Call it a reaction to conspicuous consumption or a desire for a more down-to-earth, authentic experience, but either way, a growing number of people are choosing to incorporate personal and environmentally sensitive details into their big day. And the results are more stylish than ever before. Here is your very own wedding dossier?say "I do" to these gorgeous, environmentally friendly dresses, cakes, invitations, and more.
Flowers
Locally grown and organic flowers are lovely alternatives to imported blooms, which are often tended by underpaid workers exposed to harsh pesticides.
Avi Adler New York event planners and designers Avi Adler and David Stark incorporate edible flowers, herbs, fruit, and pods into their stylish modern arrangements. 718-243-0804
Ariella Chezar The naturalistic arrangements of this Massachusetts-area designer and author often include organic and locally grown flowers. 518-584-8798
Oberle Botanical This northern Colorado company offers locally grown cut flowers. 970-581-5672
Organic Bouquet Order fresh-from-the-farm organic flowers via the Internet. You can also arrange for your local florist to order organic blooms wholesale. 415-331-4750
Planners
Masters of detail, organic wedding planners help thoughtful couples make delicious and beautiful choices that are ultimately also kind to the planet.
Organic Weddings Massachusetts-based Michelle Kozin put organic weddings in the mainstream with her consulting service, Web site, recycled paper invitations, and book, Organic Weddings. 617-367-1807
Rising Sun Catering This San Francisco team is devoted to sustainable and organic elements in every aspect of a wedding, from local seasonal food to hemp table linens. 650-589-0157
Stelle Events Monica Pallie marries style with sensitivity to the environment in her wedding-planning company in San Rafael, California. 415-218-8223
3Citron Caterers This Washington, D.C.?based event planner and caterer is geared to health-conscious cuisine and respects simplicity in food and decor. 202-342-3400
Dresses
You'll look enchanting in a pre-owned or custom wedding dress found on eBay, at a vintage shop, or through the designers and organizations listed below.
The Bridal Garden Proceeds from the sale of secondhand and overstock couture and designer gowns go to a New York children's fund. 212-252-0661
Conscious Clothing Crystal Miller produces a line of custom-made hemp wedding gowns priced from $525 to $2,000. 505-982-7506
Christina Hurvis Couture This California-based designer incorporates vintage and heirloom fabrics into romantic one-of-a-kind bridal gowns. 415-896-0116
Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation This Portland, Oregon, group sells fabulous secondhand and designer gowns at its shop and at 50 traveling trunk shows. Proceeds are used to grant wishes to people with terminal breast cancer. 503-252-3955
Preownedweddingdresses.com Brides can purchase or sell used wedding gowns on this Web site. Designs from Amsale, Carolina Herrera, and Vera Wang, among others, are available at good prices. e-mail: lee@preownedweddingdresses.com
Rings
Talk about bands of love: These jewelers go out of their way to ensure that their diamonds were not traded to fund civil wars or rebellions in troubled African countries.
Erica Courtney This California designer, who gives actively to children's charities, is dedicated to using conflict-free stones. 323-938-2850
Mia & Kompany Designer Mia Koniver is passionate about raising her large Hollywood clientele's awareness of the issues surrounding conflict diamonds. Fred Segal Couture, 310-458-8100
Jeanine Payer Located in San Francisco's original jewelry building, this small workshop uses old-fashioned artisanal techniques to create exquisite gold jewelry. 866-359-3579
Tiffany & Co. The classic jeweler has an excellent reputation for buying from environmentally responsible metal mines and from diamond processors and sellers who know the origins of their stones. 800-526-0649
Call it a reaction to conspicuous consumption or a desire for a more down-to-earth, authentic experience, but either way, a growing number of people are choosing to incorporate personal and environmentally sensitive details into their big day. And the results are more stylish than ever before. Here is your very own wedding dossier?say "I do" to these gorgeous, environmentally friendly dresses, cakes, invitations, and more.
