With the state of the planet on so many’s minds, it’s not surprising that more couples are considering ways to make their wedding day more environmentall conscious. Here are a few ideas to consider:
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  • Go Local  – Food & flowers grown nearby require less transportation, support local farmers, and are fresher! Go organic…all the better! Take advantage of the decorating & tabletop items you have on hand.
  • Marry by Day – Exchange vows outdoors in the afternoon thus keeping electricity costs down. For an evening reception, consider using softly glowing soy or beeswax candles.
  • Think Small – Throw a more intimate event which requires fewer resources and thus less waste
  • Give Earth-Friendly Favors – Skip the throw-away trinkets for a donation in guests’ names to an organization that you support. Of if you like, try tiny potted herbs, tree seedlings www.arborday.com or edible gifts such as fair-trade coffee www.groundsforchange.com   or organic chocolate www.globalexchange.org
  • Save a Tree – Print invitations on recyled paper with soy based inks
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  • Keep it Close – Try to find a location where you can hold the ceremony & reception without driving a long distance.
  • Pay it Back – Purchase carbon offsets from NativeEnergy, a vermont company that uses proceeds to fund cleaner, renewable-energy projects, such as wind farms. (You can even donate in guests names.)
  • Recycle  – Talk to your caterer to set up a plan to recyle bottles, cans & papergoods. Be creative, what else can be re-used? At our wedding, my husband (who is a potter), threw Raku pots which held beautiful orchids as centerpieces on the tables. When the night was over, each orchid in a personally made pot was a lovely gift for our bridal party.  Whether they do double duty or not, consider donating your blooms. Look into finding someone who can take your bouquets / arrangements to a local hospital, homeless shelter, non-profit office or a retirement home. 
  • Go all out – Dont’ think for a moment that to be green, you have to be boring.  ** Check out some photos from a faboulous Sasha Souza  Green Wedding ** and see here more info from Sasha on how to plan a Green Wedding. http://sashasouzaevents.blogspot.com/ 

Online Resources:

Portions of this article were adapted from Martha Stewert Weddings & www.treehugger.com

Want more info? Tree Hugger’s Guide to Greening your Wedding.