Honey, I Do! Sweet Ideas for Earth Friendly Weddings

Make your wedding a little sweeter and spread a little love by supporting local beekeepers. Inspired by this week's EcoEtsy theme challenge, today's post is all about the bees.  No, not the "hive" of beloved wedding bloggers...honest to goodness, pollinating honey bees! 

Unless you've been living in a cave for the past few years, you probably know that world-wide bee health is declining.  With 90% of the world's plant-life and over a third of the food we eat dependent on bees and animal pollinators it is essential that we do all we can to ensure their survival.  Short of becoming a bee keeper what can you do? It's easy. Support your local beekeepers by purchasing items made with honey and beeswax.  These all natural products smell wonderful, taste delicious and can boost health in a myriad of ways. (Honey Bee on Lilac Art Print by Nature Mandalas)

Read on to find out how your wedding can help save the bees...

FOOD & GIFTS

Starting with the obvious, why not serve up some honey at your wedding?   No matter what kind of wedding you're planning, there is a honey bee product for you.  From truffles, to cookies, to pure honey...here are some of my favorite finds from Etsy...

Bottles of beautifully packaged local golden honey would make chic gifts for the bridal party.  Pair them with a crusty loaves of artisan bread and some fresh homemade whipped butter...OMG!  A tray of honey almond cookies would be lovely as part of a dessert table or wrapped individually as favors.  Better yet, why not wrap up a pair of cookies and a small carton of milk as a little midnight snack for after the party!

Maryland Wildflower Honey by Naked Bee, Honey Almond Cookies by LH Confections

Honey marshmallows with peanut butter swirls would make sophisticated and elegant toppers for hot chocolate or upscale s'mores...loving this idea for dessert, favors or as a gift.  Lavender honey caramel makes a sweet after dinner treat.  And who could resist a slice of honey cake smothered with chocolate honey?  I smell a new concept in wedding cakes...

Honey Marshmallows with Peanut Butter Swirl by Vintage Confections, Organic Lavender Honey Caramels by Farenheit Goods, Chocolate Honey by Naked Bee

These decadent looking lavender honey truffles would make an impression on a sweets table or packaged as favors.

Lavender Honey Truffles by Calabasas Candy Co.

Last, but not least, why not replace processed sugar and serve honey sugar or pure wildflower honey with the tea and coffee at the end of the meal.  

Honey Sugar by Love Abounds, Honey Dipper Print by Sprocket's Art

CANDLES & DECOR

If you are planning to incorporate candles into your wedding ceremony or reception, definitely consider going with beeswax.  Beeswax candles are far and away the most eco-friendly choice for candles.  Regular paraffin candles are made with petroleum (fossil fuel) by-products - blah! They burn too fast and release toxins and soot into the air.  Not what you want at your wedding. 

By contrast, all natural and made with sustainable ingredients, beeswax candles burn at a higher temperature, so they last much longer.  They also emit negative ions that actually clean the air of toxins and allergens. Gotta love it!

"Bee" sure to pick up some beeswax tapers and pillars for your unity candle ceremony.  You can find them in all shapes and sizes...dipped, poured or rolled. Their lovely natural color compliments any color scheme.

Olde World Hand-Dipped Tapers by Lodestone & Lady's Mantle, Beeswax Pillar Candles by Brookingham

Tea lights and votives are also great for creating a mood or for giving as favors. They come in a full range of shapes, sizes, floating and free-standing.  Nestle them in a vintage cookie cutter or bag them in recycled fabric pouches for sweet favors your guests will love.

Votives found on Etsy, Sweet Honey Soy Floating Candles by Aroma Energie

Skep Candles by Horton's Farm, Egg Shell Candles by Owl Naturals, Pinecone Candles by Peace Blossom Candles, Acorn Cap Candles by Green Baboon Designs

One of my favorite beeswax finds is this beeswax dipped crepe paper bouquet.  Not only is this handmade creation stunning, but you'll be able to keep it and enjoy it forever.  Consider adding beeswax dipped bouquets throughout your ceremony or reception in lieu of (or in addition to) fresh flowers.

Beeswax Dipped Paper Flower Bouquet by La La Laurie (Boutonnieres, corsages and cake toppers also available.)

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Did you know that raw honey also has numerous health benefits and can really boost your skin's appearance?  In the days and weeks leading up to your wedding, take some time to lather up with honey soap or slather on milke & honey lotion to ensure radiant skin on your big day.  And don't forget your bridal party!  Many of these items would make wonderful gifts to show your girls how much you appreciate them.  Spa party anyone??

