Shades of Green: RSVPs

Years ago, I remember a bridal consultant telling us potential new brides to save money in various ways. One was to Not include stamps on RSVP cards (as most people don’t bother to send them back, regardless). This represents one small way you can lessen the environmental impact of your wedding … without really diminshing its quality.

Traditional wedding invitations have (1) an outer envelope, (2) an invitation card, (3) a reception card, and (4) a response card. These four parts could easily, and without much of an impact, have only three … maybe two.

Instead of including a response card, couples have a few options to consider. You can request on the reception card, or invitation, that people RSVP by phone. You can also enlist a friend or relative to start calling your guests on your behalf. For that matter, you can do it all online. Joyce posted earlier about keeping traditional invitations but using recycled products, as well.

Big days often come with big celebrations, but they can trip up couples who are environmentally minded. Cutting down on paper waste is one small way of making a difference without making a huge impact on your festivities.