Begin Here

Name of Certifier (person filling out form):
e-mail address of Certifier:
Name of Wedding Couple:
Contact e-mail address:
Location of Wedding:
Date of Wedding:

1. Wedding Planners / Consultant or Other Consultants & Providers (pick one item)

Points Item

3 You used a green certified wedding planner

3 You are using an experienced green event planner

TOTAL POINTS

2. Green Wedding Education (the wedding couple) (pick up to
two items)

Points Item

2 You took a class or seminar on green weddings

2 You read a book or reviewed green wedding web sites to become educated on green weddings

1 You borrowed wedding books to help with your planning

1 You used a web site to help inform friends of your green wedding plans and to learn more about weddings (example: www.theknot.com)

1 You took marriage prep or counseling class and asked the trainer or teacher to discuss green weddings as part of the class

TOTAL POINTS

3. Number of Guests (do not include wedding couple, individual conducting ceremony and clerical staff, wait staff at reception or other providers) (pick one item)

Points Item

4 Less than 50 invited

3 51 to 125 invited

2 126 to 200 invited

1 201 to 250 invited

Total Points

4. Announcements & Other Items Sent Out (Reception Card, Response Cards, Thank you Notes, Maps, etc.) (pick one or more items)

Points Item

2 You e-mailed announcements and related items

1 Announcements, etc. are produced on recycled stock paper

1 Announcements, etc. are printed digitally with non-toxic inks (soy and water base, no VOC / volatile organic compounds, toxins)

1 Announcements are printed on FSC stock paper (paper certified as coming from a sustainable forest)

2 Take this as an offset credit if no announcements are used

TOTAL POINTS

5. Printed Items at the Wedding (Ceremony Cards, Pew Card, Rain Cards, Programs, Table Cards) (pick one or more items)

Points Item

1 Items at the wedding are printed on recycled stock paper

1 Items are printed digitally using non-toxic inks (soy and water base, no VOC / volatile organic compounds)

1 Announcements using FSC paper (paper certified as coming from a sustainable forest)

1 100% of printed items will or are produced on compostable materials and are recycled or composted (no plastics) after the wedding

2 No printed materials were used (napkins, brochures, wedding programs)

TOTAL POINTS

6. Selection of Date and Time of Day (pick one or two items)

Points Item

3 Date is selected that requires less artificial heating and cooling
(Example: an outdoor wedding on a pleasant Fall day, in the upper Midwest uses very little artificial energy usage.)

2 Time of day has been selected that takes advantage of natural light
(Example: a wedding held during the daylight hours use less energy)

1 We are working with the event location to take advantage of off-peak electric production (some locations can buy and use energy that is called off-peak, they are using energy when no one else needs it)

TOTAL POINTS

7. Location of Bridal Shower or Other Parties (pick one or more items) (in the
event you have more than one party, select the largest for this credit and try and
have you hosts follow your green guidelines)

Points Item

1 Selected facility is certified green and embraces sustainable, green or eco practices (many of these are hotels or event centers that are certified green: http://www.greenhotelcertification.com or http://www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com/eco-label.html)
(There are many different certifications to chose from, asks the manager)

1 The facility is not certified green but has practices that reduce water consumption, electric consumption, recycles, composts, reduces use of pesticides and fertilizers, takes care to avoid introduction of VOC content in the indoor air (paint has low VOC, carpeting has low VOCs, etc.) (may not be counted if you have picked the above location)(they must have documented evidence they have these practices in place) (you may not take this credit if you took the credit above called: certified green)

1 Facility is a LEED certified building (Certified by the US Green Building Council as a sustainable building / www.usgbc.com)

1 You picked an outdoor location that manages the water usage, has recycling, limits use of fertilizer, pesticides, embraces natural resources or is left natural

1 A home or place of worship

1 Valet service, if used, does not let cars idle while waiting for guests

2 If alcohol was or is served, a designated driver, or sober cab is provided,
or the individual(s) that were / are under the influence were / are not allowed to drive until sober

