Want to protect the planet while pulling off the perfect wedding? Going green while donning white (or ivory, or blush, or a classic black tux—we haven’t forgotten about you, grooms!) is easier than you might think.
Check out these simple, elegant DIY green wedding favors that are sure to impress your guests and receive Mother Earth’s stamp of approval:
1. Succulent plants
Succulents make a perfect party favor. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they’re easy to cultivate and require minimal maintenance. Grow them in your garden (or buy them at your local nursery) and place them in small, recycled glass jars. Use twine and recycled paper to add a note reminding guests to “Let love grow.” Bonus: These pretty plants can double as table centerpieces!
2. Seed paper poem
Share your favorite love poem—or compose one of your own—and print it on seed paper. Roll it into a scroll, tie it with a raffia ribbon and place a copy at each table setting. After guests read your heartfelt message, they can plant your “seeds of love” in a pot or outdoor garden and wait for their beautiful blooms.
3. Salt scrub
Wow your wedding attendees with a pretty pink—and completely homemade—salt scrub! Simply use a fork to combine one cup of Himalayan pink salt and two-thirds of a cup of coconut oil. Then add 10 to 12 drops of your favorite essential oil to the mix. Fill a small recycled mason jar with the mineral-rich, DIY exfoliant, adorn it with a ribbon and repeat as necessary.
![Fresh Rosemary Sprig on Place Setting at Eco-Friendly Wedding | Vitacost.com/Blog]( "DIY Wedding Favors + Green Wedding Tips")
4. Fresh herbs
Fragrant and flavorful, fresh herbs are a great gift for your wedding guests. Practically everyone can care for them—no green thumb needed! Small terracotta pots—or burlap sacks—of lavender, rosemary or mint are a good choice. Like succulents, these can do double duty as table décor. Seed packets are another popular option.
5. Homemade preserves
“Spread the love” on your special day with homemade jam, jelly or preserves! Prepare your favorite family recipe (or cheat a little) and store the fresh fruit condiment in a decorative recycled glass jar. Tie it with ribbons that match your wedding colors.
6. Taffy
Want to send guests off on a sweet note? Try your hand at homemade taffy wedding favors. A quick internet search (use the terms “easy taffy recipe”) will yield several recipes to choose from. Wrap the sweet treats in eco-friendly parchment paper, twist off the ends and voila—a charming, heartfelt gift your friends and family will devour.
7. Organic coffee
Who doesn’t love a good cup of joe? Fill small organza gift bags (your guests will find countless ways to repurpose these!) with your favorite coffee beans and add a punny message, like “Thanks a latte for coming!” or “The Perfect Blend.”
And that’s not all…
Your eco-friendly wedding efforts don’t have to stop with the DIY wedding favors. The following are some green wedding ideas for décor and bridal party gifts:
8. Honey
Fill small, recycled jars with raw honey and attach a gift tag that says “Thank you for always bee-ing there for me, sweet friend!” Members of your wedding party will eat it up—literally!
9. Handmade confetti
Use seed paper and scissors or a heart-shaped hole punch to make your own confetti decorations. Sprinkle some on the center of each table and give each guest a small baggy with instructions to gather and plant it after the event.
10. Secret spice blend
Do you have a special BBQ rub or homemade spice blend that tantalizes the taste buds? Whip up a big batch as a thank you to members of your wedding party. Package it in a pretty recycled glass jar, of course!
11. Recycled wood pallet signs
If your big day will take place outdoors, use non-toxic paint and reclaimed wood to create personalized signs to post around your venue. Messages may include “Wedding This Way” with an arrow or the couple’s last name and wedding date.