Today more and more couples that are getting married are planning eco-friendly weddings. Every aspect of a wedding, from the bride’s gown to the hors d’oeuvres, can be planned to be ecologically friendly to the earth.

Wedding invitations, place cards, and thank you cards can be printed on recycled paper. Some companies that offer this service use tree-free recycled paper and print with soy ink. They also will make the wedding invitations with wildflower seeds embedded into the paper and include planting instructions printed on the back.

There are several companies that make eco-friendly wedding gowns and suits. This clothing is made using natural fibers such as silk and hemp that have not been treated with chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Often a bride that wants a green wedding will choose a gown, or dress, that she intends to wear at other times. Others choose to wear secondhand, or recycled, clothing that is often altered or restyled. It is even possible to rent clothing for the wedding party to wear.

When it is time to pick out the wedding rings, look for rings that are made out of recycled precious metals, such as gold and titanium. These rings are often one of a kind and are very unique and beautiful. Even precious stones, including diamonds can be recycled. Try to make sure that any diamond that you purchase is conflict free.

Many couples decide to have an eco-friendly wedding reception in an outside location during the day. Beaches, parks, gardens, and backyards all make a beautiful setting for a green wedding. By having an outside, daytime wedding reception, all of the energy that would be needed for a large reception hall is saved.

Decorate for your green wedding using organic flowers, fruits and vegetables that have been grown locally. Place potted plants on the center of each table instead of cut flowers. Use candles that are made from products that are natural, such as soybean wax or beeswax. If you want to have confetti use flower petals, and have your guests throw bird friendly seeds instead of rice.

Serve food that is organic and locally grown. Many caterers today offer menus that are pesticide free and use recycled materials. Choose cloth tablecloths and napkins and fine china that can be reused instead of anything disposable. If you do want to use disposable items choose ones that can go into the compost heap instead of the trash. In Berkeley, California there is a catering company that spends a few minutes explaining to the wedding guests some of their special aspects of an eco-friendly wedding. The plates they use are made from sugarcane, and potato starch or corn plastic is used to make their utensils. Everything is happily thrown into the compost piles at the end of the wedding to be turned into fertilizer.

There are many other ways that you can make your wedding more eco- friendly. When you are hiring the entertainment for your wedding reception, look for local acoustic musicians. If you are hiring a photographer, or videographer, choose ones that offer digital services to cut down on the use of traditional film. Ask to have your preview picture put on a CD or uploaded to a website where you and your family can make your picture choices. Have your wedding cake baked with free range eggs and organic ingredients.

There are many things that you can do to make an eco friendly wedding. It might not be 100% green, but remember every little bit helps.
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