Wedding season is nearly upon us, and chances are you're either invited to one or are planning your own. If this is the year for your trip down the aisle, you want everything to be perfect and set the tone for the happy years to come.

Mother-in-law-Zillas aside.

In most cases this is a big splashy event. You hope it will be memorable, but since you're a closet tree hugger you want to be environmentally conscious (and maybe use this opportunity to convert your stubborn relatives). Can you plan a green wedding at the same or better cost than a conventional event?

Rings
Set the right tone from the start by purposely avoiding blood diamonds (they fund conflicts in war zones). Ask your jeweler for a certified "conflict-free" stone or choose one from a peaceful country like Canada or Australia. One way to tie your past to your future might be to choose a family ring, even if you have it altered to suit your personal style.

Wedding Dress
Vintage is all the rage, and with period dresses making a huge comeback you'd be most unique in a repurposed gown tweaked just for you. Ask your mother or grandmother to try their dresses - there's your Something Borrowed. After the wedding, consider donating your dress to a worthy charity. Another alternative (especially if your wedding will be more casual) would be to buy a dress you could wear on another occasion.

Invitations
The last invitation I received had 5 parts: the invite, response card, bride & groom's information, and 2 envelopes. If you have these professionally printed and pay for all the send and return postage, it's a budget-eating waste considering 95% of the guests will chuck the invitation after the wedding. You can send out e-invitations through many different providers or spend some time making them with Photoshop, personalizing it with your own images. Set up a wedding blog where you keep everyone up-to-date on wedding showers, bachelor parties, and gift registries. If you use it as an online journal, it doubles as a lasting record of this exciting time. The best part is it costs practically nothing except your effort.

If you want a conventional invitation, look for a pretty recycled or handmade paper product. Another cool idea is plantable paper, which is seeded with wildflowers and makes a creative lasting memory for your guests of your special day. Use this paper for the wedding favors, too.

Venue
Choose a local venue for your wedding and reception to minimize travel expenses and pollution. Do you have a special environmental or cultural cause you support? Consider an art gallery, conservatory, nature center, or park. You can capitalize on the existing decor and save some money on decorating. If the location can accommodate your wedding reception, you won't have to plan twice for transportation and parking.

Flowers
If you can afford the extra cost, ask your florist for organically grown blooms. Better yet, make your selections from seasonal, locally grown flowers which are much fresher than rare buds that were shipped last week. In many cases, you'll save a lot of money too.

Food
Plan your menu using organic or local ingredients. You can scrimp on variety if you provide a beautiful, superbly prepared simpler meal with quality food and drink. Make your wine selections in the same way.

Gifts
Ordering the full service from Denby and Noritake is passé. You and your fiancé probably have many household items on hand already, so request a few signature pieces that will complete your household style and load up the rest of your registry with eco-friendly items like Energy Star appliances and ethically produced home décor. Register at merchants who carry Fair Trade and sweatshop-free products. Extend to guests who have traveled to attend your nuptials the courtesy of no additional gift - their presence is your present.

Honeymoon

Let's be real - you won't make it out of the hotel room often enough to make a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Bali really worthwhile (save that one for a special anniversary). Consider something within a few hours' driving distance, like a secluded cabin on the lake or a quaint Bed & Breakfast at a ranch. Book a sleeper car and take a romantic train ride through the mountains, stopping off at hot springs and other points of interest.

Every bride wants her wedding to be unique and memorable; after all, this is supposed to be a one-time event. Try these tips to green up your day: you might even save a little green, too.


Have any eco-friendly tips for a bride-to-be? Share them in the comments!