Ecowedding.org was featured in the May 25, 2011 Green Karat blog.  Check it out>>>

Congratulations! You've decided to "go green" for your wedding but that seems to add yet another layer of research to your planning process. We had the pleasure of connecting with Stacie and Joey Shepp, founders of EcoWedding.org, who after putting a lot of work into planning their own green wedding, decided to create an online resource to help others. Their web site is loaded with ideas but we are honored to share a few of their favorite tips to get you started:

Location.  Location.  Location  

Possibly one of the easiest green choices a couple can make is choosing a site that is close to family and friends. When the majority of your guests don’t have to travel they save on gas, airline tickets and overnight accommodations. 

  
Go organic! 

Being mindful about what we eat is an excellent way to be green and a healthy choice too. Find a restaurant or catererthat uses in season, local and organic ingredients. Be sure to share with your guests that they are dining on local, pesticide-free vegetables and humanely raised poultry and beef – they will feel so honored!

What to Wear?

These days “Eco” doesn’t have to be frumpy. There are lots of amazing designers using eco-fabrics for both men and women.  Today you can be “eco” and still have the dress you always dreamed of! A couple popular online stores are The Green Hangar Shop for preowned gowns and Lillipops Designs for adorable flower girl dresses.

Do You REALLY Need It?
Think about whether or not you really need stuff.  And if you don’t, use a web site such as JustGive.org to invite guests to commemorate your wedding by giving to charity. Another idea is to set up a myKarat® recycled goldregistry where couples can invite friends and family to donate unwanted gold that is reused, recycled into new wedding rings, or donated to their selected charity.

The Rings

Of course this is our favorite way to go green!  With hard-rock mining responsible for 50% of toxic pollution, commit to recycled precious metals and created gems for your engagement and wedding rings. Anything else won’t adequately reflect your love for each other AND for the planet. 

Many thanks go out to Stacie and Joey for sharing their story and inspiring this post! Visit their web site EcoWedding.orgfor more info on planning ecologically aware wedding and a diretory of green wedding vendors. Images courtesy of Holy Cow Catering and Lillipops Designs.