The May is almost out

Its almost June, the most popular month for weddings, and we're heading for the summer solstice.

We've had heaps of rain here at GreenUnion HQ, the ground has soaked it all up and the countryside's looking glorious in its early summer glory. The bluebells are almost over, but the foxgloves have found every available space to shoot to the sky in happy spires of pink and white. The roses are just starting and their scent fills the air with a heady perfume.

The chickens have gone all broody which means we're short of lovely eggs, but the upside is, we'll have some chicks to celebrate the solstice in a few week's time...

Seasonal Celebrations

The Earth's yearly jaunt around the sun's been celebrated across the globe for thousands of years. Solstice or Litha means a standing still of the sun, and Midsummer's the longest day of the year when the north pole is at its closest to the sun.

The Celts celebrate with bonfires, Christians feast for John the Baptist and it's the festival if Li, the Chinese goddess of light. Pagans tell of how the Goddess, who took over the earth from the Horned God at the beginning of Spring, is now at the height of her power and fertility and the Summer Solstice marks their marriage. Their union is the force that creates the harvest's bounty.

If you're not going to Glastonbury or the Sunrise Celebration then maybe you're throwing an eco friendly wedding or planning your very own eco-chic celebration for 2008. A glut of glorious daylight and sunshine means the Earth, with a little help from our dedicated farmers and growers, offers up a bountiful supply of local food and flowers at this time of the year. The trees are in full leaf to keep us cool and the breezes are balmy, a perfect time for outdoor celebrations and laid back honeymoons.

English roses, foxgloves, meadow flowers, peonies, phlox and sweet peas are all at their most gorgeous, so make the most of scented flowers from local growers and farmers markets. Billowing hedgerows can be your inspiration.

Partner news & promotions

Barington House

If you're looking for an ethically motivated venue for your wedding day, Barrington House in Herefordshire is inviting you to a midsummer private view 20 June to see the facilities, accommodation and grounds for yourself, sample the atmosphere, taste the food, and meet the staff of Barrington Concierge. Contact them at midsummer@barrington.co.uk for more details.

Special Offer from Enamore

This month we've a special offer from Enamore, the creative fashion label which produces beautiful clothing, lingerie and accessories from organic and sustainable fabrics. Their dresses are to die for and a perfect choice for summer wedding guests, and their luxurious lingerie certainly won't make the bride blush on her wedding night!

For every dress or lingerie set that you buy, they will throw in one of these gorgeous garters, worth £15.00, absolutely free. Just quote 'GreenUnion' in the space provided upon placing your order. Offer runs till 30 June 2007.

Did you throw a great green wedding?

Our list of partners is growing daily, but we're always looking for more businesses worldwide with an ethical outlook, so if you've organised your own green wedding and have found wonderful people to help with your celebrations, do let them know about GreenUnion, or send us their details. Through GreenUnion we aim to spread the word to other couples searching for the same quality and ethics in their suppliers and services.

City chic for eco-savvy brides

Throwing a green wedding doesn't necessarily mean traipsing out to the country. On the contrary, eco savvy brides who opt for city chic will find there are many advantages to getting married in the capital. There's a growing list of venues, many set in wonderful buildings steeped in heritage and tradition like The RSA, that takes their ethical responsibilities very seriously and can boast published environmental best practice policies. The RSA proudly ranks 8/10 on our green gauge, as high as many of our rural venues. They're keen to support British food producers and cook seasonal menus.

In the big cities you'll be spoilt for choice when looking for cake makers, dress makers, shoe makers and suits to hire. Check out the Farmers' Markets for English grown flowers and regional foods.

Transport headaches are cut to a minimum with abundant public transport on the doorstep, while something a little more exotic like a rickshaw or hybrid taxi is easy to come by. And when it's time to go on honeymoon, you'll be spoilt for choice with the whole of the British Isles, Europe and beyond only a train ride away.

Personally speaking...

If you opt to host an outdoor event in midsummer, don't forget that gardens and bugs go hand in hand. So ring the party with natural citronella candles and arm your guests with natural insect repellent and something to soothe the bites.

And always expect the worst, so provide some shelter from the chill and rain.

Until next time...