this month will receive a stylish 'love your planet, choose organic' fair trade, organic bag.

There are heaps of things going on all over the country, for instance there's food tasting in Norwich, organic beauty brunches at Neal's Yard Remedies stores nationwide, gardening courses in Berkshire, chocolate tastings in Sussex, a beer festival in Essex, farmers markets everywhere and so on...
See the full list here.

Posted in Green Wedding Events