1 The location is within 40 miles of one of the spouses home or closest to the majority of the guests

2 Take this as an offset credit if no parties are held

TOTAL POINTS

8. Location of Bachelor or Other Parties (pick one or more items) (in the
event you have more than one party, select the largest for this credit and try and
have you hosts follow your green guidelines)

Points Item

1 Selected facility is certified green and embraces sustainable, green or eco practices (many of these are hotels or event centers that are certified green: http://www.greenhotelcertification.com or http://www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com/eco-label.html)
(There are many different certifications to chose from, asks the manager)

1 The facility is not certified green but has practices that reduce water consumption, electric consumption, recycles, composts, reduces use of pesticides and fertilizers, takes care to avoid introduction of VOC content in the indoor air (paint has low VOC, carpeting has low VOCs, etc.) (may not be counted if you have picked the above location)(they must have documented evidence they have these practices in place) (you may not take this credit if you took the credit above called: certified green)

1 Facility is a LEED certified building (Certified by the US Green Building Council as a sustainable building / www.usgbc.com)

1 You picked an outdoor location that manages the water usage, has recycling, limits use of fertilizer, pesticides, embraces natural resources or is left natural

1 A home or place of worship

1 Valet service, if used, does not let cars idle while waiting for guests

2 If alcohol was or is served, a designated driver, or sober cab is provided,
or the individual(s) that were / are under the influence were / are not allowed to drive until sober

1 The location is within 40 miles of one of the spouses home or closest to the majority of the guests

2 Take this as an offset credit if no parties are held

TOTAL POINTS

9. Location of Marriage Ceremony (pick one or more items)

Points Item

1 Selected facility is certified green and embraces sustainable, green or eco practices many of these are hotels or event centers that are certified green: http://www.greenhotelcertification.com or http://www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com/eco-label.html)
(There are many different certifications to chose from, asks the manager)

1 The facility is not certified green but has practices that reduce water consumption, electric consumption, recycles, composts, reduces use of pesticides and fertilizers, takes care to avoid introduction of VOC content in the indoor air (paint has low VOC, carpeting has low VOCs, etc.) (may not be counted if you have picked the above location)(they must have documented evidence they have these practices in place) (you may not take this credit if you took the credit above called: certified green)

1 Facility is a LEED certified building (Certified by the US Green Building Council as a sustainable building / www.usgbc.com)

1 You picked an outdoor location that manages the water usage, has recycling, limits use of fertilizer, pesticides, embraces natural resources or is left natural

1 A home or place of worship

1 Valet service, if used, does not let cars idle while waiting for guests

2 If alcohol was or is served, a designated driver, or sober cab is provided,
or the individual(s) that were / are under the influence were / are not allowed to drive until sober

1 The location is within 40 miles of one of the spouses home or closest to the majority of the guests

2 Take this as an offset credit if no parties are held

TOTAL POINTS

10. Location of Reception (pick one or more items)

Points Item

2 Selected facility is certified green and embraces sustainable, green or eco practices (many of these are hotels or event centers that are certified green: http://www.greenhotelcertification.com or http://www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com/eco-label.html)
(There are many different certifications to chose from, asks the manager)

2 The facility is not certified green but has practices that reduce water consumption, electric consumption, recycles, composts, reduces use of pesticides and fertilizers, takes care to avoid introduction of VOC content in the indoor air (paint has low VOC, carpeting has low VOCs, etc.) (may not be counted if you have picked the above location)(they must have documented evidence they have these practices in place) (you may not take this credit if you took the credit above called: certified green)

2 Facility is a LEED certified building (Certified by the US Green Building Council as a sustainable building / www.usgbc.com)

2 You picked an outdoor location that manages the water usage, has recycling, limits use of fertilizer, pesticides, embraces natural resources or is left natural

1 A home or place of worship

1 Any indoor facility: It has an air-exchange of once every three hours (you will need to ask about this. This reduces the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) or toxins in the air at the reception

