Kisha A. Barner of Pure Ambiance Event Planning & Consulting

• Use organic flowers. Organic flowers are completely pesticide free and are great for the environment. More and more flowers are being grown organically, so there are definitely options.
• Use organic fruits and vegetables as centerpieces. Fruits and vegetables are naturally beautiful and make for a great centerpiece. If you're having a destination wedding, you can even use fruits and vegetables that are native to the country - a nice touch. You can have them submerged in water or not. Using a beautiful/unique vase or container will add to the beauty of this simple (and cost effective) centerpiece.
• Use recycled paper for invitations, menus, place cards, etc. Recycling is a huge way that we help out the environment. There are beautiful stationery options out there that could work with your theme and decor, while helping the environment at the same time.
• As a favor, donate money on each guests' behalf to a environmentally driven organization to give back and help with the environment. Be sure to include a small note at each guests' setting to let them know what you have done. It would also be adorable if with this note, you included an organic cookie/pastry of some sort.
• Rent or buy organic/hemp tablecloths and accessories. There are great resources out there that may very well have a color and fabric that would be beautiful for your event.
• Believe it or not, there are organic clothing options for the bride, groom, and bridal party. You could very well find something that is beautiful and beneficial to the environment as well.

Pure Ambiance Event Planning & Consulting

Toni DeLisi of Memorable Events, Inc.

I did a 'green wedding' last year. The accommodations for guests were at the campground where the wedding took place. One of the things we did was to collect hotel samples of shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, etc. from family members to place in the cabins for guests use.

The welcome bags were made from newspaper, the programs were made on recycled paper and small twigs were used to bind the pages together. The centerpieces were made from a combination of edible flowers and vegetables.

Memorable Events, Inc.

Candice Benson of The Finishing Touch, Wedding & Event Planning

Candice said: "Holding a Green wedding does not mean a Bride has to sacrifice sophistication or style. By adding a few Green touches, you will add another tasteful element to your decor and create a powerful message for your guests." With celebrities arriving in Hybrid cars to award shows and earth friendly party ideas grace the pages of Vogue, it's only natural that people want to incorporate the trend into their own most memorable event.

• Location: Make your wedding reception or event an elegant outdoor affair. This will cut down on energy used for lighting, heating and air conditioning. If you choose to hold your ceremony and reception indoors use natural daylight to fill the room with sunshine. If you have your heart set on an evening affair go for the use LEDs versus traditional lighting.
• Decor: Instead of printing paper place cards use natural items such as seashells or decorative stones. Write guests name on some thing unexpected adds an element of surprise to your wedding.
• Food/Drink: Hire a caterer that specializes in organic foods and wines and design a menu using local or seasonal, organic ingredients. Donate the left over food to a shelter.
• Transportation: Reduce emission by transporting your guests to and from the reception. Hybrid cars can be rented now from some limo companies as was done for this years academy awards.

The Finishing Touch, Wedding & Event Planning