This article is edited by a professional wedding consultant.

The "Green Trend" is also known as ecologically (eco) friendly or environmentally friendly. These are products and services that are organic, recycled, reused, energy efficient, and/or meet strict social and environmental standards. This article answers some frequently asked questions and gives you some tools to assess wedding products and wedding services to determine if they are "green".

When selecting or using a wedding coordinator, florist, transportation vendor, food vendor or other wedding professionals, talk to them about using "green" products and services. Going "green" for your wedding can be quite easy and can even save you money. There are various "green" certifications and standards that will come and go - the point is to be balanced in your approach and ask good questions.

Key Questions

• What "green" products or services do you provide?
• What are the tradeoffs between your "green" products/services and others? (cost, etc.)
• Are there "green" products or services you do not provide? Why?

Beauty - Hair and Makeup

Be beautiful and eco-friendly for your wedding! Consider using natural hair and beauty products. There are specific substances that are not "green" and the list is constantly changing as scientific research changes. The easiest way to keep informed is to become generally familiar with the most important substances. There are many resources available such as Safe Cosmetics. Also on this site are cosmetic companies that have signed an agreement to use certified organic and natural ingredients.

Jewelry

Think about using recycled gold and other metals. Conflict-free gems are from regions that do not cause human and animal suffering and environmental destruction as result of mining and production. Look for gem producers that use eco-friendly production techniques.

Food

Some options to consider are free-range chicken, farm-raised fish, and chicken and beef that are antibiotic-free. There are intermittent anti-green practices within global regions that may effect what products are available. For instance in 2008 there was over-fishing of Chilean sea bass, so some "green" vendors did not have it on their menus.

Flowers

Fair Trade Certified flowers are one type of "green" certification - there are others. Fair Trade Certified flowers guarantee that workers have been treated / paid fairly, the flowers have been produced with careful use of water and energy, and flower production has not damaged aquatic habitats.

Paper & Cloth

Think about using recycled paper products for announcements, gift wrap, napkins, tablecloths, tabletop décor, and so on. Not using tablecloths at all is another option - this could help compliment the style you select - country rustic wood tables, reflective metal tables (used with colorful lighting), or exotic colored tile tables are just a few examples.

For tablecloths, napkins, and other related items there are organic-dyed materials like linen, flax, burlap and others. Using cloth instead of paper could save from hundreds to thousands of discarded paper napkins.

Transportation

Consider renting a hybrid vehicle or one that has high gas mileage. Group transportation (shuttles, limos), public transportation (trolleys, ferries), and foot power (walking) are also good "green" alternatives.

Energy

Many vendors support or utilize solar, wind, or other alternative energy sources. LED lighting is considered "green" due to low voltage. Candles can create a wonderful ambiance, and use no artificially produced energy at all. If using candles, use "clean" candles which do not create black soot that collects on the glass or that floats into the air - honeycomb and soy candles burn cleaner.

As you explore the balance between using "green" products/services and a fantastic wedding experience, remember that the time you spend on learning about eco-friendliness can benefit you and your spouse in your future life together.

We invite you to contact Weddings of Distinction vendors to assist you with all your wedding planning.

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