By Megan Harris

Here comes the bride, all dressed in…green? The green movement is gathering momentum in practically every area of living, and weddings are no exception. Americans spend more on weddings annually than some third world governments have in their national budget, and any industry that large is going to have an enormous impact on the environment. This fact is causing some brides and grooms to think about their future in a whole new way.

It’s difficult to avoid leaving some sort of "carbon footprint" during your wedding. When you order flowers that are not grown locally, they have to be shipped. When Uncle Joe and Aunt Wendy fly in from California and your sister and brother-in-law drive in from out of town, carbon gasses are emitted into the air. The flowers and food grown with the help of fertilizers and pesticides create harmful toxins.

However, the conscientious bride and groom can still have the wedding of their dreams while also helping to protect their future. The amount of planning and added expense that goes into a green wedding really depends upon how far each couple wants to go. There are many options and several small steps couples can take which can have big results.

Adele Leonard of Above and Beyond Event Planning, says the simplest wedding is the greenest wedding. Leonard has been planning weddings for five years and says her efforts to be environmentally aware in her own life led her to incorporate the green mentality into her business.

According to Leonard, "it’s definitely possible to embrace the environment and reflect your views on your wedding day without compromising style." She also advises brides, "not to get overwhelmed, because you can really get swept up." Instead, Leonard says brides should consider how far they want to go before they start the planning process.

One very good principle to plan by, according to Leonard, is shop locally for everything whenever possible. This eliminates emissions and helps the local economy. "Shopping locally is a great starting point and makes a big difference." Also, borrow, rent, or buy secondhand whenever possible.

Caterer

Leonard suggests finding a caterer who deals with organic, locally grown foods. You can do this in several ways. First, simply ask up front when you meet with a caterer. Another way is to contact local farmers and ask which catering companies they supply. This will give you a good list with which to start. If you’ve already booked your caterer, simply call and ask if it’s possible for them to use organic ingredients.

You can also choose biodegradable flatware such as corn ware (yes that‘s right), potato ware, and bamboo.

Transportation

Transportation is one important element that can be altered to leave less or even no carbon footprint. Eliminate large vehicles, especially hummers and SUVs. Instead, rent a bus or trolley. The idea is to transport as many guests from wedding to reception as possible using the least number of vehicles. Another way is to use hybrid vehicles which consume much less gas.

If you really want to go green, have your reception at the same location as your ceremony, or very close and take a carriage ride. Many green couples are choosing to walk to their reception, which also spares the budget an otherwise potentially major expense.

Some couples are planting trees to curb the harmful effects of airline flights and car trips. Online carbon calculators such as the one at carbon footprint.com can estimate how much carbon dioxide will result from your specific flight or drive and tell you how many trees you would need to plant in order to offset or neutralize your carbon footprint.

Invitations

The traditional wedding invitation comes with several envelopes and cards, all of which are printed on brand new pristine paper. Alternatives include invitations printed on recycled paper, or simply send out web based e-vites. Even if you don’t want to scrap traditional altogether, you can avoid printing several cards with information for your guests by setting up a wedding website, with everything from reception time and location, to directions to church and reception, as well as hotel information for overnight guests. These are all great ways to eliminate waste and keep CO2 eliminating trees firmly planted in the ground. Again, if you have your heart set on a certain invitation with all the envelopes inside of envelopes, simply look for other areas in your planning where you can go green.

Flowers

Leonard recommends brides choose locally produced, organic flowers. This reduces emissions, helps the local economy, and spares the rest of us from exposure to harmful pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

If organic flowers are too expensive, try using potted plants. For centerpieces, use recycled glass or vintage glass from a consignment or antique store.

Wedding Gifts

Be sure when you set up your gift registry, that the items you’re putting on it are things that are sustainable. In other words, ask yourself if it’s something you’ll keep and enjoy for the rest of your life. Is it useful, well-made, non-toxic and does it keep money in the local economy.

If your coming into your marriage with a lot of stuff already and you’re wondering where you’re going to put it all, invite your guests to make donations to a charity or some worthy cause in lieu of buying something else to decorate your closet shelves.

Another creative green touch is to give away tree saplings as wedding or shower favors. Encourage your guests to plant and nurture new life in honor of your new life together as husband and wife.

There is a wealth of ideas, information, and options for brides and grooms. We’ve included several links to sites that offer more tips and green services. But, before you reach for that mouse and start clicking, remember not to let yourself feel guilty or become overwhelmed. Just remember, keep it simple and you’ll be doing the earth a big favor.

Carbon Calculator
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx

Green Wedding tips and services
www.abpartyplanner.com

Above and Beyond Event and Party Planning website offering green weddings event planning by Adele Leonard

www.portovert.com

This site came up time and again on message boards as the best green wedding resource site. Offers everything, including gowns, flowers, invitations, honeymoons, and contests.

http://www.greatgreenwedding.com/

Find invitations, rings, flowers, favors and more

http://www.naturaltreefurniture.com/LinksNaturalGreenWeddings.html

Links page offering links to several different services and sites for planning a green wedding.

http://www.beau-coup.com/green-wedding-favors.htm

Excellent site for purchasing green party favors and party supplies

http://greenlivingideas.com/weddings/eco-chic-green-weddings.html

Exhaustive site covering detailed tips and ideas about how to have a green wedding and how to live green.

http://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/category/Handmade+Wedding+Invitations/1/

Offers homemade plantable wedding invitations. You have to check out the site for yourself.

www.localharvest.org --find local producers in your area, offering farmers markets, CSA programs, co-ops and more.

www.greenkarat.com

Shop for wedding rings that don’t cost the earth more than just precious stones and metals.

www.pristineplanet.com

Serves as a comparison site and clearinghouse for green retailers. Compare prices and look for great bargains on eco-friendly items.

Books:
Green Weddings That Don't Cost the Earth by Carol Reed-Jones

Eco-Chic Weddings: Simple Tips to Plan an Earth-Friendly, Socially Responsible, Affordable Green Wedding by Emily Elizabeth Anderson

Love United: Romantic Interfaith Weddings--A Workbook For Couples Who Are Getting Married by Reverend Bardet Wardell (Paperback - Oct 2003)