2 Valet service, if used, does not let cars idle while waiting for guests

2 If alcohol was or is served, a designated driver, or sober cab is provided,
or the individual(s) that were / are under the influence were / are not allowed to drive until sober

1 The location is within 50 miles of one of the spouses home or closest to the majority of the guests

4 Reception is at the same location as the wedding ceremony or a mass transit system is used to take guests from one location to the next

4 Take this as an offset credit if no reception is being held

TOTAL POINTS

11. Selection of Rings (pick one or more items)

5 To the best of your knowledge No “Dirty Gold” was recently mined for use in the rings (gold from mines that are causing the death of the miners and contaminating the environment) (look for recycled gold or gold certified eco-friendly)

5 To the best of your knowledge No “Blood Diamonds” are used in the rings (the diamonds are conflict–free, diamonds that do not come from mines that abuse the workers, cause the death of workers and their families or where the use of the sale supports moral and social conflicts)

1 Groom Ring is locally made (crafted within 250 miles of purchase location)

1 Bride Ring is locally made (crafted within 250 miles of purchase location)

3 Grooms ring is a family hand down

3 Brides ring is a family hand down

3 Ring is recycled (purchased as previously worn or gift previously worn)

3 Take this as an offset credit if no rings are being exchanged

TOTAL POINTS

12. Groom and Attendant(s) Clothing / Accessories / Shampoos,
Deodorants, etc. (pick one or more items)

Points Item

4 Groom and Attendants clothing / Accessories is /are part of the wardrobe currently owned

3 Groom and Attendants clothing / Accessories is / are rented (except underwear, socks and shoes)

1 Grooms Clothing / Accessories is / are intended for reuse by the individual wearing it after the wedding

1 Grooms Clothing / Accessories is / are donated or sold after the wedding event

1 Grooms Clothing does not require toxic dry-cleaning after use

4 Groom’s outfit was worn by another person (family, friend, etc.) and loaned or given to the groom for the wedding

1 Deodorants, cosmetics and shampoos are eco-conscious (natural, process does not harm the environment) (read the label ask the sales person) (more information: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1594138,00.html)

TOTAL POINTS

13. Bride and Bridal Attendant(s) Clothing / Accessories / Cosmetics (pick
one or more items)

Points Item

4 Clothing / Accessories is / are part of the wardrobe currently owned

2 Bridal dress is made of organic cotton or other organic material or other sustainable materials (bamboo or perhaps remnants from other fabrics)

3 Attendants clothing is made of organic cotton or other organic or sustainable materials (example: bamboo or perhaps remnants from other fabrics)

2 Clothing / Accessories is / are rented (except undergarments, socks and shoes)

1 Clothing / Accessories is / are intended for reuse by the individual wearing it after the wedding

1 Clothing / Accessories is / are donated or sold after the wedding event

1 Clothing does not require toxic dry-cleaning after use

3 Bridal outfit was worn by another person (family, friend, etc.) and loaned or given to the Bride for the wedding

2 Bride will properly preserve the dress and hand it down to a family member, daughter, friend, etc.

1 Silk products used in the wedding are sustainable, if they come from Thailand or Bangladesh they are labeled “Free trade”, from India labeled “Live Silk”. Silk from China should be evaluate (were the worms boiled to get the silk or were they allowed to live and reproduce?), is the dye natural or environmentally safe? If you take the time to educate yourself on this you may take these points

1 Deodorants, cosmetics and shampoos are eco-conscious (natural, process does not harm the environment) (read the label ask the sales person) (more information: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1594138,00.html)

TOTAL POINTS

14. Transportation and Travel (pick one or more items)

1 Carpooling is arranged for guests (to wedding or from wedding to reception) (50% of guests must use carpooling to get these points)

3 Mass Transit is arranged for guests (to wedding or from wedding to reception) (50% of guests must use Mass Transit to get these points)

