Plantable Wedding Invitations: An Eco-Friendly Keepsake

The Green Alternative: Plantable Wedding Invitations

As couples become more eco-conscious, they are looking for ways to make their weddings more sustainable. One area ripe for a green makeover is wedding stationery, specifically invitations. Standard paper invites typically get tossed after serving their purpose. However, plantable wedding invitations offer an innovative solution that is both functional and environmentally friendly.

What Are Plantable Wedding Invitations?

Plantable wedding invitations are printed on special biodegradable paper embedded with wildflower, herb, or vegetable seeds. After the wedding festivities are over, recipients can simply plant the card directly into soil. With proper care and sunlight, the seeds will sprout and grow into a beautiful reminder of the couple's special day.

The plantable paper serves double duty. First, it delivers pertinent event details just like a traditional invitation. Then, it transforms into a commemorative garden that blooms year after year. It's a unique keepsake that makes an impact well beyond the wedding date.

Customization Options

Couples can fully customize their plantable invitations to align with their wedding vision. Most stationers offer a choice of card colors, shapes, sizes, and textures to match different aesthetic tastes. The paper can integrate touches like foil stamping, embossing, or letterpress printing for extra dimension.

As for the seeds, there is an array of flowers, herbs, and vegetables to select based on the couple's preference. Popular options include forget-me-nots, lavender, basil, parsley, tomatoes, and cosmos. The flowers symbolize everlasting love while the herbs and veggies nurture people physically. It's a thoughtful representation of marital bliss.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

The eco-friendly benefits of these invitations are manifold. First, the embedded seeds promote biodiversity through the sprouting of new plants and flowers. Once planted, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies which are vital to natural ecosystems. The plantable paper itself is fully biodegradable, breaking down seamlessly to nourish the soil.

There is also little waste involved in production compared to traditional paper invitations. The materials and manufacturing methods utilized are far greener with minimal carbon emissions. Plantable invites are typically printed locally using soy-based inks and renewable wind power. Every part of the process aims to be as sustainable as possible.

How To Source Your Own Plantable Invitations

If you want to jump on the plantable invite trend for your own wedding, it helps to understand the procurement process. Here is an overview of what to expect while searching for a stationery supplier.

Research Reputable Sellers

There are quite a few purveyors in the plantable wedding invite space, but quality can vary drastically across sellers. Be sure to thoroughly research customer reviews and examples of past work. Established Etsy sellers and independent stationers are often great sources. They tend to utilize high standards for materials, printing methods, and seed sourcing. If possible, request both paper and PDF samples before purchasing.

Provide Necessary Details

Once you select a plantable invitation seller, they will need key details from you to craft the perfect product. This includes your wedding colors, themes and motifs, choice of seeds, paper texture, envelope lining if applicable, and exact ceremony wording. Prompt, clear communication of these details ensures you will receive invites tailored to your unique matrimonial vision.

Confirm the Timeline

Keep in mind that bespoke invitations take much longer to produce than premade designs. It's crucial to confirm an estimated timeline with your stationer early on, especially if you have a quickly approaching wedding date. Most sellers require at least 4-6 weeks from the time final proofs are approved. Rush fees for expedited services may apply for tighter deadlines. Building in some buffer room is advised whenever possible.

Cultivating Happily Ever After

In the end, plantable wedding invitations perfectly capture the heart of marriage - two unique elements coming together in harmony to create new, flourishing life. It's a symbolic representation of the couple's blossoming future ahead. As the garden grows year after year, so too will their love. That's what happily ever after is all about.

FAQs

What types of seeds can be embedded in plantable wedding invitations?

Couples have many seed options to choose from including flowers like forget-me-nots and lavender or herbs like basil and parsley. Some also opt for vegetable seeds like tomatoes or lettuce.

How long will it take for the seeds to sprout after planting?

Germination time varies based on seed type and growing conditions, but most embedded wedding invitation seeds begin sprouting in 1-2 weeks. Proper planting depth, sunlight, soil moisture, and temperature are key.

Can the plantable paper invitations get wet without the ink running?

Yes, the specialty paper and soy-based inks used can withstand some moisture. However, it's still best to keep plantable invites away from significant water exposure until ready to plant.

Do couples need to provide their own wording for plantable invitations?

Most plantable wedding invite sellers allow couples to provide fully customized ceremony wording. Many also offer template wording that can be tailored to suit the couple's needs.