Tips on How to Plan a Green Wedding

On the average, hosting a wedding nowadays is going to cost you between $20,000-$25,000. But you can cut that cost, and, help save the environment at the same time, if you plan a green wedding instead! It's not really any harder to host an environmentally-friendly celebration. All you have to do, is to make sure you keep Mother Earth in mind as you make your choices. Read this article and learn some tips on how to plan a green wedding today!

1. Choosing Your Wedding Rings
The main problem with buying new gold, silver and diamonds, is that the usual mining process upsets the ecology. Excavating these precious metals and stones involves a lot of digging and moving of earth.

A tip on how to plan a green wedding is to forego buying new rings. You can buy your rings from a Pawn Shop or from an online auction site such as eBay® instead. Look in the "For Sale" section of your local newspaper to find less expensive jewelry that will help save the environment. Also, consider using family heirlooms, if any are available.

If you and your intended would rather have new, then be sure you choose a jeweler that sells certified gold, silver and diamonds that were mined in an environmentally-responsible manner.

2. Deciding On Your Wedding Dress and Tuxedo/Suit
It's easy to go "green" when it comes to the bride's wedding dress and the groom's tuxedo or suit. The latter are almost always rented, and the bride's apparel can be rented as well! Or, you may choose to buy both outfits from a second hand store.

Again, if you'd rather buy new apparel, then choose simpler designs like a fancy dress, instead of a wedding gown, and a suit, instead of a tuxedo, that will likely be worn again. To be even more environmentally friendly, look for clothing that's made out of organic cotton, silk or hemp. The "greenest" materials will be colored using natural vegetable dyes.

3. Finding A Green Wedding/Reception Location
Another tip on how to plan a green wedding is to use one location for both your wedding and the reception. This will eliminate using gasoline, oil and wear-and-tear on vehicles to transport you and your guests to a different location.