Eco-Chic Weddings: Green Wedding Tips

Green is becoming the new white when it comes to weddings. Eco-chic weddings are becoming increasingly popular among couples.

Here are some tips when planning an eco-friendly green wedding, which incorporates ecologically and socially responsible products and services.

• Location: The first element to set the tone is the location. Environmentally aware pairs are opting for botanical gardens over ballrooms. Many couples are having their nuptials on untouched terrain, for example nature preserves, the beach, parks or their own backyards.

• Keep it local: Whenever possible, use local resources for your wedding. In addition to saving on transportation, you’ll be supporting small businesses and your local economy.

• Bridal gowns: Wear natural fibers like organically grown cotton, silk and hemp, which are becoming increasingly popular. If you are having a dress designed, make sure that it doesn’t contain any synthetic materials or chemical dyes. Many brides to be are also turning to vintage dresses or pre-worn wedding gowns from their family members which also adds a hint of nostalgia.

• Invitations: Use recycled or tree free paper for your invitations.

• Catering: When choosing your caterer, find one who specializes in organic ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan diets are popular for many reasons including health, ethical and environmental concerns. Speak to your caterer to discuss and create an interesting and delicious menu sans meat, dairy and processed sugars. For example, an interesting and delectable entrée would be herb-roasted seitan with grilled artichokes, Mediterranean grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze and wasabi mashed potatoes. Support local farms orchards and vineyards by buying your produce and wine there. The demand for ecologically responsible and healthy food is a growing trend overall in the catering field. Choose organic wine which is made from grapes and grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals which damage soil and water. There are many organic wine vineyards to choose from.

• Wedding cake: Find a baker that will make a cake with organic, natural and fair trade ingredients. Be sure to serve fair trade coffee!

• Transportation: Show up in style, Get chauffeured in eco-chic hybrid limousines or opt for the old fashioned horse and buggy.

• After the ceremony: Have guests toss freeze dried flower petals or ecofetti (biodegradable confetti). Eco friendly Birdseed or biodegradable rice is also popular.

• Flowers: Find a local florist who recycles everything they use from the flowers and foliage. Use potted living plants as centerpieces for the tables instead of cut floral arrangements. Select arrangements that can be replanted, and invite your guests to take them home to replant.

• Favors: Organic chocolates make great gifts with a personalized note printed on recycled paper. Jars filled with organic jams, jellies or honey. Handmade soaps or candles are a nice touch as well.

• Candles: Use soy candles, its romantic and energy efficient. They are cleaner and longer burning than regular candles.

• Photography: When choosing a photographer, make sure you chose a photographer that works in digital format. Digital photos are easier to share and much more environmentally friendly. No harmful chemicals, film or wasted paper. If you are set on film photography, there are less toxic developing methods, discuss this option with your photographer.

• Honeymoon: When planning your honeymoon, consider the rainforest in Costa Rica or an amazing adventurous escape at an eco friendly holistic luxurious spa in Africa or Fiji.

By Kristin Ciccolella, WedAlert

So you just got engaged...what now?

Happy New Year! Congratulations are in order for all those who got engaged over the holidays. Traditionally, many people "pop the question" between Christmas and New Year's Day. For all those who are beginning the task of planning your wedding here are a few tips and tools from WedAlert.

First, sit down with your fiance and go over the budget. The more detailed you can be, and the more you adhere to your budget plan, the less stress you will encounter. We have put together a Wedding Budget Checklist that you can print out for help creating your own plan. When creating your budget, you may want to consider the traditional wedding expense breakdown to find out "Who Pays for What".

Secondly, wedding planning follows a logical timeline. You cannot book the essential vendors such as a photographer, or wedding band until you have secured the wedding date and reception location. WedAlert offers a twelve month wedding planning calendar to help you with your upcoming marriage plans.

Third, begin to look for essential wedding professionals. The internet has made this task much easier than in the past, since you can compare vendors online from the comfort of your home, in your own time, and without travel. However, once you have narrowed down your selections, it is strongly suggested that you meet the vendors "face to face", and that you view personally all the items and services to be used in your wedding celebration. Start with using the WedAlert Reception Site Locator to search our database of Banquet Halls, Catering Halls, Mansions, Yachts, Hotels, Reception Halls, Country Clubs, Lofts, Museums, Restaurants, Gardens, and other unique spaces. Once you have booked your date search our directory to find all the essential local and national wedding professionals.

Fourth, focus on the details. Find the perfect gown, decide on favors, toasting glasses and other items to use at your ceremony or wedding reception. WedAlert offers another checklist to help you with purchasing all your wedding necessities. You may also want to find the perfect songs to walk down the aisle to, use for your first dance, or any of your parent or other specialty dances. Find over 1,400 wedding song samples in the WedAlert wedding music library.

Lastly, maintain a good attitude, remain positive, and have a sense of humor.

WedAlert also has the following tools and recommended articles to help you plan your upcoming event:

• Bridal Gowns and Bridesmaids Dresses
• Bridal Registry List
• Schedules of Bridal Shows in your area
• Honeymoon Ideas and Suggested Itineraries
• An online wedding consultant - Ask Mikki
• The Top Ten Planning Tips
• 5 Steps to a Fit Wedding Day
• Wedding Photography Check List
• Marriage Laws

Good luck, have fun, and best wishes on your upcoming wedding from all of us at WedAlert.