If you’re planning a green wedding, don’t forget to think “green” when it comes to your table centerpieces. Even though it may take a little more thought, time and creativity on your part ( like all aspects of a green wedding) it’s worth the effort. Not only are eco centerpieces important for the environment,  they’ll will allow you to feel good about yourself, knowing you’re doing your part - even when it comes to the most important day of your life.

Ideas for eco centerpieces are those that are made from natural elements such as twigs, flowers, rocks, water, decorative grasses, wheat, etc. Just say “no” to centerpieces that are full of materials that are environmentally unfriendly, such as plastics. Even though you could theoretically “recycle” centerpieces that aren’t eco friendly (by selling them on ebay after the wedding, passing them along to another bride to use, etc.) you never really know how that will work out so opt for eco centerpieces that are made from materials that are eco-friendly.

More eco friendly wedding centerpiece ideas: Look for glass vases or bowls that are made of recycled glass for your wedding centerpieces. After the wedding you can allow special guests or helpers to take the centerpieces home so they’ll continue to be enjoyed and used, rather than disposed of - very much in keeping with your eco-friendly theme.

You can hunt around for wedding centerpieces that are eco friendly, or create your own. Either way, its yet another opportunity to add to your eco-inspired wedding  - and you might even save some money in the process.

Some couples decide to have a green wedding because they are genuinely concerned about the environment. But there other couples who go the green wedding route just because it has become trendy.  These couples often make silly choices in planning their green weddings because they don’t actually take the time to familiarize themselves with what eco-friendly weddings are all about.

To avoid making the same mistakes,  you need to be sure you to do your homework if you intend to have an earth-friendly / green wedding.

Here are some ideas you should NEVER use for green weddings.

1. Using old “ratty” stuff

Being eco-friendly and being tacky are two different things. Just because you are encouraged to reuse old materials when you go green for your wedding doesn’t mean you should old “ratty” things that would turn off  your guests. If you intend to re-use materials like old clothes or old household items, be sure to wash and clean them thoroughly first, restoring them to pretty as new condition.

2. Using “recycled materials” that are not really recycled

Know what you are buying when you go green for your wedding.  Some stores represent that items are made from recycled materials even when they are not. Make sure you only buy from reputable stores that sell real recycled items.
3. Over-using paper - because its recycled.

Its tempting to think that because you are using recycled paper it’s a justification to send ten-page wedding invitations to 500 people. Not so. That completely defeats the purpose of having a green wedding in the first place.  Remember, the idea behind a green wedding is to reduce consumption of materials. Its not a license to go over board.  That’s not a legitimate green wedding. Use only a few sheets of paper for the invitation. If possible, send other less formal wedding-related invitations such as save the date, engagement party invitations, and bridal shower invitations  via email.

4. Sacrificing quality

Reduce, reuse and recycle - but not to the point where you would be completely sacrificing quality.

5. Recycling food

This is simply not an option.  Serving leftover food or using leftovers as ingredients to dishes presents a health risk and could result in guests becoming ill. The health department prohibits this.

6. Locating the ceremony and reception considerable distance from eachother.

Having the ceremony and reception located a significant drive away from eachother consumes much gas and energy, contributing to adverse effects on our environment.

7. Not complementing the theme of the wedding

Make an effort to practice earth friendly methods but do not overlook the appearance of your wedding. If the tablecloths you borrowed from a friend clash with your wedding color scheme, its not working. Either change the color scheme, or find another way to go green where wedding table dressings are concerned.

8. Using disposable dishes for the reception

The concept of a green wedding is to minimize waste as much as possible, so using disposable items for the reception flys in the face of what a green wedding is supposed to achieve.

Green weddings are not just for environmental activists. Anyone can go green for their wedding day.  But if you are thinking of planning a green wedding, do it for the right reasons -  not just because you are following the latest trend.

Remember, our planet is in danger. What more meaningful way could there be to start your life as husband and wife than by saying “I do” the green way.  Your green wedding will be a wonderful legacy.

Here are more green wedding ideas:

The traditional white wedding is getting a green twist. The “Green Wedding” is one of the fastest growing trends in weddings today, according to internationally recognized wedding expert, Linda Kevich - director of The International Institute of Weddings, and creator of the popular online wedding planner, SuperWeddings.com.

Weddings have become synonymous with conspicuous consumption, and that’s not so great for the earth. But there are many ways to make your wedding as environmentally friendly as possible.

Green Invitations - Rather than opting for  heavy card stock with environmentally damaging gloss or matte, choose recycled paper for your eco friendly wedding invitations

Eco Friendly Wedding Dress - The wedding dress makes the bride.  That doesn’t mean you need to create a heavy environmental footprint with a brand new dress that you’ll never wear again. Consider vintage wedding gowns or family heirlooms.  There’s nothing more meaningful than walking down the aisle in your mother’s wedding dress. It can be modified and stylized to suit your own fashion sense.

Other options: Some wedding dress manufacturers create beautiful custom made eco friendly wedding dresses for todays green wedding using enironmentally friendly fabrics like hemp, bamboo or organic cotton. Some even “upcycle” older gowns.

Green Wedding Gifts - As you prepare for your eco friendly green wedding, are you prepared to deal with the ending up with two toaster ovens or electric can openers you’ll only have to hassle with returning? Use your wedding day to promote some well deserving charities and eco causes. Ask your guests to make a donation to your favorite instead of giving wedding presents. Giving back is the greatest gift of all. There is much truth in these statements “you have to give to get”, and “to give is to live”.

