Paper in a Wedding - Decorating, Stationary, etc. ?

I've been considering doing a lot of decorating with paper in our wedding in place of exotic flowers or glittery, glassy decorations. My fiance and I have an earthy feel to the colors and schemes we find relaxing and beautiful. I'd love to do some more investigating into using homemade papers as part of our decorations (greens, browns, ivory-colors).





I've thought of using paper parasols for the bridesmaids in place of bouquets. What are some other unique ideas we could use for the wedding? It's not so much a theme as an earthy touch I'm trying to create for the atmosphere.





We're also trying to do this on a small budget while being recycle-friendly. So overly expensive invitations and decorations are a nada for us. As are things that are very much non-recyclable (we're willing to make some exceptions, such as if the product itself was recycled, etc.).

Paper in a Wedding - Decorating, Stationary, etc. ?
That's a neat idea that I haven't heard before.


I found a site that has really good ideas.


Here are a few of them


* Use a reply postcard (no envelope) and forgo the inner envelopes-you'll save paper and money.





Create a website with details about your wedding-directions, hotels, other weekend events, to avoid having to print this information out for everyone. (OR, only print cards with this information for family and friends without Internet access.)





* Use your program to let your guests know how important the environment is to you, and all the ways you have considered the earth in planning your wedding. Collect programs at the end of the ceremony and recycle them.





Here's the website address. http://ecomall.com/greenshopping/greenwe...





Good luck!
Reply:You can buy your own natural paper products by the sheet online....either the pulp papers with the organics pressed into them, or the type that are plantable....that would be lovely as a background paper, and then get a plain recycled paper to do the printing on and glue them together for a layered look....also look at recycled card stock and do your own RSVP's as post cards....saves money on postage and uses less product. Instead of parasols for the girls....how about a small bouquet of fresh lavender, or try making a large cone out of the natural pulp papers and tie a ribbon through and fill it with rose petals they can toss at you as you leave the church. You could use a beautiful Organza Ribbon as the handle and have some organza and raffia streamers coming down each side.





For centerpieces....small potted plants and organic soy candles would be perfect, you can even scatter some river rocks in between the pots and write a sentiment on them...faith...hope...love...forever...e... of this can double as favors and if you cluster the plants, each couple can take one home to enjoy....you can even do this with herbs if you want a green feeling to your wedding.





Good luck and have fun
Reply:check out www.jampaper.com for recycled papers. I'm making my invites out of paper and envelops from there.
Reply:I don't think you should forget about flowers altogether. Remember part of Earth Day is celebrating the land, the fruit, etc.; and the flowers. Please remember that inexpensive flowers are available, often from your local supermarket; and that, in addition, flowers are recyclable, check into that, they can be converted into fertilizer and in addition can be used as food for animals and insects.





Please remember that your wedding should not resemble your high school prom in the gym or such, so keep you paper crafts in tasteful moderation.
Reply:It's not paper, but a unique idea: If you are having a twilight ceremony, or not even, you might consider the bridesmaids carrying small lanterns with a tea light lit inside. Just take a thick satin ribbon and loop it through the top ring so they can hold it. Then you can always reuse them in your new home. Also, if you wanted to honor the memory of any family/friends who have passed away, you could include a little blurb in the program about how the lights represent those people. Just a thought! Have fun planning!
Reply:Origami? The parasols are a great touch and if you did oriental ones, the origami would pair well!