Donating Flowers

Question:
Hi,
Thank you so much for your green guide--I am really learning a lot.
I would like to know about how to find a service that will pick up flowers and take them to nursing homes or hospitals. I live in LA and am getting married in Malibu.

Any help is most appreciated!
Thank you!
Lisa Riccomini

Answer:
Hi Lisa,

As far as I know there are no groups or service providers out there who do this (if anyone reading this knows of one please comment below!). However, you still have a few options.

First, it is not uncommon for florists to take on this role, and if you have not signed a florist contract yet, or even if you have, see if your florist is willing to pick up and deliver the flowers to a worthy cause after the big day. Many florists already have relationships with charities and deliver leftover flowers as a matter of course.

Alternatively you can ask a friend or relative to take on the task. Make a few phone calls (or ask your friend or family member to make the calls) to hospitals, nursing homes, and other charities in the area and see if they are willing to accept flower donations so you/they can make the proper arrangements (no pun intended).

I hope you will come back and let us know what you were able to work out (and share pictures of your flowers!).

Lots of luck and congratulations,

Kate

Green Wedding Shower

Question:
A friend is getting married and we want to throw a green theme shower. Any ideas on how to write that in the invitation without sounding too quirky? We were thinking the theme should be green gifts but I don't want people to think literally the color green, "eco-friendly" is it...

Thanks so much,
Mira Duncan

Answer:
Hi Mira!

First, I think throwing a green shower is a wonderful idea and so much fun! My mother hosted a green shower for me and you are right to worry about the "confusion" (see picture below). Not that there is anything wrong with a green "green" shower, but if you want to throw an eco-friendly event I recommend using some of the many synonyms out there including: eco-friendly (as you suggest), sustainable, environmentally friendly, and organic when describing your objective. I also suggest including some examples of "green" gifts that might be appropriate to help people who do not know what to look for. I have included a number of items and companies in the look book that might work. Please let me know if you are looking for a green version of anything in particular. As the website is so new I only have a small fraction of the green products I recommend in the book up online.

Have a wonderful time at the shower! I hope you will come back and share your pictures afterward...

All the best,

Kate

Looking for shower game ideas?

(Print at home on recycled paper)

Seasonal Flowers

Qusstion:

HI Kate,

Did you ever do a breakdown of flowers by season and region?
I am trying desperatly to pair what I want with what is available locally in season in Connecticut in September and it seems to be the hardest part of my search. I am finally begining to work with a florist who is hopefully going to be able to guide me in the right direction, but I wanted to be able to send her some flower ideas I was interested in that were good eco-choices. Any ideas?

Thanks!
-Lindsay

Answer:

Thanks for the great question Linsday! Because what is available varies significantly by region and season, I recommend using a floral chart - like the one available at Bliss Wedding Floral. While it only offers a limited list, it allows you to search by region + season and shows color pictures of the blooms (which is key). Also take a peak at the Wedding Flowers Guide which has a slightly more detailed list. You can see a picture of a bouquet with roses and dahlias (two of the flowers they suggest for fall in New England) in the look book.

Another great option is to browse a comprehensive list for another region like the fabulous one for California put out by the California Cut Flower Commission and ask you florist what she can get in CT.

For in situ inspiration - it is worth looking at floral books, and a number now discuss seasonal options (like Wedding Flower by Paul Pryke). I recommend popping into a book store so you can browse more thoroughly.


Finally, contact a local farm via Local Harvest and see what they sell during that time of year.

I can't wait to see the results.

Good luck and all the best,

Kate

Legal Eagle

Question:
Hey Kate,

I read in your bio that you are in law school and was wondering if your background in law has any relevance to the book. Most of the wedding books are written by planners so I thought this was interesting.

Answer:
What a unique question - thanks for writing! My real interest in green weddings comes from my background in environmental conservation and sustainable development. However, my legal education certainly played a role in the book writing process.

First of all, law school has taught me to be extremely disciplined, organized, and thorough, and I think you will find that The Green Bride Guide is the most comprehensive resource on the market because of that.

Also - my legal background gave me access to information and made me aware of legal issues that might not occur to many wedding planners. Although The Green Bride Guide is not a legal book and does not give direct legal advice, I did do legal research for the project and have included general advice on topics related to law in the book and on this website.

For example - based on research and experience I have included a piece on what to include in a florist contract in the Quick Guides section.

I have also included lots of information about relevant laws and policies (e.g. bans on balloon releases, the need to acquire certain permits or permissions, types of trip insurance, etc.). I think this information enriches the book and makes it a more useful tool. I look forward to hearing what you think in December!

Epicurean adventures

Question: Hi Kate, My fiance and I are thinking about doing a food-based trip for our honeymoon. Do you have any suggestions? Thnx

Answer:
Food Tourism is becoming increasingly popular and it is no surprise. One of the best parts of traveling abroad is enjoying the local cuisine. (I still fondly recall a raspberry pastry I ate in France almost a decade ago!). There are many different kinds of culinary adventures to choose from, but here is a quick list of options to get you started.

- Interested in going to India and/or Malaysia to taste a wide range of vegetarian foods? Check out the vegetarian culinary tours offered by Veg Voyages.

- Want to participate in a cooking workshop where you learn to prepare local delicacies? Consider a hands-on culinary adventure with The International Kitchen.

- Do you and your spouse want to go on a more activity-based trip, like skiing in Europe or cycling in England but want specialty diet foods along the way? Check out the vegetarian organic food vacations offered by Vegetarian Vacations.

- Want to stay closer to home? Why not try a culinary/yoga retreat with the Conscious Gourmet and learn to prepare vegetarian, low-carb, or raw foods - or sign up for a several day workshop in Colorado with A Cooks Kitchen.

You can also do what my husband and I did and find a one day workshop in almost any country or major city with the help of google. It is a nice way to spend a day of your vacation!