1 Guests were provided instruction for carpooling and mass transit

2 Less than 5% of the guests (include couple) must fly to wedding and events

1 Less than 10% of the guests (including couple must fly to wedding and events

1 Wedding couple does not use a limo or van service for transportation. Exceptions: unless the limo is a hybrid, electric or used in carpooling of at least 4 people, used to transport disabled individuals (if used with any of the exceptions you may also take 1 point)

1 You have picked a time and date for the wedding to avoid unnecessary air travel for your guests (guests are generally on vacation, away at school during this period)

1 If the wedding couple or guests are disabled and required special transportation that penalizes above points you may take a credit offset of one point

3 No transportation is required

TOTAL POINTS

15. Florist / Decorator (pick one or more items) (flowers refer to all greenery)

Points Item

4 75% of the flowers are locally grown (within a 150 mile radius)
(if you or a friend grows the flowers this qualifies)

3 50% of the flowers are locally grown (within a 150 mile radius)

2 25% of the flowers are locally grown (within a 150 mile radius)

2 Flowers are donated after the wedding and reception to a good cause location

1 Unusable flowers are properly composted after the wedding and reception, bridal or bachelor parties

3 Flowers are potted and reused or organically grown

3 No flowers or other greenery are used

2 Eco-friendly or Free trade, Silk flowers or local flowers are rented

1 Flowers come from your garden or family or friend garden, reused or composted after use

1 Used soy based candles

2 Centerpieces are editable (other than flowers) and are reused or consumed by animals or humans, are inanimate objects (stones, sculptures, maybe the wedding cake)

2 You did not toss rice (it kills birds, toss a bird seed grain instead)

2 You selected other kinds of items other than flowers for decoration of tables

1 You did not release butterflies, birds, or gold fish as a wedding symbol into the environment and did not harm these living things if kept indoors as part of a ceremony

3 Decorations other than flowers are recycled, rented, used, donated after the event (includes things like chair covers, banners, center pieces, sculptures, alters, candles, candle holders, etc.)

4 Take this as an offset credit if flowers or other greenery or decorations are not being used

TOTAL POINTS

16. Caterer for Pre-Wedding Parties (food and drinks) (pick
one or more items) (select the largest party for this section and ask your hosts to
follow your green guidelines for others)

1 All plastic or glass bottles are recycled

2 80% of all table settings are reusable (table cloths to plates)

1 All non-reusable table setting, etc. items are compostable and composted or recycled after the event

1 Tables and chairs, table cloths, runners, etc are rented

2 75% of beverages come in some fashion of bulk packaging

1 50% of all beverages come in some fashion of bulk packaging

1 Ice is limited to amount needed only (less than 25% is thrown out while still in frozen form) (do not include ice sculptures)

3 75% of the Food is sourced and grown / produced locally (within 150 miles) of event

2 50% of the food is sourced and grown / produced locally (within 150 miles of event

1 25% of the food is sourced and grown / produced locally (within 150 miles) of event

1 50% or more of the food is organic

1 90% or more of the food is vegetarian

1 Vegetarian entry dishes are offered to guests

1 Unused (safe and editable) food is donated after the event

1 All waste and undonatable food is composted at the end of the event

1 Unused food is taken home or given to friend for later consumption

1 Unused beverages (you own or are responsible for) are donated or reused after the event

1 Beverages are sourced and produced locally (wine, water, beer, etc.)(within 250 miles)

1 Wine is in bulk or comes in a box

1 Water is not individually bottled, except where required for sanitation purposes

1 Champagne or other highly energy intensive beverages are only provide on request or at the offer of a server at each table

1 You offer gluten free and peanut free foods to individuals with allergies

2 You made the food and controlled waste

1 Nonalcoholic beverages are made available and easy to request by guests

4 If alcohol was / is served a designated driver or sober cab is provided or intoxicated individuals are not allowed to drive until sober

4 Take this as an offset credit if no parties are held

TOTAL POINT

17. Catering at the Wedding Reception (food and drinks) (pick
one or more items)

1 All plastic or glass bottles are recycled

3 80% of all table settings are reusable (from tablecloths to plates)

