Newsletter Archive

Volume 5 Winter 2004

Promises to love and honour may soon be joined by a commitment to the environment, according to the latest trend in nuptual planning. "Brides, most especially more educated ones, consider possible environmental impacts at every stage of the planning process," says resorts co-general manager Adele Caton, "right down to the honeymoon destination." The resorts generally hear from couples after they have done considerable research on where they want to be wed. Couples know the resorts are eco-friendly and they know about participatory environmental programs. Resort ceremonies tend to be smaller (50 guests or less), intimate affairs that incorporate indigenous elements at every turn. Garlands and bouquets of local salal and fern fronds from the rainforest - peppered with shells and starfish and wildflowers. Cuisine is always coastal and very often organic. Invitations tend to be handmade of recycled, unbleached paper. Bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts are most-often made by local artisans. "A favourite gift exchange happens during the ceremony itself, when the bride and groom assume a First Nations' tradition of offering each other hand-carved and hand-painted cedar journey paddles - a symbol of embarking on a lifelong journey together. So much for Vegas!