How to Plan the Perfect Green Wedding

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Photo: Flickr/pengrin

5. The flowers and food

When it comes to choosing the food and flowers for your big day, you may think organic is the “holy grail” of environmental options. But certified organic food and flowers can be expensive, and your budget may simply not allow it.

Instead, select seasonal, local food and flowers: Just say no to chocolate-covered strawberries in February, roasted butternut squash in July and orchids shipped from overseas. And because local items travel fewer miles to reach your event, they will often be less expensive than products shipped from across the country or globe.

READ: Your Local Guide to Winter Produce

6. Guest favors

While favors are a thoughtful way to thank your friends and family for attending your wedding, the last thing your guests want is another impractical, throwaway favor: a cheap plastic wine opener or picture frame engraved with the bride’s and groom’s names.

When shopping for favors, look for useful or edible options that come in minimal, recyclable packaging: seeds bombs that turn any plot of soil into a blooming garden or locally made preserves in reusable and recyclable glass jars. Or make a donation to your favorite charity in honor of your guests, and present this altruistic favor with place cards at each table.

SEE: 7 Rad Gifts That Benefit Charity

7. Your gift registry

Now that you’ve settled on the favors for your guests, it’s time to think about your own gift registry.

One way to make sure you receive greener wedding gifts is to set up a registry at online stores like Greenfeet or The Greener Good that specialize in eco-friendly products for your home.

And no matter where you register, you can always look for sustainable options like products made from renewable materials such as bamboo or high-quality items that will last for generations and won’t need replacement.

Have enough stuff? You can register for the gift of experiences at Honeyfund, where you can ask for airfare, dinner and lodging for your honeymoon. Or you can solicit contributions for the down payment on your first home through websites like Honeyfund and DownPaymentDreams.com.

READ: HOW TO: Green Your Romantic Winter Getaway