Here’s the updated wedding adage for eco-conscious couples: something old (recycled), something new (non toxic), something borrowed, and something green.
JEWELS
As any princess (Disney or Jewish) knows, first comes the bling. Brilliant Earth has an exclusive selection of Canadian diamonds from the Ekati and Diavik mines that employ Canada’s environmental laws (said to be the strictest in the world).
And Green Karat invites you to recycle your old gold jewelry to design guiltless golden bands. Their 18k Vinea wedding band encircled with engraved leaf and vine motif ($825) uses 100% post-consumer recycled white or yellow gold.
THE DRESS
Don’t stop there – brides can don a stunning, pre-owned couture wedding gown and accessories from Encore Bridal (Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang and Richard Tyler are some of the labels).
FLOWERS
Gents should sport an eco-friendly beaded boutonniere if they aren’t into flowers. Of course, for all your wedding bouquets, be sure to choose fair trade, organic blooms.
INVITES, DECOR, & CATERING
For other sustainable steps, pop a bottle of bubbly and travel to Great Green Weddings, which covers everything from lovely invites on organic and recycled paper to vegan caterers who donate leftover food to organic flowers and eco honeymoons.
THE CAKE
And, of course, you can reduce your celebration’s carbon footprint by opting for a delicious, custom vegan wedding cake!
REGISTRY
How to be sure the green honeymoon will never be over? Register for a compost bin, his-and-hers Sigg water bottles and low-energy bulbs. And for home furnishings, decor and kitchen and bath items you’ll both love, register with VivaTerra’s all-green wedding registry service!
THE HONEYMOON
You can research green getaways further at Eco Travel and Green Hotels.
Image: tanakawho