GREENWEDDINGS

From the location to the dress to the menu, there are dozens of easy ways to make your wedding beautiful and still reflect your personal beliefs in sustainable living.

In response to the growing global concern over the depletion of our natural resources, we have adjusted our daily habits to protect our environment, and we can do the same on the most important day of our lives by taking our wedding to that next level in eco-consciousness. With such lavish splendor celebrated in one weekend, we can reduce the effect weddings have on our planet and astonishingly, change doesn’t have to be difficult.

Couples who want their wedding to reflect their eco-conscious values can make some modifications to make theirs a greener wedding. The obvious way to greenify a wedding has little to do with recycled paper or organic foods. In fact, it's more about moderation. But even if couples want all the trimmings, eco-alternatives exist for nearly everything.

Going green doesn’t mean you need to spend the green. With the right resources you can create your environmentally friendly and fun celebration on a budget

While few local vendors market themselves as "green," some are willing to work with couples to provide more eco-friendly options, be it recycled paper invitations, beeswax candles or organic eats.

The key to a wedding that's eco-friendly (and stylish), is to simplify. Reusing accents or materials doesn't just save money, it saves resources. Work with what you've got nearby (and in season) and feel good about your efforts.

10 ways to make socially conscious choices and give back with your wedding:

1. With this Ring
A green wedding begins where any engagement does: with a ring. Don't start off on a sour note. Research the beautiful alternatives to stones that are mined in war zones and fund conflicts. A certified gemologist will be able to offer other suggestions, including:

* incorporating vintage rings, whether a family heirloom or an antique find; you can even have old gold melted down and refashioned.

* lab-created diamonds (green Karat's are set in recycled gold too)

* diamonds mined in peaceful Canada or Australia, certified as "conflict-free" under the Kimberley Process, an ongoing effort to reform diamond mining in Africa (ask your jeweler the questions in Amnesty International's buyer's guide).

2. Location, Location, Location
Your choice of venue sets the tone for your wedding day--and accounts for a big chunk of the money you'll be laying out. Spend it wisely! Consider:

* choosing a setting that's convenient to the most guests to minimize travel impacts

* having the ceremony and the reception at the same place, or providing eco-friendly transportation between them

* picking a unique local spot--like an art gallery, nonprofit space, organic restaurant or farm, green hotel, botanical garden, or green-roofed building--that supports a cause you believe in

* an outdoor setting that will infuse the whole event with a natural sensibility (and require less decorating too!)

* arriving at the ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage

3. Please Join Us
Your invitation is the first impression guests will get of your green wedding. Look for:

* recycled, handmade, or plantable papers processed chlorine-free and printed with vegetable- or soy-based inks

* a printer who will use paper with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content

* papers that aren't metallic or plastic-coated, characteristics that make them hard to recycle

* opportunities to reduce paper use, like sending a postcard (instead of multi-enveloped notes) for your save-the-date announcement

4. the Great Outdoors
Plan bachelor and bachelorette parties that will keep the theme green:

* Stay local (and spend more time with your friends, and less dealing with travel stress), or try something low-impact and outdoorsy like a camping, surfing, sailing, kayaking, or fishing trip

5. A Green Gown?
When it comes to outfitting the bridal party, green options include:

* buy something your bridesmaids (or even you) will wear again; or donate the dresses to charity after the event

* accessorize with a unique recycled purse and/or jewelry

* accentuate natural beauty with all-natural makeup

6. Set the Stage
Add beauty and style to your wedding décor, naturally

* opt for organic flowers, or find a florist who's diligent about recycling packaging and will source locally raised flowers

* decorate with branches, greens, berries, or live plants (potted or dried arrangements can double as favors)

* donate the flowers to a hospital or rest home at the end of the day

7. Mixed Greens
Showcase green culinary pleasures by basing your menu around local, organic, and seasonal foods:

* Ask the venue's preferred caterers and bakers if they can do your event organically, or find a caterer you trust to pick the best seasonal selections

* Make sure the venue offers comprehensive recycling facilities

* Rent real glassware, dishware, and linens instead of using disposables

* Have your cake decorated with organically grown flowers or other natural materials instead of plastic toppers

8. Lasting Memories
Whether you prefer film or digital photographs, look for a photographer who will do digital proofs to save paper and chemicals. Avoid single-use cameras

9. Giving & Receiving
For your gift registry, consider:

* include gifts for charity in your registry

* registering with stores that offer local, fair-trade, handmade, organic, or other eco-friendly products

10. Travel & Lodge
Begin your new life with a honeymoon that's light on the Earth. Consider:

* staying somewhat local - Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains are often considered "The Honeymoon Capital of the World

* getting around at your destination by renting bikes or taking public transportation