Maison Cuisine is committed to "greening" our day-to-day business practices, our service offerings, and every event we cater. Founded in 2002 by Danielle Barranco-Wheeler, Maison Cuisine is Chicago's Green Caterer.

• Maison Cuisine is a member of the Organic Consumers Association of Green Businesses
• Maison Cuisine buys local, whenever possible. We purchase fruits & vegetables directly from sustainable farms in Southwestern Michigan, seasonally.
• Maison Cuisine practices "green" behaviors, both in the office & at events, including:
  1. Office paper & print cartridge recycling
  2. Aluminum can, glass, plastic recycling
  3. Battery and light bulb recycling / use of CFLs
  4. Use of eco-friendly cleaning agents and hand soap

Here are a few green suggestions from Maison Cuisine:

VENUE

Choose an eco-friendly venue. Outdoor venues are favorable, as you don’t need added décor or flowers with nature’s beauty surrounding you. Also try to select a venue close to home. Guests will have to travel less, using less energy and fuel.

ATTIRE

For the bride, consider wearing a vintage wedding dress, or altering a family member’s dress. For the groom, rent your formalwear or wear something you already own.

INVITATIONS

Choose digital invitation over paper invitations. If you send them out the old fashioned way, find ones made with recycled paper.

LIGHTING

Opt for a candlelit (palm or beeswax) dinner to conserve energy. Another option would be too have an afternoon reception, where you are taking advantage of natural light from the sun.

CATERING

Hire a gourmet caterer who uses organic & local products. Have them prepare only what will be needed for the event. If there are leftovers, ask the caterer if the food can be donated to a local shelter, or at least composted.

REUSABLE DECOR

Use eco-friendly, reusable products, such as linen napkins. You can also use flowers from the ceremony aisle for the reception centerpieces. If available, use locally grown flowers.

FAVORS

In lieu of favors, donate money to a Green charity or give guests herb or vegetable seeds to start their own garden.