The vows haven’t changed so much over time – a promise to love and stand by your spouse through years of job stress, debilitating flu viruses and the awesome task of bringing new humans into the world.

But how you stage your wedding celebration can reduce your carbon footprint, according to the new planner Green Wedding by New York Times style writer, Mireya Navarro (below). As she puts it:

“Some environmentalists say the best green wedding is the one that doesn’t happen at all. Elope, they say. On a bicycle. But couples who stick to a more traditional approach can still plan the wedding of their dreams and do well by the environment.”

Recognizing that the bridal industry is a huge money-making monster that preys upon fulfilling the fantasies of wanna-be princesses (let’s face it, the groom can end up as a prop), the book walks us down the alternative aisle, steering clear of costly corporate venues with throw-away centerpieces and factory meat.

And don’t forget that costly dress most women wear once and store away.

Instead, she highlights the inventive service and parties thrown by a handful of couples committed to both preserving the union of marriage and the resources of our endangered planet.

It needn’t be “wasteful and gluttonous,” insisted one bride. Navarro’s examples went down leaner and greener paths.

One young woman, call her the anti-Bridezilla, said her ideal wedding celebration was going camping, and so she did, inviting guests to a historic reserve in the San Gabriel mountains for a weekend of bliss that included a four-mile hike with a pack train of mules carrying food and luggage.

Another couple composted their reception fare on-site, served an organic menu and offered cocktails with biodegradable stir sticks. Another made a statement with a portable cart featuring solar panels that powered the sound system.

There are some good ideas for dresses (borrowed, used or made of eco fabric), rings and the gift registry. Navarro also takes readers beyond the day to planning an eco honeymoon and the life happily ever after.

The post Something Recycled, Something Vintage, Something Borrowed, Something Green appeared first on EcoSalon.

Why deliberate silver and China settings for that beloved bride and groom when you can give them three trees to offset carbon emissions…or eight nights in a luxury suite in southern Thailand?

The travel company Send us Off does all the legwork, setting up registries for the couple’s family and friends. It is run by a pair of lovebirds – Native Aussie Daniel Russo and world traveler Joanna Cade – who met and were engaged in the far off land of Dallas, Texas.

They figured they were rich in their supply of material goods for the house, and chose instead to focus on travel as a way to celebrate their own marriage. Later, their business was born over a bottle of Australian wine. Talk about compatibility! They both like to drink wine, travel and brainstorm business ideas.

Among the thoughtful eco honeymoon packages devised is a trip to Koh Phi Phi and other islands ravaged by the Tsunami of 2004. The island off the coast of southern Thailand is described as the most exquisite place the travel guides have ever visited. The couple traveled there and helped a local group with a beach clean-up, paining and construction, while still enjoying “the ultimate in luxury and pampering.”

The travel registry takes the financial burden off the couple for paying for the vacation while letting them think of the gift giver while savoring those memories of rock climbing or sipping that drink on the beach.

Here is a sample of the registry:

Other trips are available to Europe, Africa and the Lapa Rios private nature reserve in Costa Rica – built on a large tract of rainforest to support eco tourism.

To register, simply go to the site and fill in the blanks to help the company package the ideal romantic eco trip you envision. Just remember to squeeze in time for things money can’t buy: hugs and kisses, little love notes and plenty of rest in bed.

The post Honeymoon Registry Lets You Send Off Eco Lovebirds in Style appeared first on EcoSalon.