Weddings are often an extravagant affair, with much money, care, attention to detail and time being lavished on creating the ultimate day for the bride and groom. If you are an environmentally and socially conscious couple, you may want to consider sharing your eco-savvy and social awareness with your family and friends by actively demonstrating how it is possible to have a “green wedding” and still maintain the essence of elegance and sophistication many expect from such an important event. It’s really not as out-of-the-ordinary as it sounds—last year, Brides.com estimated that approximately 33 percent of future brides and grooms in the U.S. are planning an

eco-friendly wedding. The quality and choice of products has so steadily improved that the green concept is spreading, allowing hosts to embrace the earth without sacrificing style.

Here are five tips on throwing a socially responsible wedding: Locally-Sourced Flowers

Flowers used at weddings and receptions have a tendency to be out of season and therefore imported. Transportation and care of these flowers requires extra resources. Try to use locally sourced flowers. If you want special floral arrangements that require shipment, consider fair trade flowers. The floral industry is currently under scrutiny for its poor working conditions, and fair trade flowers help to ensure that consideration is given to the worker’s conditions. You can also make your own bouquet with local or wild flowers allowing it to be as unique and creative as you are.

Outdoor Venue

Have the wedding outside, instead of in an energy-inefficient reception hall. If you have an outdoor wedding, you can utilize the natural beauty of the site to have fewer wasteful decorations.

Non-Disposible Utensils

Disposable plates, cups, napkins and cutlery can create masses of waste at large wedding receptions. Consider hiring non-disposable cutlery and crockery instead. If that’s not viable, try to use recycled paper products. Bamboo and glass are also great treeless options.

Green Gown

Does your wedding dress really need to be new? Consider a pre-owned dress–you can save a stack of cash by doing so! If you do wish to purchase a new dress, try to ensure that it is made from natural, organic materials such as organic silk, bamboo or hemp.

Erase the picture in your mind of a “Bride in Birkenstocks” with a wreath of dried flowers on her head. The modern bride wears her “green” with panache. For a completely eco-chic dress, take a look at designer Adele Wechsler (adelewechler.com) who designs amazing silk gowns

for the runway.

Eco-Friendly Ring

Diamond and gold mining are some of the dirtiest businesses in the world. The production of one simple gold ring results in 20 tons of mine waste. Buy jewelry made from recycled precious metals and stones. Check out a company called Greenkarat (Greenkarat.com) to find beautiful and socially responsible rings. And don’t forget the possibilities of transforming vintage pieces into radiantly recycled classics. After all, everyone needs something borrowed.

Getting married is one of the biggest commitments you’ll ever make. Take into consideration the environmental and social impacts of the occasion and use it to honor your commitment to the environment. You may even inspire your guests to go greener in the process? Share this urgent message that we need to protect our natural resources in the same way that a marriage agrees two individuals to protect and care for each other.