Eco Friendly Wedding Flowers - Consider the season when selecting  flower arrangements for your green wedding. Out of season arrangements are often shipped from overseas adding to emissions. There are also a number of issues regarding the ethics of the cut flower industry, with many sources citing cheap labor and unfair work conditions. Where ever you live, you can be sure there is an abundance of flowers grown right in your local area. Better yet, go organic!

Eco friendly Wedding Food - Organic caterers are BIG for weddings now. They provide some of the best food that you can be sure is pesticide-free and delightfully delicious. Look for a baker that uses organic eggs and flour and other sustainable ingredients in the wedding cake.

Wedding Venue and transportation - Choose a venue for your green wedding that’ll be easy to get to. Encourage guests to carpool, or better yet, provide some shuttle bus transport yourself. Having the wedding reception for your green wedding in the  same location  as the ceremony also cuts down on travel and emissions.

Eco Friendly Wedding Rings - Forget diamonds;  eco is a girl’s new best friend! Today a lot of jewelers are “up-cycling” jewelery from older pieces. Take in an old family heirloom and have it re-crafted to create your own one of a kind wedding ring to add further to the eco friendliness of your green wedding.

There are more green wedding ideas than you might at first imagine when you set out to plan an eco wedding or “green wedding”.  Check out these green wedding ideas to jump start your own creative juices:

1. Use real flowers. A green wedding should have fresh flowers as opposed to ornamental, faux, or silk flowers which have been manufactured. While silk flowers these days may look as real as fresh ones, and are sometimes be easier on the budget, they aren’t as friendly to the planet. True, they can be reused, but after years of collecting dust, they will eventually end up in landfills.

2. Details matter.  Don’t overlook the small details when  planning a green wedding. You can go green all the way - from eco friendly favors to “green” confetti. The more you pay attention to small details that a resuitable for a green wedding, the more eco friendly your wedding will be.

3. Use natural light to your advantage. Instead of using a lot of power and electricity at your green wedding, look for a venue featuring a lot of natural light. Even better, you may want to opt for an outdoor wedding where the need for electricity will be minimal.

These green wedding ideas are just a few suggestions to get you thinking. There are many other ways to plan a completely unique eco-friendly, green wedding.  What green wedding ideas have you come up with?

You can learn a lot from an eco wedding blog. If you are interested in having an eco wedding, or just want to learn more about what this is all about, you should find a good blog that specializes in this area. Soon enough you will have a good idea of what goes into an eco wedding, how to plan one, and much more. Who knows, the information you find online may be all you need to push you into having your very own eco wedding in the near future.

The best eco wedding blogs are those that offer information on everything from the basics to more advanced tactics. For instance, a basic topic may be based around the idea and benefits of having an eco wedding. A more detailed topic could be how to create your own eco friendly favors. As you can imagine, more information is always better when you are trying to learn about something that can be as extensive as an eco wedding. You want to rely on an eco wedding blog that not only has a lot of information, but is also giving accurate advice and tips.

With more and more people becoming interested in eco weddings you should not have any issues finding a blog that specializes in this area. Soon enough you will be on your way to regularly reading several eco wedding blogs that supply top notch, high quality information and advice. Even if you never have an eco wedding, this knowledge is good for you!

What would a wedding be with confetti? While this is a big part of your wedding day, if you are the eco friendly type you may be a bit concerned. Fortunately, there is answer to this problem. You can purchase eco friendly wedding confetti, and in turn forget about damaging the planet on your big day. Believe it or not, more and more companies are selling eco friendly wedding confetti. In the past this may have been hard to come by. But in today’s day in and age this is not the case any longer.

So what is eco friendly wedding confetti? Generally speaking, this type of confetti is water soluble. This way, it is not going to last very long no matter where it lands. As soon as one good rain comes, all of the confetti will more or less disappear. To go along with this, all eco friendly wedding confetti is biodegradable as well.

Many people avoid searching for eco friendly wedding confetti because they feel that it will not suit their needs. Of course, this is a myth. There are many different kinds of eco friendly wedding confetti. It comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. As long as you keep an open mind you will find exactly what you are looking for.

If you are interested in eco friendly wedding confetti you do not have to look any further than the internet. You may also find a few local stores that sell this type of confetti. As long as you keep your eyes open you will find the perfect confetti for your big day!

Are you aware of how to put together eco centerpieces? If you want to have an eco friendly wedding your answer should be yes. You can create eco centerpieces that are cost efficient and beautiful. Even though it may take some more creativity on your part, it is well worth the time and effort in the long run. Not only are eco centerpieces great for the environment, but they will allow you to feel good about yourself as well. Talk about the best of both worlds!

Some of the best eco centerpieces are those that are made from natural elements such as twigs, flowers, etc. You do not have to rely on centerpieces that are full of materials that are bad for the environment such as plastics. Even though you can recycle centerpieces that are not exactly eco friendly, you never really know if this will happen. You will be much better off opting for eco centerpieces that are made from things that are good for the environment.

Look for designers who make glass centerpieces from recycled material. You do not have to worry about these making their way to the garbage because somebody will be sure to take them home.

What types of eco centerpieces are you most interested in? You can buy centerpieces that are eco friendly, or decide to create your own. Either way, this is a great way to add to your eco inspired wedding while hopefully saving time and money along the way.