If you want to do a Green Wedding, here are a few tips: 

Starting with invitations , let’s go green: Send invites electronically or on recycled paper for the sake saving money and the trees.  There is an extra bonus with electronic route.  It saves fuel for delivery.

The Green Wedding Gift Registry should be for items that you will actually use and if possible, healthy for the planet.  With a little research you can find products that are environmentally sound and leave a minimal carbon footbprint. Another idea is to ask your guests to donate to your favorite charity.

Flowers for the Green Wedding wedding reception, ceremony, bride and wedding party can be organic (no pesticides used) or you can have tastefully arranged dried or silk flowers that make a lovely statement also. If nothing else but fresh flowers will do, how about potted plants that are native to your area. They can even be planted after the wedding.

The Condé Nast Bridal Group estimates that most brides spend about $900 on just their gowns, not including accessories. How about a vintage or hand-me-down wedding gown from a friend?  Gowns are used just once in many case.  If you absolutely want a new wedding dress, look for one made of organic cotton, grown without pesticides. Polyester is a petroleum based product. Grooms and ushers can get all-natural dress shirts made of hemp and all organic cotton.

Select bridesmaid’s gowns that they will gladly wear again, not with poofy sleeves and ill-fit.  If you do have dresses that remind you of the 1980’s prom check out HGTV’s suggestions for turing sequin and taffeta into stylish attire.

As for wedding bands, how about a recycled or heirloom ring or silver bands.  Mining silver is easier on the environment vs. gold which results in 20 tons of mine deposits.

The all important Green Wedding location should be in a central location that cuts down travel and fuel useage. To most people’s surprise, big cities might be better than country because urban areas use less energy per capita.

Food for a Green Wedding reception needs to be organic and using local produce is great.

Instead of wedding favors which add up quickly. Make donations to your favorite charities. For example a few acres of Costa Rican rainforest may be donated in honor of your guests.  If you absolutely must give your guests a sweet treat, try organic, local goodies like chocolate or wine. Really, does anyone need yet another tiny lace pouch of Jordan almonds?

Many travel agent’s offer eco-friendly trips and environmentally excurions. Hav fun and enjoy your day, the most important thing.