Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Green

For a growing number of couples, commitment is taking on a deeper meaning. Many brides are going green, and understanding that taking a walk down the aisle shouldn't leave a carbon footprint.

It is possible to keep tradition while still adhering to a few simple eco-friendly rules.

Make your day one to remember!


Here are some tips for having a beautiful eco-friendly wedding:

The Rings
Vintage rings (family heirlooms or antiques) or rings made out of recycled metal are the green way to go. Also, avoid buying "blood diamonds" - not the DVD, but the controversial commodity. Do your research! These are diamonds that are mined in war zones to help fund conflicts. Go to Amnesty International's Buyer's Guide to help you through the process of tracking down a conflict-free diamond.

The Invitations
Use high recycled-content paper, 100% recycled cotton paper, tree-free paper such as paper made out of bamboo or plantable paper that contains seeds that can be put in soil, watered and grown. Work with a local green printer who will use less toxic printing methods such as printing with soy-based inks. Green printing is a growing business and it's not hard to find a green printer in your city, if you take the time to look. If you're really willing to break tradition and be alternative, go paperless with an e-vite.

The Setting
A beautiful outdoor setting helps to reduce one's decorating needsgood for your wallet and the environment! Choose a location that's in close proximity to most of your guests to minimize travel. Or, Native Energy, a great eco-savvy company, cane help couples figure out how much they should buy to offset the environmental impact of their wedding and honeymoon. If you want a hotel wedding, look for one that is Green Seal certified.

The Food/Cake
It's not just your out-of-town guests that fly in. So much of our food is imported and flown thousands of miles from other locations. All the air travel has a huge impact on the environment. Source local and seasonal food instead. If the venue you have chosen uses its own caterers, ask if they will prepare local, organic food and inquire about organic wine and beer. There are also many organic caterers and organic restaurants that will cater. Similarly, organic bakeries are becoming more common if you want to go for the organic wedding cake. Use real place settings (dishes, glasses and napkins), not disposables, and consider that buffets are much more wasteful than plated or family-style dinners.

The Decor
Opt for local and seasonal flowers and look flowers that have the VeraFlora certification (certified as sustainably grown). There are also alternatives to using flowers - get creative with personalized centerpieces. Also, talented florists can make beautiful arrangements with local branches, greens and berries. As far as candles go, choose soy-based or beeswax candles, not candles made with paraffin (which has been identified as a carcinogen).

Billie Misha
		About the author:
		Billie got her start in the media industry as a photographer. Snapping on red carpets and at film events, she quickly learned that if a picture speaks a thousand words, a blogger speaks a million. She has written for dozens of websites and online publications, and loves to scoop stories on the steamiest scandals, the biggest and best trends,and whatever else is making news RIGHT NOW!
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