Green is the New White: Eco-Friendly Weddings on Rise in Britain

Forget the old bridal saying, and add 'something recycled, something homegrown.'

Environmentally friendly weddings are the latest nuptial trend in England. When we say green wedding, we're not talking green gowns and green entrees, but more figurative in nature.

A Reuter's news service story out of London reported that more and more brides and grooms are opting for recycled wedding dresses, walking to the reception sites over renting limousines, growing their own flowers and produce and other natural elements to the ceremony and reception.

A Google search on 'green weddings' revealed many companies that specialize in assisting engaged couples with planning a green wedding. GreenWeddings.net is home to Green Weddings, a wedding planning service specializing in green weddings. They offer everything from suggestions to eco-friendly reception and honeymoon sites, to organic catering and clean transportation options, as well as a wide selection of favors and invitations. They also offer tips for organic health and beauty.

There is another green weddings website, EthicalWeddings.com, which hosts a blog and a list of environmentally friendly suppliers in the UK. There are dozens upon dozens of vendors from every aspect of wedding planning.

One of the site's listings is OurGreenWeddingList.com, which helps couples plan a green wedding. The site touts that a true green wedding would be a "registry office affair office with no guests, no outfit and a quick glass of champagne." Of course it realizes this may not appeal to many, so they give many tips on how to be as green as can be.

The site offers many suggestions on how to have a green wedding, as well as offers couples the chance to register on the site to plan their 'green registry.'

From information gathered from all the sites researched and the author's conclusions, here is a look at how to go green for a wedding:

How to Have a Green Wedding Tip #1: Cut Down on Transportation

This can be done in many ways. The best way to achieve fewer emissions into the environment is to have wedding reception and ceremony in one location. This will prevent extra pollution from vehicles traveling between the two sites. Also, encourage carpooling between guests.

In the Rueter's article mentioned above, one bride commented that her wedding is being held at a church around the corner and she and her bridesmaids are walking to the church for the wedding ceremony.

How to Have a Green Wedding Tip #2: Avoid Destination Weddings & Hen/Stag Parties

Not only is airfare expensive, but it is also bad for the environment. Most likely a guest or two will have to fly in for a wedding or bachelor or bachelorette party, but keeping the wedding or party local as possible will prevent unnecessary pollution.

How to Have a Green Wedding Tip #3: Do Not Fly to the Honeymoon

Like the above tip suggests, flying is bad for the environment. Take a honeymoon somewhere you can drive to, or perhaps a cruise where you can drive to the port.

How to Have a Green Wedding Tip #4: Go Organic with the Menu

Try to get a wedding caterer to use as much local produce as possible. In fact, according to Reuter's, some Britain brides and grooms are growing their own veggies for their receptions. Also, using a locally made wine or beer for the reception is also a way to save on energy and transportation emissions as well as help out a local business.

How to Have a Green Wedding Tip #5: Go With Ethical Diamonds

Did you know such a thing existed? According to OurGreenWeddingList.com, ethical diamonds are those that were not involved in any kind of conflict.

How to Have a Green Wedding Tip #6: Go Green with Gifts

Many green weddings include a gift registry of a different kind: one that cash gifts go to the couple's charity of choice. In this case, it is usually an environmental cause. According to WeddingListGiving.com, some green weddings have raised upwards of $30,000 for causes.

Other ways to get green with gifts is to register with locally owned stores, places that abide by Fair Trade, places that offer items with limited airmiles on goods or to register online at sites like OurGreenWeddingsList.com.

How to Have a Green Wedding Tip #7: Go Green with Flowers

Flowers are green, right? Well, technically. But many flowers are imported. An idea to get greener with the flora is to grow your own wildflowers and make homemade bouquets, or just be sure that flowers are locally grown.

How to Have a Green Wedding Tip #8: Buy a Recycled Wedding Gown

GreenWeddings.net offers a few ideas on organic wedding dresses, which are made from hemp. (GetConcious.com was one vendor the site suggested). The site says the hemp wedding dresses are comfortable and environmentally friendly. If hemp is not a style he bride chooses, another green option is to buy a second-hand wedding dress.