A wedding theme sets the tone for the day and reflects the bride and groom's personalities. It can also be an opportunity for a couple to act on any particular principles they have.
Green weddings are gaining momentum, with couples opting for alternatives that will reduce the negative impact to the environment. There's a shift in attitudes in Hong Kong too, with brides and grooms increasingly mindful of the effect their nuptials may have.
Gillian Lai, business and sustainability consultant at Carbon Care Asia, says couples are more concerned about climate change and sustainability issues and are keen to address them when they're planning their wedding.
'Their main environmental concerns are resource conservation, sustainability of food source, as well as energy consumption during the wedding,' Lai says. A green wedding can make the celebration memorable, 'but also demonstrates the couple's commitment to take responsibility for the waste and carbon emissions generated during a wedding'.
Carbon Care Asia offers packages that help turn a wedding into a carbon neutral event. It helps couples estimate the carbon emissions from the electricity used at venues and from transportation and flights, as well as waste disposal generated, and gives suggestions on ways to minimise emissions.
'These may include sending out e-invitations, providing coaches for guests, choosing seasonal and local flowers for venue decoration, ordering local or low mileage food for the banquet, and reducing the number of dishes on the menu,' Lai says, adding that a honeymoon at an eco-friendly resort can make a significant difference.
Couples can offset emissions created by their wedding and by flying off for a honeymoon. 'By purchasing United Nations-verified carbon credits they can offset their carbon footprints and turn their wedding carbon neutral,' Lai says.