So we covered eco-friendly wedding dresses, but did you know that your jewelry can be eco-friendly too. According to nodirtyGold.org the production of one gold ring produces 20 tons of mine waste. That can’t be very good. The waste can contaminate drinking water, destroy traditional livelihoods, and displaces indigenous communities.

Diamond jewelry can come from conflict plagued areas, where war and smuggling surround the diamond trade.

To buy eco-friendly jewelry look for websites and retailers that specify an eco-friendly process for their jewelry. They should have a mission to provide ecologically and socially responsible jewelry alternatives.

Sites like GreenKarat are committed to offering alternatives by using recycled precious metals in jewelry.

CredJewelry aims to source all its precious metals and gem stones from small-scale artisan mining communities that have a concern for the biodiversity of their local region. They have a policy in place to help ensure that they have eco-friendly jewelry. In order to achieve this we aim to fulfil the following criteria with our primary source partners.

Sumiche Jewelry Company offers both recycled and sustainably mined, fair trade gold and platinum, recycled silver, conflict free diamonds and certified Canadian Goose diamonds and fair trade gems.

If you are looking for something unique as well as eco-friendly take a look at Touch Wood Rings they are a socially just and environmentally sustainable alternative to precious metals and gemstones. David’s wooden rings are meticulously hand crafted, durable, warm to the touch & light to wear. Even in their use of wood they consider their environment by using birch bark which is discarded after the tree has been used for paper production and bamboo which matures in 6 to 7 years.

Remember the policy in eco-friendly living is Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. Keep the three “r’s” in mind when planning your big event. Be inspired to protect our environment.

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Kattia Gordon is the owner of Aleximani Events. As a wedding coordinator she is very passionate about her work.

Check out her blog with more inspiring wedding tips at www.aleximanievents.blogspot.com

Living in a new environmentally conscious age, we try to incorporate being “green” in every part of our life. How can you create a “green” wedding? If you have not currently pursued green alternatives, the idea of introducing “green” elements on your special day might be scary. Fear not for going green is not only easy but it is elegant and affordable.

Wedding Dress

An eco-friendly wedding dress should be made of sustainable materials. There are many choices for wedding dress fabrics which include cotton, peace silk, hemp, bamboo, lyocell, soy and milk. Various styles can be found on the Internet and various wedding publications.

by Threadhead Creations

The above dress is made from Floral Hemp and Silk, with 100% silk lining. This dress features a low cut sweetheart neckline that plunges to the empire waistline. The bodice is gathered under the bust for a flattering fit. The elegant low cut back is accented with a charmeuse drape. The skirt portion of this dress is fitted through the hips then flares at the hem, ending in a sweep train. Fully Lined. Back zipper.

Designers like Adele Wechsler and Jessica Iverson with her Terra Amore line have combined couture with eco-friendly materials. Jessica Iverson’s line consist of earth friendly silk fabrics. They are vegan friendly and uses eco-friendly dyes. 100% sweatshop free. The company also plants a tree for every purchase made.

Adele Wechsler Hello Africa

Adele Wechsler Sunray

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Authored By Kattia Gordon

Kattia Gordon is the owner of Aleximani Events, an event planning service in the NY/Long Island area. She has a passion for planning events and enjoys helping brides make their dreams come true. She is a mom of three and is married for 14 years.

In a time when the environment is one of the most important topics on the minds of everyone, even brides are looking to “do their part.”

Giving “green” favors to guests isn’t a trend - it’s a way for a couple to give back. Not just to guests, but to their children, and their childrens’ children. To the world.

As we become more aware of the consequences of our daily lives upon the earth, people are more appreciative of the little things - like the wildflowers they pass in a field while driving to work, or the perfectly blue sky on a clear, sunny day.

No longer looking for China-made pewter that takes extensive gasoline to export and ship, (mainly due to its weight,) guests are happy to receive plantable favors, bio-degradable packaging, and even notes on recycled paper stating that a donation was made in their name to an earth-friendly charity.

Seed packets and seed tin favors are a favorite among 2008 brides, as are lavender sachets among bridal shower hosts.

Companies like bloembox are making headlines on Oprah, the Today Show, HGTV, and FoodTV, and in major magazines like InStyle, Woman’s Day and Family Circle, with their “eco-friendly” floral seed favor tins and boxes

More companies are jumping on board, but it’s not a bandwagon their joining. It’s a movement.A change. A change in the way we’re all thinking. A change in the way we’re all living.

When planning your wedding, no matter what the theme, consider giving your guests an earth-friendly favor at your event, and make your mark on the world while making your vows to your partner.

Not only will you feel good about it, but your guests will appreciate it too!

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Authored by Tiffany Lamothe of Favor Bonanza.

Tiffany Lamothe is owner of Favor Bonanza - an online retailer offering wedding favors, bridal shower favors, anniversary favors, and more.