2 All non-reusable table setting, etc. items are compostable and composted or recycled after the event

2 Tables and chairs, table cloths, runners, etc are rented

2 75% of beverages come in some fashion of bulk packaging

1 50% of all beverages come in some fashion of bulk packaging

1 Ice is limited to amount needed only (less than 25% is thrown out while still in frozen form)

4 75% of the Food is sourced and grown / produced locally (within 150 miles) of event

3 50% of the food is sourced and grown / produced locally (within 150 miles of event

2 25% of the food is sourced and grown / produced locally (within 150 miles) of event

1 50% or more of the food is organic

1 90% or more of the food is vegetarian

1 Vegetarian entry dishes are offered to guests

4 Unused (safe and editable) food is donated after the event

4 All waste and non-reusable food is composted at the end of the event

2 Unused food is taken home or given to friend for later consumption

1 Unused beverages (you own or are responsible for) are donated or reused after the event

2 Beverages are sourced and produced locally (wine, water, beer, etc.)

1 Wine is in bulk or comes in a box

1 Water is not individually bottled, except where required for sanitation purposes

1 Champagne or other highly energy intensive beverages are only provide on request or at the offer of a server at each table

1 You provided gluten free and peanut free foods to individuals with allergies

1 You offer cake made with no flour for individuals with allergies to gluten

1 Nonalcoholic beverages are made available and easy to request by guests

3 You avoided seafood that is on the do not use lists because it is from an endangered species or contaminates the environment when farmed: See the Environmental Defense Fund (www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=1521)

2 You made the food and controlled waste

3 Table party favors are not given out, instead the couple makes a donation to a favorite charity and lets the guest know which or let the guest select

4 Take this as an offset credit if no food or drinks are served

TOTAL POINTS

18. Equipment Rentals / Entertainment (pick one or more items)

Points Item

3 100% of all equipment and set up for the reception is rented or reused (tents, flooring, lighting, decorations, etc.)

2 50% or more of the equipment and decorations are rented

1 25% or more of the equipment and decorations are reused

1 Any items that can be recycled after the event are reused, donated or recycled (Carpeting, Lattice arch, Candles, Aisle runners, etc.)

1 50% or more of the items are produced in the United States or in factories that do not involve child labor in their production

2 Take this as an offset credit if equipment or other items are used in the wedding or other events related to the wedding

2 DJ or Bands turn off lights and sound systems when not in use

2 DJ and Bands or facility use energy efficient lighting for stage lighting systems (colored lights, strobe lights)

1 DJ or Band is locally sourced (from within a 150 mile radius of the event)

1 Music provided at either the wedding ceremony or reception requires no electricity

TOTAL POINTS

19. Photography, Videos (pick one or more items)

Points Item

3 All professional photography is done on a digital camera

3 The couple requests access to selected photos in a digital format for redistribution and proofing

1 For archival purposes printed photos are properly protected (put in an album or stored in a safe place where they do not off-gas fixatives or fumes)

1 If photographs are done with traditional film or paper processing, the film and photos are processed by a lab that reclaims the silver and recycles or properly disposes of processing chemicals (ask the photographer or lab), follows EPA disposal regulations

2 Take this as an offset credit if no photos are taken

TOTAL POINTS

20. Wedding Gifts (pick one or more items)

Points Items

2 You selected 50% or more gifts that are durable, recyclable, low in energy costs to produce and run, (The gift has a life of 10 or more years, this does not apply to food items or beverages)

1 You selected one or more gifts that have an Energy Star label (like a TV or Sound System)

1 You selected one or more gifts that have a Water Sense Seal (dishwasher, washing machine)

1 You selected gifts made in countries where the gift helps benefit the economics of the community

1 You selected gifts that are locally produced (within 250 miles)

1 You add a donation option to the gift list (a guest can donate to your favorite charity)

1 You did not select any gifts that contain gold or “blood” diamonds

3 You have spent time with your future spouse thinking through and talking through what you really need and the impact of how getting that gift impacts the environment (from the person driving to get it, to shipping it to you, how you will someday recycle it, to what kind of labor was used to produce it and where was it produced, to is this gift going to off-gas volatile compounds in our home).

