A few simple tips for the eco-chic bride that won't break the bank

As a bride, you are faced with many tasks and goals in planning your wedding. Increasingly, one of your challenges is to protect the environment but frequently, you can’t spend more to accomplish this goal. Here are a few ideas that can help you stay stylish and go green without going into the red!

VENUE:  Selecting the right venue to showcase your ideas is key. Look for a location with an awareness and emphasis on preserving the environment. Choose a venue that is easy to get to and nearby to save on a costly commute. Better yet, have your ceremony, reception and block of guest rooms all in one location to avoid costly, polluting transportation. Look for facilities that have live plants, recycling programs, non-smoking rooms and access to public transportation. Also consider the décor to ensure that your venue will require little enhancement to turn it into the wedding of your dreams.

JEWELRY:  Recently, a lot of attention has been paid to “conflict” gems. Consider buying estate jewelry or reset a stone already within the family for an added sentimental touch!

ATTIRE:  Your wedding dress doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Look into vintage dresses, wedding consignment shops, and even dress rentals. After the wedding, have your dress altered for use as a cocktail dress. If you won’t wear it again, sell or donate your dress to help those less fortunate!

FLOWERS AND DECOR:  Talk to your florist and get their valuable experience. Select locally grown, in-season flowers.   Find ways for each arrangement to serve double duty – as altar flowers first and then buffet centerpieces later as an example. For table centerpieces, consider using potted or plantable flowers. Also, use candles, fruits, beads, and silk petals. Consider alternatives to flowers in your bouquets and boutonnières that can later be re-used such as paper, buttons, silk, and even metal items. After the reception, ask someone to deliver the flowers to a local hospice or women’s shelter.

INVITATIONS AND PAPER GOODS:  Create a web-page for your guests to access that will give them all of the information that they require to cut down on the quantity of items that must be printed. Include hotel information, schedule of events, and directions. Consider using post-cards for both save-the-date notices and your guest responses. 

PHOTOGRAPHY:  Ask your photographer to shoot with digital rather than film to avoid the use of harsh chemicals. Request your proofs be in an on-line format rather than a proof-book to avoid all of those wasted photos.

FAVORS:  Make your favor selection based on what your guests will actually use or consider seeds or a small plantable tree and ask your guests to take part in your conservation efforts.

GENERAL:  Select vendors who are within a few miles of the location where they will be providing services and who share your values of preserving the environment.  Be open to their suggestions for even greater environment saving value.

As you can see, a savvy bride armed with a few ideas can do her part to protect the environment while she celebrates her wedding day.