By: Nora Zelevansky
Mango, coral, canary, plum . . .
No matter what the chosen color scheme for a bride’s big day, shades of green always seem to emerge. Well, maybe not literally, but green is for the envy in the eyes of enraptured guests; for the budding marriage and blossoming love; for the (sigh) never-ending cash flow.
And, now, socially sustainable green weddings are dominating the landscape, especially for brides with prefer to emphasize the unique. You may be picturing ugly hemp potato sacks and raw vegan food (which is fine, if the bride and groom are raw food vegans). But, actually the socially conscious green movement has gone style conscious too.
Some of the chicest vendors offer green touches in spades. And, since many of these green companies are younger fledgling business you may be able to wheel and deal and wuite frankly save some of that green cash as well. Here are a few of our favorite new green—reduce your carbon footprint— vendors below:
The Venue
Picture vertical succulent gardens and plant chandeliers against crisp white brick walls, mile-high ceilings, solar lighting schemes and, wait, a garage door? LA’s most ecological-event space, Smog Shoppe, just opened in a converted, well, smog shop on La Cienega in Culver City, across from myriad of burgeoning hipster galleries and the Mandrake bar.
The contemporary artist owners of this surprising new spot also own Marvimon (a slightly smaller space in a converted auto showroom in Chinatown) with a similar of-the-moment aesthetic: exposed brick, Provençal signage, antler fixtures and the same amazing retro lounge furniture.
The Dress
Never in a million years would you guess that Adele Wechsler’s modern gowns (that bring a little something new to each classic silhouette) are crafted from eco-materials like hemp, vegetable dye, organic silk and recycled lace, not to mention fair trade workers. The South African come Canook designs her Eco Couture collection not only with sustainable textiles, but also with surprising details like embroidered applications of orchids, pansies or lilies. As this true pioneer of eco bridal couture can attest, green dresses need not be basic anymore.
The Caterer
While too many caterers still offer a choice between boring rubber chicken and equally dull fishy salmon, Tres LA prepares exciting, contemporary fare for carnivores, veggies, vegans, organics and even lactose-intolerant brides alike. This energetic new company helps brides create menus based on elevated versions of the foods they love most (how novel!). From clambakes to Italian feasts to bacon wrapped figs that positively melt in your mouth, Tres LA’s chow hovers steps above the usual wedding food (and miraculously doesn’t break the bank in the process).
The Florist
Stodgy old roses alone don’t fly with Dandelion Ranch, owned and run by delightful ladies, Clover Chadwick and Fawn Fletcher (who also happen to have the cutest names in the world). These adorable, gifted women, who even created their own non-toxic floral foam, are based out of a Culver City barn. There, they create mind-blowingly beautiful arrangements with flower market fresh pods and blooms to suit any season and color scheme. Chadwick was once maitr d’ at one of the world’s most upscale restaurants, Napa’s French Laundry, so she knows a thing or two about meticulous service, as well, and currently does flowers for all the chicest restaurants in LA from Grace to Mozza.
And that makes for an event of a different color.