1 You requested the use of no wrapping paper or the use of gift-wrap bags, which you will donate, recycle or return to guests

3 You have decide to accept no gifts, use this as an offset credit

TOTAL POINTS

21. Environmental Pollution (pick one or more items)

Points Item

1 If the wedding event is outdoors you are taking care to limit noise pollution from the band or music, if so take a point

1 If the event is outdoors you are taking care to limit light pollution, if so take a point

3 If you have guests that you know are chemically sensitive, and 30% of your guest will be according to health data, make sure you control perfume and air fresheners at the event (add a note to your invitations and say “We have guests that are chemically sensitive, please limit the use perfume and cologne, Thank you”)

1 Take this as an offset credit if no event is held other than the ceremony

TOTAL POINTS

22. Honeymoon / Wedding Trip (pick one or more items)

Points Item

3 Travel to an eco-tourist location and actively participate in educational events

1 Your stay is in a certified eco-hotel or green certified hotel: http://www.greenhotelcertification.com" or http://www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com/eco-label.html)
(There are many different certifications to chose from, asks the manager)

3 You do not fly to your location, you drive or take mass transit

1 You tie your vacation plans into your honeymoon and limit the number of miles you are flying or driving

1 You bike, canoe, ski, sail, kayak, hike or walk on your honeymoon or do some other form of physical activity that does not require fuel. If you are disabled you select the activity that reduces energy consumption and increase the value of the trip or event

3 You volunteered part of your trip time to a good cause

1 You take time to learn about the environmental or social issues facing the location you are going to visit (book, web site, tour, etc.)

3 Take this as an offset credit if no honeymoon / wedding trip is taken

TOTAL POINTS

23. Bonus Points (pick one or more items)

Points Item (Note all points listed have been doubled)

5 You shared your green planning details with someone that will soon be married

3 You got your green planning and green wedding published so others could see what they need to do

2 You returned gifts that you did not need

2 You made a donation to charity in the name of your spouse or off-set your
carbon footprint by donating to a charity that plants trees or does other carbon neutral plantings or conducts other carbon neutral programs

2 You took the time to tell us about you (go to the wedding list on the web site)

2 You used the Lotus Certified Green Wedding Logo on any portion of your announcements or other items

2 You sent a letter or placed a note on a web site for family and friends to read about green weddings and or your needs with a green wedding, or sat down and discussed it with family and friends

2 You helped educate a wedding or event planner, clergy, event center, florist, caterer, DJ or band, limo service or related provider about green weddings (more than 10 minutes in the discussion)

TOTAL POINTS

24. Innovative Credits (take up to 5 points) (list innovative green things that you
are doing at your wedding not listed above)

Point Item

1 List the innovative idea

1 List the innovative idea

1 List the innovative idea

1 List the innovative idea

1 List the innovative idea

TOTAL POINTS

Next add up all of your TOTAL POINTS from above

What is the GRAND TOTAL of all points? __________

Notes:

Next take this GRAND TOTAL and find the score you have
achieved on the rating chart below

Green Wedding Rating Chart (Levels)

1. Your total score to achieve Silver must be: _35 to 70 points

2. Your total score to achieve Gold must be: 71 to 109 points

3. Your total score to achieve Platinum must be: _ 110 points or more

OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION LEVEL

Which level did you achieve? __________
(This is your official certified green wedding level)

If your GRAND TOTAL did not have at least 35 points you may still have a Green
Wedding, but you have not scored high enough to use the Lotus Blossom Logo,
perhaps you can work with a planner or friend to get more points before the wedding is completed. We realize that not everyone can live in an area that supports all the aspects of a green wedding at this time. The important thing is at least you have tried.

You may now use the Lotus Blossom Logo on any media if you achieved a
Silver, Gold or Platinum score.

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