Chicago Weddings Get a Little Greener

By Betsy Mikel in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 5, 2011 3:40PM

Chicago is certainly not as green as it could be. The city can always be expected to fudge up certain environmental initiatives — such as recycling — but even so, small companies in Chicago continue to paint more green in their niche markets, regardless of how much progress city hall is or is not making. The Chicago Green Wedding Alliance is one such new company bringing a fresh, green perspective to yet another market. Founded by a group of eco-friendly business owners in Chicago, The Chicago Green Wedding Alliance aims to encourage greener and less wasteful weddings. They group started with a group of environmentally responsible vendors, and continues to add more approved vendors to their list. And, since fall is prime planning time for next season’s weddings, Chicago Green Wedding Alliance is partnering with Fork and the Road for a bike tour for couples interested in hosting an eco-friendly wedding. The Brides on Bikes tour will introduce riders to the city’s top wedding vendors committed to local, seasonal and handmade foods, drinks, pastries and confections.

Fork and the Road hosts a series of biking and eating tours across the city, including the ‘Wich Way sandwich tour. This’ll be their first wedding-themed one. There will be plenty of ideas concerning rehearsal dinners, brunches, cocktails, and treats for guests along the way. Riders will check out four venues for a wedding or rehearsal dinner. Brides on Bike starts at Kitchen Sink Cafe, at 1107 W. Berwyn Ave. and ends at Koval, at 5121 N. Ravenswood Ave, and the tour will cover about 16 miles. Riders need to bring their own bikes and helmets.

Brides on Bikes, October 9, 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., $40 a person via Fork and the Road