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Saving The Planet- One "I Do" at a Time

Here Comes the Bride, All Dressed in ...Green?

Earth Day is April 22. But any green-conscious citizen knows that Earth Day should be every day! If you're a bride-to-be, your wedding is the perfect time to make Mother Nature proud.

Bigger and more extravagant weddings have made the wedding business a huge part of today's marketplace. Wedding parties spend over $125 billion a year in the U.S. alone. From the jewelry to the flowers, the gowns to the food, and everything in between, the wedding industry has a huge impact on the global economy and the environment. Planning a wedding often means spending money, a lot of money. The reception, ceremony, cake, flowers, wedding dress, music and other costs amount to billions of dollars. The cost of the average American wedding is now $27,825 and is still rising! This has a huge impact on our global community, creating waste, draining our environment and also wasting our own money when we could be saving it. In the spirit of Earth Day, take the time to look at where your wedding dollars are going; and add a little green (or a lot) to your wedding with these tips from Emily Anderson, author of ECO-CHIC WEDDINGS (Hatherleigh Press).

- An eco-chic wedding is all about location, location, location. Have the wedding and the reception at the same place- it will cut down on the amount of transportation pollution associated with your wedding and make your life a lot easier. You can also choose a venue that is already beautifully decorated, such as a church or park, so that you can save on both the cost and environmental impact of bringing in lots of flowers or other decorations. Non-profit organizations such as museums and cultural centers may also be able to host your wedding - and add a unique atmosphere and level of sophistication to your day.

- Wedding favors are almost expected these days, but they aren't necessary. And nothing says favors have to be something cheesy that your guests will never use. If you really feel like it's a part of tradition that you can't live without, be creative to prevent your wedding favor from being thrown out the minute your friends go home. You can "thank" your guests and give them a feeling of joy by making a donation on their behalf. Or give something edible like cookies, candy or fresh tea. The flowers can also be reused as a favor - or favors can be used as centerpieces - why spend more when the flowers are going to be thrown out anyway?

- Beauty is a huge part of any wedding. Of course you would like to look your best on your wedding day. Hire a personal trainer, start eating right and making yourself over if you feel like it. But think carefully about the cosmetics you choose. Cosmetic products often contain harmful ingredients that can damage not only the environment, but you too. Choose non-toxic and organic cosmetic products. Try hydrosols or essential oils instead of chemically created parfums - a little lavender might even help with the big-day jitters.

Have fun with your wedding plans, and don't be afraid to try something different. Whether you simply decide to go with a vintage wedding dress, or go all out and top it off with carbon credits for your guests, making decisions that benefit the planet means your special day will last that much longer. For more tips on how to have a socially responsible, environmentally friendly celebration that doesn't cost a fortune or sacrifice choice, comfort, or style, check out ECO-CHIC WEDDINGS or visit Emily's blog at www.ecochicweddings.com.

ECO-CHIC WEDDINGS Simple Tips to Plan an Environmentally Friendly, Socially Responsible, Affordable, and Stylish Celebration
By Emily Elizabeth Anderson
Hatherleigh Press
ISBN 1578262402
6 x 7 / 5 illustrations / 168 pages

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Emily Elizabeth Anderson is a freelance writer, certified yoga instructor, and an advocate of sustainable style. She has worked for VANITY FAIR, Donna Karan New York, and MARTHA STEWART LIVING, where she was the Event Director. Emily also studied interior design at the Parsons School of Design. ECO-CHIC WEDDINGS is the result of Emily's background in fashion, beauty, and design, and her passion for conscious consumerism. She lives in New York City with her husband David.