For those interested in a Green Wedding Ceremony you may want to check out the following sample ceremony from an outdoor ceremony at a State Park Sand Dunes from an AAWO member. Happy reading !!!

We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Groom and Bride. This beautiful, natural setting is a reflection of both who they are, and what they love. Nature has always inspired a connection to something larger than ourselves. It is ever-changing yet with a consistency that we look forward to. There is a pattern, a purpose, cycles of ebb and flow and parallels to our own growth. Love and marriage itself are undoubtedly a divinely inspired force of nature. For when we love it brings us closer to the divinity within ourselves and the world around us. The desire to share with the one we love every aspect of life, to provide security and comfort, love and
commitment, with the promise of forever is a unique aspect of human nature. In marriage we gladly accept that love is the greatest thing in our lives and that through surrendering to it we ourselves become infinite and limitless.

—

Authored By Marilyn

Marilyn, is a wedding officiant from the State of Maine, check her out at www.southernmaineofficiant.com

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!

—

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.

Today marks the launch of the “Everything Green Wedding Book“.  Being big supporters of green weddings we were very excited to learn about the launch of this book.  It is filled with lots of great tips on how to plan an elegant, affordable, earth-friendly wedding.

The book highlights how to:

• Make eco-minded, socially responsible purchases
• Choose a stunning environmentally friendly location
• Create or choose beautiful invitations printed on recycled or tree-free paper
• Hone your eco-fashion sense
• Enjoy a caterer of the organic kind
• Find the right romantic green honeymoon retreat
• Incorporate green living into your married life

The author, Wenona Napolitano, is a freelance writer, poet and mother of three. She writes everything from articles to web content. She is a trained bridal consultant and floral designer that specializes in weddings. One of her passions is helping brides-to-be plan weddings on a budget.

The Everything Green wedding book offers the following 10 reasons for having a green wedding:

1. Your big day can have a big impact on the environment; an eco-friendly green wedding can reduce that damaging footprint.
2. For those of you who are already living a green lifestyle it is natural to plan a wedding that expresses your personal beliefs.
3. You want to share your eco-friendly beliefs with your family and friends.
4. You can make a statement and raise awareness about environmental issues by having a fabulously green celebration.
5. You want everyone to know that you love the planet and you are willing to do your part to protect it, plus you’ve been dying to check out that organic gourmet caterer you’ve heard so much about.
6. Having a green wedding is a great way to support charitable causes.
7. Enviro-conscious weddings support retailers and providers of organic, sustainable, and recycled products and services.
8. You love shopping at thrift stores, yard sales, and consignment shops and a green wedding gives you the perfect opportunity to go treasure hunting.
9. You want to showcase your creative side by having a green theme wedding; naturally green, recycled retro, or vintage glamour…take your pick, you are only as limited as your imagination.
10. From simply green to eco-extravagant you can show everyone that you can have the wedding of your dreams while being green.