The Bride Wore Green

Want your wedding to make a real impact? After the party’s over, donate everything from the bouquet to the buffet.

Green Bride

Illustration by charrow

HAIR

Locks of Love
Chances are, you grew your hair out for your “I do” updo. Freshen your look post-nuptials with a stylish bob, and Locks of Love will turn your shorn tresses into a hairpiece for kids with cancer. Many local salons offer discounted haircuts in exchange for the donation.
locksoflove.org

FLOWERS

Local hospitals
Let your blooms brighten someone else’s day. Several local florists, such as Artistic Blossoms Floral Design Studio and Faxon Green, donate clients’ fleeting centerpieces and bouquets to local hospitals.
artisticblossoms.com / faxongreen.com

FOOD

Bootstrap Compost
This J.P.–based service sends couriers to pick up leftovers, which are then turned into compost for community-gardening projects. Each week, the organization diverts thousands
of pounds of organic material from landfills. Pick-up fees vary.
bootstrapcompost.com

ACCESSORIES 

The Northshore Fairy Godmother Project
Pass on your gently loved adornments—jewelry, purses, headpieces, even bridesmaid dresses and hangers—so underprivileged high school students can feel beautiful at the ball.
northshorefairygodmother.org

GOWN

Brides Against Breast Cancer
Skip the “Trash the Dress” photo shoot and give your gown a second life while helping fight ­cancer. By reselling donated frocks in trunk shows ­nation-wide, this nonprofit raises nearly $2 million a year to help those affected by the disease.
bridesagainstbreastcancer.org

Getting married? Start and end your wedding planning journey with Boston Weddings' guide to the best wedding vendors in the city.