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 Beeswax Candle Co.
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 Bouquetby 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
