Wedding/Engagement Rings

Green- Conflict-Free Diamond
"Conflict Diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict aimed at undermining legitimate governments." - United Nations Security Council


Environmentally conscious individuals no longer want to be part of a trade that adds to war and unfair labor practices. Brilliant Earth offers a wide range of both set and loose diamonds. Prices are comparable to many average diamond distributors.


Greener- Antique Rings
These rings produce no environmental harm and offers unique designs. However, this option proves to be the most expensive due to the increased value of a diamond through time. Topazery is an online source with a price range of $400-$5,800.

You may find more economical options at local estate sales, antique shops or auctions. Don't feel like you must have a diamond. If you find a beautiful ruby or emerald, go for it!

Recycling family heirlooms is another option. Take your great-grandmother's necklace and his aunt's old pin to your local jeweler and melt the two items to create your dream ring. What a great way to honor both sides of your family.


$Greenest- Wooden Rings
"For the tree huggers- let the tree hug you!" Wear a hand-crafted ring that makes a statement of your love for your mate and the environment. Order custom bands through Touch Wood Rings. Price is based on wood choice, width, and style. Simply Wood Rings offers pre-made rings in a variety of styles. Prices range from $160 to $275. Take care of these rings with wood balm and refinishing throughout the years.

Centerpieces

Green- Soy Candles

Candles create a warm, romantic, and inviting ambiance in any room. With the use of soy candles, you create beautiful centerpieces with little harm to the environment. Soy wax (derived from soy beans) burns cleaner and the bean farming adds vital nutrients to the soil. Several candle options are available at Caterpillar's Candles. Twelve tea lights or eight votive candles cost $12.87.

Place the candles on a mirror in the center of the table and add flower petals or ivy. Combine different sized candles to add dimension. The cost of the centerpiece will depend on how many candles you use. No need to have a bonfire on each table.

Greener- Potted Plants

Plants bring life and a natural aspect to your reception. A potted plant will look great on a table, and just like your marriage, will grow and thrive long after your wedding. Herbs, bamboo, mums, or mini pine trees are all creative options. Make sure the plant is not too tall or bushy; you want your guests to see across the table.

Purchase plants of your choice at your local nursery and re-pot them in any type of container. I will use a simple terracotta pot to keep my garden theme in the reception. Planting tips can be found at plantideas.com.

The plants can be given to your guests or donated to a local hospital or nursing home. The price of this centerpiece depends on plant and pot selection.

$Greenest- Baskets With Fruit

Baskets can be found at a variety of places. Garage sales, thrift stores, and re-sale shops are the most economical choices. Many sustainable baskets are available at Pristine Planet and Original Good. Find a good deal on baskets and this centerpiece will be very easy on your wallet.

Decorate baskets with ribbon or string then fill with your choice of fruit. Organic apples or pears look nice. Gourds and small pumpkins are perfect for a fall wedding. Donate the fruit to a food pantry when the reception is over.

Wedding Dress

Green- Incorporate natural fabrics into your dress design.

You may compromise and use some dyed or unnatural fabrics. If you chose to go this route, try to blend some organic threads in the design, or line the dress with peace silk. Peace silk allows the silk worm to live out it's full life cycle. Olivia Luca supplies a wide variety of fabric that will meet your every need. The price ranges due to design, fabric, and details.

Greener- Purchase a dress made of all natural organic fabrics.

Hemp is no longer a drab, ugly fabric. There are many options for a pretty wedding dress. My dress (photo below), a hemp and silk blend, will come from Threadhead Creations. This company allows you to design a dress or purchase one off the rack. There are several style options and each dress can be personalized with color or apliques. These handmade dresses start at a reasonable $475 and can go beyond $1,000 for custom designs.

$Greenest- Find a used or vintage dress.

This selection helps both your wallet and the planet. A used dress depletes virtually no resources. Many former brides no longer want their beautiful wedding dresses and are willing to sell them for a few greenbacks. Ebay and The Dress Market offer used dresses from around the globe with prices starting as low as $50!!

A vintage dress is ideal for a theme wedding or a bride with an "old-style" flare. Antique Dress offers dresses and accessories from the 1800's to the present with prices starting at $195.

The most eco-friendly, economical, and personal option is to borrow a relative's dress. This will take care of something old and borrowed. Most importantly, you will share your gown with a special woman in your life.