Green Wedding Ideas

You don't have to look like these ladies to care about the environment! Everyone has a responsibility in keeping our planet clean and green. When planning a large event like a wedding, you have a wonderful opportunity to set a great example for future generations.

We're still learning a lot about the new "green wedding" phenomenon, which is proving to be more than just a passing fad. Following hybrid cars, cleaner energy, and global warming concerns, it only makes sense that weddings can be green too. Even Days of our Lives is catching on -- characters Sami and Lucas held a green wedding. With an event that is ordinarily extremely wasteful, there are many ways you can still throw a fabulous Soiree without trashing Mother Nature. Here's a couple of easy ideas from the Sierra Club:

* Wear vintage or heirloom wedding rings.
* Use recycled paper for your invitations and cut down on the bulk. Postcard RSVPs get rid of an envelope and that silly tissue paper can be skipped altogether.

* Wear a bridal gown made from organic silk or cotton. This works for bridesmaids and moms too!

* Decorate with live, potted plants instead of cut blooms. At the end of the night, send them home with your guests or donate them to a local nursing home, hospital, or elementary school.

* Instead of disposable cameras, ask friends to bring their digital cameras and upload their snapshots to a shared Flickr or Snapfish account.
* Take an ecotourism honeymoon.

For a TON of great ideas that are simple and effective, check out their blog! Portovert Magazine also has some really wonderful resources.