Step 1: Cleanse

Peaches & Honey Olive Oil Soap by Fresh and Clean, Oatmeal Milk and Honey Soap by Bungalow Bath & Body, Raw Honey Shea Butter Soap by Trad Hus, Honey Bee Soap by Pure Simplicity Soap

Honey Glycerin Cleanser and Mask by Gwendolyn Forever, Honey & Nut Whipped Soap by Batty's Bath

Honey Bee Sweet Shea & Honey Soap by Jabonbon, Oatmeal Milk & Honey Soap by Herb Friend, Milk & Honey Shea Butter Soap by Sweet Petula, Stone Almond Honey Soap by Simply Nu

Step 2: Exfoliate

Honey Butter Tough Love by Beija-Flor Naturals, Milk & Honey Sprinkling Clean by La Conchita Naturals, Honey & Nut Body Scrub by Batty's Bath, Oatmeal Milk Honey Coffee Bean Soap by Crowley Manor

Sugar scrub cubes are fun too!

Lavender Honey Sugar Cube Body Scrub by Epically Epic Soap Co., Brown Sugar and Honey Scrub Cubes by Dancing Mooney

Step 3: Moisturize

Mango Honey Peach Lip Balm by Kayla Laskin, Lavender Vanilla Milk & Honey Lotion by Cottage Garden Therapi,  Milk n' Honey products by Spa Godess, Iced Lemon Biscotti Milk & Honey Lotion by Wicked Soaps.

Shea/Cocoa Butter Solid Lotion Bar made with Beeswax by Joan's Garden

Orchid Infused Sweet Mandarin & Honey Shea Body Butter by Piper Tate

And smell good too!

Honey Jasmine Solid Perfume by Spa Goddess

So there you have it!  Lots of ways help the bees and making your big day even sweeter!

And to see who won this week's EcoEtsy Honey Bee theme challenge, be sure to visit the team blog. (One of my nominations was a winner!)

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today - hope you'll share your comments and stop back again soon!  XOXO Cindi

Comments

[Laura]

What luscious finds! I know I'd be tempted along these lines if I was getting married now (oh the things I missed!). I'm always happy to see the bees in my garden, and honey is a staple in my pantry.

[karen]

I want them ALL!!

What a complete guide to all things honey! As always, informative and yet beautifully created post!

Thank You!

P.S. ...and so many links!! You finger must be tired. :)

[Joan Broughton]

Cindi...Thank you so much for featuring one of my products. Honey bees have a special spot in my heart. My father was a beekeeper & during my younger years, my family would all help extract honey so that my father could sell the wonderful golden nectar. A lot of good memories!
Thank you, Joan from Joan's Garden

[Jamie]

Thanks so much for including two of my bath products! This is such a lovely feature especially for a bride-to-be like myself :)

[DancingMooney]

This is such a great collection! Thank you so much for featuring my sugar scrubs here!

:)

[Elena]

Thanks so much for featuring our Stone soaps. It's an honor to be part of these great selections!

Elena - SimplyNu

[christa howard]

I love all of the beautiful and delicious looking Everything!

[katherine]

thanks so much for including Love Abounds Honey Bee Sweet Specialty Sugar! I posted on my blog also about your "sweet" post
http://pleasegivepeasachance.blogspot.com/
THANKS SO MUCH

[elk]

this is a really special post ...so sweet!!

[Valerie]

Cindi,what a gorgeous post! Thank you for including our body butter in your collection. Yes, it does inspire a spa party! warm wishes!

[Jessica]

positively sweet and lovely treats for a very special day!!
xoxo
SpaGoddess

[Green Baboon Designs]

This is a beautiful post! Thank you for including my acorn cap floating candles.

Green Baboon Designs!

[Honey in Bear Bottle]

This post proves that there's really nothing we can throw away from beekeeping. The idea of injecting Earth-Saving honey-based items in the article also reiterates that organic hobbies and products are more of the fad these days.

It may also be helpful to note that we can also use freshly-designed honey-based materials in various functions like birthday and graduation parties. Some honey in bear bottles, for instance, may excite our young visitors and teach them about being Earth-conscious once in a while.

Thank you for posting a very helpful collection and more power to your blog!

[Nantucket Weddings]

Nice collection! They're very delicious in my eyes. I want to have those.