3 ‘Green’ Wedding Trends for 2013: Elegant & Eco-Friendly

by BrendaJune 28, 2012 1

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Paper Artichoke Wedding Decoration from imeon design

Would you use wedding decorations made from paper, cork or stone? Eco-friendly wedding trends for 2013 will find “green” wedding couples using these sustainable, earth-friendly (and beautiful!) elements in their unique wedding designs. 

Gold Tipped White Paper Wedding Wreath from Tara Alexander Designs on Etsy

Plantable Paper Wedding Favor Leaves from recycledideas on Etsy

Garden Love Tissue Paper Wedding Garland from PomLove on Etsy

Paper Chandelier and Poms from Emily Green

Paper: Wedding decorations made from paper are gaining popularity rapidly in eco-wedding designs. They’re biodegradable, can be recycled and are surprisingly pretty. The adorable paper artichoke decoration from imeon design (top photo) would be a crowd-pleaser as wedding favors and/or place card holders. Hang the elegant white paper wreath from Tara Alexander Designs on railings, fences, doorways or canopies. Give guests wedding favors ready for planting like the seed-embedded paper leaves from recycledideas on Etsy.

We love the colorful tissue paper pom garland from PomLove and the DIY paper chandelier from Emily Green that you can learn to make in one of her workshops! You might also consider adding paper umbrellas and parasols to your wedding photos and wedding style, which is a fun trend right now. Or how about beautiful origami wedding elements, too?

Rustic Wedding Cork Garland from kzannoart on Etsy

Cork Candle Holders from Snippet & Ink

DIY cork centerpiece vases from HGTV

Cork Serving Bowls from VivaTerra

Cork: The Pantone color team predicts cork design elements are gaining popularity, so we think 2013 earth-aware wedding couples will be embracing the trend. Here’s a quote from Pantone that explains why: “An amazing eco-friendly material, cork’s natural wood tones and its warm, soft texture make it unique, inviting and comfortable. From footwear to furniture, the appeal of this renewable resource just keeps on growing.”

Cork decorations have lots of rustic appeal. We love recycled corks from wine bottles strung into garlands, like these from kzannoart on Etsy. Display reception table candles in striking cork holders from Snippet & Ink. The fun and multi-functional DIY cork centerpiece vases from HGTV are great for attaching sweet wedding-wish notes with colorful tacks. We’re amazed at how beautiful the cork serving bowls from VivaTerra look and recommend these for wedding reception food and drink bars.

Stones Down the Wedding Aisle. Photo & Styling from Designs by Courtney

Wedding Reception Place Holder River Stones from Santa Barbara Chic

Natural & Moss Covered Stone Centerpiece from Between the Bread

Crochet Covered Stones from Margaret Oomen at Resurrection Fern, CrochetStones on Etsy & KnotbyThreadAlone on Etsy

Stone: Natural river stones and pebbles are definitely some of the organic wedding elements being displayed in creative ways for 2013 green weddings. Sprinkle stones to mark the boundaries of wedding aisles, like the styling from Designs by Courtney. Use markers to write on river stones for place holders (names on front, seating number on back) like these from Santa Barbara Chic. Display natural and faux moss-covered stones (available at craft stores) for this beautiful centerpiece by Between the Bread.

One of the most popular trends with stone decorations is using pretty crochet covered stones complimentary to your wedding colors. We love the ones here (clockwise from the left) from Margaret Oomen at Resurrection Fern, CrochetStones on Etsy and KnotbyThreadAlone on Etsy. 

Will you be going green for your wedding in 2013? What natural elements will you be using in your wedding design? We’d love to know in the comments section below!

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