...well not exactly.  If you are interested in being a socially conscious bride here are some guidelines to help you in your quest – remember your mantra is reuse, recycle, rethink!

Invitations – the most efficient is to do away with printed invitations entirely and create an invitation that can be emailed either in a pdf file or attachment.  We are not suggesting using an online invitation site.  The truth is you can create a visually stunning invitation that you would not be possible with a printed invitation.  Think out of the box, you can incorporate design, color and pictures that delivers a much more personal invitation than just text.  That said if you must create a printed invitation for your respective grandparents who are not part of the internet generation - find a printer who uses soy-based ink and recycled paper. 

Transportation – find a car service that offers alternative-fuel vehicles e.g. gas-electric hybrids, natural gas and biodiesel vehicles.  Of course, there is always the horse & buggy which is the ultimate in green.

Wedding dress - there are fabulous vintage dresses available in stores or online for you and your bridesmaids.  If you buy dresses, find a style that can be worn again and again.

Venue – whether your reception is at a restaurant, nightclub or hotel, be sure they adhere to the basic tenants of being green. 
         
Catering – the food should be “organic” and follow the sustainable menu guidelines.  Leftover food can be picked up and distributed to local needy people by companies that specialize in food-rescue service. If your wedding is at a venue whether indoor or outdoors be sure to use china.  If your wedding is outdoors in a park, use recyclable and biodegradable tableware. 

Linens – all venues use rental companies for linens which are reused. You can take it a step further by finding a rental company that specializes in hemp linens.

Recycling – be sure that the venue or the caterer recycles all bottles, cans and paper whether the wedding is held indoors or outdoors.

Centerpieces – use fresh fruit and baby trees that either can be distributed to the guests afterwards or find a service e.g. Tree People who will plant the trees.  Another suggestion is to use vases full of succulents and bamboo that can be reused.  For your bouquet, use organic flowers.

Music – A DJ uses 90% less energy than a live band and a DJ does not take breaks.  A band requires a significant amount of energy for its equipment, amps and speakers – a live band’s equipment must be run harder and at higher energy levels.

Temperature – if you are indoors, keep the thermostat at 68 degrees as it cuts down tremendously on energy usage.

Technology – when you choose a venue, be sure they use LED lighting as it consumes as little as 2% of conventional lighting.  If plasma televisions are rented make sure they have received the government’s Energy Star rating.