Eco-Friendly Weddings- It's Easy Being Green

Eco-Friendly Weddings (or Green Weddings) are becoming increasingly popular. From invitations to your reception there are numerous options out there that make going green an easy thing to do.

Going green for your wedding can start as early as buying your rings, and making sure that any stones or metals that you purchase are from reputable businesses that buy conflict-free diamonds and gold. When shopping for your dress, you can even buy one made from organic cotton.

Next, with your invitations, choose papers that are either plantable (embedded with seeds) or make from a renewable resource, like the Lokta plant. Plantable papers are available in several colors, and can usually be printed on with an inkjet printer. Lokta papers are often available in brilliant hues, making your invitation stand out from the rest of the crowd. If you aren't computer savvy but still want to make your own invitations, you may be able to find a printer that uses soy-based inks. You can eliminate the need for RSVP, direction and other enclosure cards by starting a wedding website. Keep in mind that not everyone will be able to access the internet, so you may still want to send out those extra cards to your older relatives. Combine the two papers for a truly unique invitation.

For your reception, choose options that might be slightly more expensive like using real plates and silverware instead of paper goods. Opt for linen napkins and be smart about what you decorate your reception with. If you are using flowers at your ceremony, "recycle" them for your reception. Use your bouquets for additional decorations. Afterwards, donate what you won't use in your home to the church where you married or give them arrangements to your guests to take home and enjoy.

For your centerpieces- why not make them edible? Use different height glasses and fill them with different candies. Flowers will only go to waste. Candles may be another option, but be sure to use soy candles for a cleaner, more environmentally friendly burn. Consider renting any glassware you might need.

For your wedding favors, go plantable again. From simple die-cut shapes with small paper tags or use plantable boxes for candies of your choosing. Again, if you choose something like candles, search out soy ones. They're much better for the environment. Any tags you need to make could be made with the Lokta paper. If you'd rather serve something edible, check to see what kinds of chocolates might be made in your state.

If you and your fiancé don't need gifts, encourage your guests to make donations to environmental causes, like the World Wildlife Organization (www.worldwildlife.org). Visit their site to set up a unique registry to help the environment as well as get other tips on going green.

For your food choices, encourage your caterer to shop locally, use organic foods, and perhaps do an all vegetarian meal (or mostly because there are many that like to eat meat). Even your cake can be made with fresh local, organic ingredients.

While going green for your wedding is a great way to help preserve our environment, you may not be able to afford every green option above, and that's okay. If we all do our part, even on a daily basis, we can insure our world will be better for those who come after us.