I can talk about this because I am a vegetarian and recycle more than anyone I know. But, what is this infatuation with compromising the amazing palette of quality, style, selection of food, garments, paper, flowers and even wedding service professionals that a bride and groom can choose from, in this attempt to have “a green wedding.” Isn’t there something to be said about allowing this once in a lifetime day to have boundless potential, to take its own form and expression of beauty without compromise other than an individual’s budgetary constraints. Keeping the wedding industry alive and flourishing is as patriotic as “buy American” and that is what wedding professionals should be promoting to their customers instead of joining this bandwagon that will take us all down the road to lesser profits.

How about a campaign to live the remaining 20,000 or more days that the average bride will have left in her life with a eco-consciousness and just give themselves and their guests every layer or pocket on the invitation that is perfect a reflection of their elegant taste and instead ask the guest to save the invitation rather than discarding it. Isn’t that the same thing as sending an invitation on recycled paper and then the guest throwing it away? And what about the food that gets thrown out after the reception, why not follow all the correct provisions to have it carefully packaged and take it home and eat it or donate it. Most weddings forget all about that waste. Why not encourage their guests to car pool to save the emissions that pollute the environment. This all supports the green movement but doesn’t take away from the beauty of the day.

I know that I am being a little sarcastic but what about the tens of thousands of wedding professionals that built an industry of beauty and perfection, who love what they do, but they do have to eat! There are so many things in this world that are changing. Can’t we just leave the wedding industry the way it is. Don’t the words etiquette and tradition mean anything anymore?