Sat May 17 02:45:52 UTC 2025: Okay, here are a summary and a news article rewrite based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

This article details two environmentally conscious weddings in India. Amrutha Pragasam, a sustainable fashion designer, planned a green wedding focusing on reducing waste, using eco-friendly materials, and repurposing items. Her efforts involved using seed paper invitations, handwoven attire, and avoiding single-use plastics. She faced challenges convincing her family initially and navigating logistical hurdles with the venue. Similarly, Uma Ram, a digital content creator, incorporated sustainable practices into her wedding reception, including waste management, seed paper invitations, and wearing a vintage sari. She had to persuade vendors and the hall staff to adopt green practices. Both brides emphasize that sustainable weddings are achievable through thoughtful planning and that they offer environmental benefits.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Couples Embrace Eco-Friendly Nuptials, Setting a New Standard for Sustainable Celebrations**

**Bangalore, India – May 17, 2025** – Forget lavish displays of excess; two Karnataka brides are leading a charge towards greener celebrations, demonstrating that weddings can be both memorable and environmentally responsible. Amrutha Pragasam and Uma Ram recently hosted weddings that prioritized sustainability, inspiring a new wave of eco-conscious couples.

Amrutha, a fashion designer pursuing a PhD in sustainable fashion, envisioned a zero-waste wedding long before it became a trend. Her wedding featured seed paper invitations, handwoven Chanderi sari, jute bags for souvenirs, and a complete absence of plastic, flex boards, and bottled water. She even had to secretly make her seed-paper invitations by hand. “It is funny — even when you reduce décor, the prices do not drop. You have to negotiate every detail,” she shared.

Uma Ram, a digital content creator, focused on waste management and repurposing for her wedding reception. Connect To Bhoomi, an organization promoting sustainability, handled the organic waste. Water bottles disposed of properly. Her grandmother’s 50-year-old sari took the place of buying a new dress. Moreover, she booked two buses in order to reduce the carbon footprint. She faced resistance from vendors, who initially found waste separation inconvenient. “Some argued, ‘Why separate waste? It is easier to throw everything in one bin.’ It took patience and a lot of explaining,” Uma recalls.

Both brides highlight the importance of education and communication in implementing sustainable practices. Amrutha had to convince her family, while Uma faced challenges persuading vendors and the marriage hall staff.

“Sustainable weddings are not about spending more; they are about spending smart,” Uma stated, hoping to inspire other couples to embrace a more environmentally friendly approach to their special day. Both Amrutha and Uma’s weddings serve as examples that weddings can be both beautiful and environmentally sustainable, showing that even small changes can make a big difference.

[Photo: Waste sorted and organic waste ready for composting at Uma Ram’s wedding. Credit: Special Arrangement]
[Photo: Amrutha-Ashwin’s green wedding. Credit: Special arrangement]

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