Using flowers for weddings has been a common practice for many years. But this couple tried something different and eco-friendly to make their wedding unique, without wasting flowers.
The flowers were replaced by recycled paper, and plastic was replaced by steel at the wedding of Sowmya and Abhishek. The daughter of transport minister, R Ramalinga Reddy, wanted her wedding to be as eco-friendly as possible, and she made her dream come true.
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There were around 150 solid waste management workers from Hasiro Dal (green brigade) present at the venue to make sure that the waste was segregated at the proper source.
Soumya is an animal rights activist and wanted to keep her wedding eco-friendly. She aimed at no flower and food wastage during the wedding.
As Sowmya is a vegan accordingly, a list of delicacies from the vegan cuisine were planned to be served during the wedding. When the caterers were informed to cook a vegan cuisine, it was a challenge for them.
The cooks did not use any curd, ghee, or milk while cooking the food. Soybean yoghurt, soybean milk, and coconut juice were used instead. Also, guests were served tea and coffee made from soybean milk, which was served only when the guests asked for it.
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Sandalwood, neem, jackfruit, rosewood and mahogany saplings, which were from government nurseries in Chikkaballapur and Devanahalli, were given as return gifts to the guests.
The roses and flowers on the stage were made of paper, and the guests were informed that floral bouquets would not be accepted.
The bride also ensured that the wedding invitations were made from recycled paper. While inviting the guests, she requested them to avoid wearing silk sarees or carrying leather bags.
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These zero-waste, eco-friendly weddings are becoming a trend these days. Vani Murthy, a member of Solid Waste Management Round Table has managed four eco-friendly weddings in Bengaluru.
During such weddings, they ensure that no waste goes to the landfill, and is recycled. She believes that when a minister's family practices such measures, it sends out a strong message.
