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This is the season for beautiful summer weddings. Long flowing white gown, tuxes, cut flowers, special food & drink, and guests traveling from all over to share the day. There are countless ways to arrange all the bits and pieces of a wedding celebration. And there are some wonderful options for making it “green.”

According to a 2008 report on NBC’s Today Show, ”the average wedding creates fourteen and a half tons of carbon dioxide. That is two tons more than one person creates in an entire year. “ That carbon footprint comes from guests traveling by car and plane in addition to the fossil fuels required to manufacture and transport all the supplies, decorations, food, and everything else for the celebration.

It is surprisingly easy to go eco-friendly with a wedding. Plus, most people who go this route find that they actually save money (which is important, considering the average wedding costs $20,000).

I’ve been fortunate to attend and play music for a number of gorgeous earth-friendly weddings. One couple decided to make their day completely waste-free. They hand-wrote invitations on postcards made from 100% recycled paper (and even personally delivered some by bike). The couple held the ceremony and reception on a farm. All of the decorations and food came from the fields and gardens on site. Guests were provided with forms to buy carbon credits to offset their travel resources. They used a portable solar cell to provide electricity for the dance band. Even the wedding bands were made from recycled gold.

That, obviously, is an extreme example of a “green” wedding. But any small effort is a step in the right direction. Here are some ideas:

Serve seasonal, local food

Find a trendy vintage bridal gown at a consignment or thrift store

Send invitations using paper with recycled content

Avoid disposable table settings and decor

Choose organically grown flowers

Get creative with natural or recycled decorations

Encourage guests to carpool

Find a reception site that recycles

Register for gifts with environmentally responsible retailers

Borrow (and later return) all your friends’ holiday lights for festive lighting

Visit the websites below for many more ideas about saving energy and money at weddings and other celebrations. Get creative, share resources, and have a great party!

“Green Bride Guide” http://http://www.greenbrideguide.com/

“Great Green Wedding” http://www.greatgreenwedding.com/

“The Modern Guide to a Green Wedding” http://portovert.com/home

P.S. Special thanks to Tony and Betsy for the idea and inspiration for this blog!

About the author: Amy Sandeen

Amy Sandeen is the Executive Director of Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning. Amy grew up in Hastings, then lived in Minneapolis/ St. Paul for 18 years before returning to her roots. She is fascinated by the nature of humans and our relationship to the world.