Guest Blogger! Desiree Patterson, Director of Sales & Marketing with Wildflower Linen

I was so excited listening to Karli speak at the May WIPA (Wedding Industry Professionals Association) event about “green weddings and events”, especially since going green is an important issue for me. It was not until I heard her presentation that I realized my wedding had some “green” elements. I was so honored when Karli asked if I would share about some of the experiences from my wedding.

We wanted unique touches throughout our special day that truly represented us. We had a “vintage chic western” style wedding. It was never our intention to “go green”, yet without even trying, we did. My dress, for example, was purchased from Brides against Breast Cancer. After I wore it, I donated it to a bride-to-be that was less fortunate then myself. Also, our entire wedding party and even my husband dressed from head to toe in items that were and could be worn again. Both cool tips Karli shared as part of her suggestions for hosting a green wedding!


Other items included eco-friendly linens; my wedding band was created from some of my mother’s diamond rings, and even my favorite cowboy boots that I still wear till this day. As Karli says, “something borrowed = something green” and incorporating items we can use after the wedding day make good sense for the environment.


The biggest hit of our whole wedding was homemade signs that my husband created out of two huge, discarded tree trunks. These recycled signs were hung everywhere, some giving directions and locations, while others just had our initials with a heart etched around them. After the wedding, family members took the signs to put in their gardens and the sign with our initials with the heart etched on it hangs in our home.


Even though not every element of our wedding was green, we’re happy to know that our special day created a smaller carbon footprint. We’re excited to know that we had the amazing wedding we wanted while being friendly to the environment at the same time.

Homemade signs add a personal touch and bring new life to discarded pieces of wood.

Wedding rings made with diamonds, gold or jewels from special family members or ancestors is a great way to recycle and reuse

Bridal party ensembles that can be worn again and again makes good sense for the Earth and the wedding budget

Wildflower Linen offers an assortment of linens that are eco-friendly, beautiful and elegant. From manufacturing to laundering and shipping, think about the negative impact your wedding can have on the environment and do what you can to lessen it.