ILEA NCC event on sustainability.

How can the wedding industry be more sustainable and eco-friendly?

Last month, we attended an educational event that was hosted by ILEA NCC, focusing on best practices for sustainability in the wedding industry. The good news is that there are plenty of eco-friendly options available to you.

Here are the top 10 ways to be eco-friendly while planning a wedding in the San Francisco Bay Area:

1. Ask your venue how they practice sustainability: If enough couples ask venues about sustainability, venues will start to compete in the marketplace for eco-friendly couples. Thankfully, there are many wedding venues in the Bay Area that are committed to sustainability, from LEED-certified buildings to outdoor spaces that utilize natural light and renewable energy. We recommend Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California, as a leader on this front. In addition to have organic gardens and a whole team that is dedicated to environmental protections for their grounds, they also have a culture that is eco-conscious. Learn more about Filoli here: www.filoli.org

2. Use recycled paper for invitations: Consider using recycled paper for your wedding invitations, or go digital with e-invitations to save on paper waste.

3. Rent your wedding attire: Instead of purchasing brand new wedding attire, consider renting or borrowing dresses, suits, or accessories for the big day.

4. Opt for eco-friendly florals: Choose flowers that are locally sourced and in season to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. You can also look for florists who use sustainable growing practices.

5. Serve organic and locally sourced food: Choose a caterer who uses organic and locally sourced ingredients to reduce your carbon footprint and support local businesses. Serving an all-vegetarian meal will reduce your carbon footprint by 50% or more. You can also limit the size and types of meats offered to your guests.

6. Reduce food waste: Work with your caterer or wedding planner to reduce food waste by accurately estimating your guest count and donating any leftover food to local food banks.

7. Skip the single-use plastics: Avoid using single-use plastics, like plastic utensils or straws, at your wedding. Instead, opt for compostable or reusable options.

8. Use eco-friendly decorations: Choose decorations that are eco-friendly, like LED lights, repurposed wood or paper, and potted plants.

9. Select vendors who share your values and will amplify them on social media: As a wedding videographer in the SF Bay Area, we feel lucky to film many couples who are trying their best to be conscious about environmental concerns. We love to tell that story. We’ve also been lucky to encounter other vendors who promote these values in their brands, as well. For a great example of an eco-forward company, check out Brannan Events & Design: https://brannanevents.com/

10. Avoid Saran Wrap: Use beeswax wraps or reusable containers to store leftovers instead of using Saran Wrap, which can take up to 500 years to decompose. During our above-mentioned educational event in San Francisco, one of the speakers was from Recology Waste Management, and she emphasized how saran wrap can be detrimental to the recycling sorting machines that the city uses to recycle trash.

If you're looking for more resources on sustainability in the San Francisco Bay Area, be sure to check out Recology, a local waste management company committed to sustainability and reducing waste in the community: https://www.recology.com/

Photo by Diana Coulter

Should you include your dog on your wedding day? As wedding videographers, we love nothing more than capturing those special moments between couples and their dogs. In this blog post, we'll share some tips and ideas for how couples can incorporate their dogs into their wedding videography (along with a few notes of caution).

1. Include Your Dog in Pre-Wedding Activities: Before the wedding ceremony, include your pup in pre-wedding activities, such as getting ready with the bridal party or groomsmen. Videographers can capture these moments, from your dog playing with the bridal party to getting their fur brushed, and it can make for a fun addition to your wedding video.

2. Walk Down the Aisle with Your Pup: Dogs can make the perfect ring bearers or flower dogs. They can walk down the aisle with you, carrying the rings or flowers, making for a heartwarming moment that videographers will capture beautifully.

3. Include Your Dog in Your First Look: Your first look is an emotional and intimate moment. Including your dog in this moment can add an extra layer of joy and emotion. You can have your dog walk up to you or surprise your spouse-to-be with your dog at your side.

4. Make Them Part of Your Reception: Dogs can make great additions to wedding receptions. You can include them in the reception décor, such as a table sign that reads "My Humans Got Married" or incorporate them in the seating chart. They can also be part of the wedding party introductions or even have their own special dance with the bride or groom.

5. Capture Candid Moments with Your Dog: Dogs have a way of being adorable and spontaneous. Ask your videographer to capture candid moments with your dog, such as playing with guests, chasing after toys, or giving you kisses. These moments will make for an unforgettable addition to your wedding video.

But bringing your dog to your wedding also includes a few things that you should consider first. For example:

1. Make sure your venue allows dogs: Before you start planning your dog's role in your wedding, make sure that your venue allows dogs. Some venues have strict rules about pets, while others may allow dogs in certain areas only. Be sure to check with your venue before you start making any plans.

2. Consider your dog's personality: While you may love your dog's personality, not all dogs are suited for the hustle and bustle of a wedding. Some dogs may become anxious or stressed in a crowded or noisy environment. It's important to consider your dog's personality and behavior before deciding to include them in your wedding.

3. Have a designated dog handler: While you may be busy on your wedding day, it's important to have a designated dog handler to take care of your dog. Your handler can ensure that your dog is fed, watered, and walked, as well as keep an eye on them to make sure they're not getting into any trouble.

Including your dog in your wedding can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to be careful and mindful of your furry friend, your guests, and your venue. By considering your dog's personality, having a designated dog handler, being careful with accessories, and being mindful of your guests, you can ensure that your dog is a welcome and well-behaved addition to your wedding day.

In recent years, TikTok has become a global sensation, with millions of users sharing videos on the app every day. It's no surprise that the trends on TikTok have made their way into weddings, with couples using the platform to showcase their big day in new and exciting ways. Here are some ways to incorporate TikTok trends into your wedding video:

The "Before and After" Transformation

One of the most popular TikTok trends is the "before and after" transformation videos. This trend involves showing a transformation from a less-than-glamorous state to a glamorous one, usually with a fun transition. In your wedding video, you can use this trend to show the transformation of the bride and groom from their everyday selves to their wedding day selves. This could include shots of hair and makeup being done, the putting on of the wedding dress and suit, and even a fun transition shot between the two looks.

The "First Look" Challenge

The "First Look" challenge is another popular trend on TikTok. This challenge involves the groom turning around to see the bride for the first time in her wedding dress, but instead of the traditional romantic reaction, the bride surprises the groom with a fun or silly reaction. You can incorporate this trend into your wedding video by filming your own version of the "First Look" challenge. Have the bride surprise the groom with a silly reaction, like pretending to be a monster, or have the groom surprise the bride with a choreographed dance.

The "Slow-Motion" Walk

The "Slow-Motion" walk trend involves walking in slow motion to a dramatic song. In your wedding video, you can incorporate this trend by filming the bride and groom walking down the aisle in slow motion. This will add a dramatic effect to the moment, and you can even play a dramatic song to add to the effect.

Choreographed Dances

One of the biggest TikTok trends is the choreographed dance. Many couples are now creating their own choreographed dances for their wedding reception, and you can include it in your wedding video. You can have the bridal party or even the entire wedding guests dance along to a popular TikTok song, making it a fun and memorable moment.

Creative Transitions

TikTok is known for its creative transitions between videos, and you can use this in your wedding video. Instead of traditional cuts, you can use TikTok-inspired transitions such as the wipe, zoom in, or fade to create a more engaging and dynamic video.

Hashtags

Hashtags are a crucial part of TikTok, and they can be used in your wedding video too. You can create a unique hashtag for your wedding and encourage guests to use it when posting videos and photos of your big day. This way, you can easily track and compile all the posts in one place.