7 Tips for Planning Your Green Wedding

At $20,000, the average wedding in the United States is not cheap, to say the least. It's rare to have that kind of spending power. So put your love and your wallet to work for the environment with these great green wedding ideas.

Before accepting or making a proposal, make sure you are starting the marriage off on the right foot with an eco-friendly ring. Conflict-free diamonds are a must. Try Polar Bear Diamonds, which follow strict labor and environmental guidelines. Another great option is Green Karat, which makes unique styles from recycled metals and responsibly mined diamonds. Any wedding needs something old, and something new -- which category will your ring fit into? A timeless vintage ring can be chic and trendy, not to mention environmentally responsible.

It's all about the dress. Make a statement in vintage, organic or sustainable materials. But don't stop with the bride's gown. Now, we know every bride tells her bridesmaids their dresses can be worn again; but it's important to truly choose wedding party dresses that can be worn again and cherished forever (not tossed out the day after). One rule of thumb: Fuchsia is not green.

Does lacy paper inscribed with checkboxes for prime rib or salmon, and its own little return envelope, really signify modern love? Paperless e-vites might be the most eco-friendly way to go, but if you want something more traditional, try recycled paper and ask for an online RSVP. Skip the printed directions and other info often stuffed into the envelope, and make your guests' first stop a Website with all the details.

A large part of your wedding dollar is spent on the location. If possible, choose a venue nearby most of your guests to cut down on their drive or fly times. If you have a botanical garden or park you support locally, why not ask if you might use the venue for your reception? If booking a hotel, consider a fuel-efficient shuttle to ferry guests to and from the ceremony and reception. Who wants a parking lot full of cars in their wedding photos anyway?

Local is the name of the game here. Check out wineries and breweries in your area. If there are none (or your guests' palates are too refined for anything but Chateauneuf du Pape) choose an organic or biodynamic wine alternative. For your meal, talk to the farmers at your local market to see what will be fresh at the time of your wedding, and see if you can order ahead. If you are working with a caterer, discuss local seasonal foods that you'd love to see on the menu. Chocolate strawberries for a spring bride? Yum.

How often can you shamelessly tell people exactly what gifts you want? Why not ask for some more meaningful items than the shiniest fondue pot in the store? (If you need help, check out our eco-chic wedding gift list.) Or register with a charitable registry like the IDoFoundation, which donates a percentage of the money spent on your gifts to a charity of your choice. Of course, the most eco-friendly way (although not as much fun) is to ask for no gifts at all... so if you don't need 'em, let your guests know.

To have and to hold... to pollute and to poison? Many traditional wedding flowers are doused with pesticides and shipped from halfway around the world. If you don't want to start your marriage with that kind of carbon footprint, try organic flowers or find out what flowers grow locally. Instead of traditional centerpieces, try potted plants that can double as gifts to your guests. (For some beautiful options, check out our organic flower ideas.)

A marriage is about love and a commitment to a shared future. The choices you make at your wedding can frame a lifetime: Live well by doing good. Your commitment will be everlasting. Shouldn't your wedding be sustainable, too?

Here's wishing you continued love for each other and the environment long after you say "I do."
Find tips on taking a great green honeymoon, as well as other green wedding suggestions, here.

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