Wedding season will soon begin in earnest, and I've lost count of the couples I know who are planning their nuptials.
But what I find really encouraging is the number of people eschewing the more wasteful, unnecessary elements of a wedding in favour of a simpler, greener and often far more fun alternative. The trend has definitely turned from showing off about how much money you've spent on your big day and creating an unholy mess in the process; now it's all about minimising your impact and using creative solutions to find greener ways of entertaining your guests in style.
The Indie Wedding Guide is a great blog for anyone hoping to make their wedding as eco-friendly as possible.
Related: Katie's Green Wedding Diary #1: The Venue | Katie's Green Wedding Diary #2: The Rings. | Bespoke eco wedding gowns at Gaia House
Despite the fact that I'm still very far away from even venturing into a bridal shop to try on dresses (my sister booked me in for some appointments, but I conveniently came down with the vomiting bug that weekend), we already have the rings sorted out. I'm actually quite surprised by that - and not just because my organisational skills have so far been less than good. I'm surprised because I'm actually really uncomfortable with the idea of wearing a wedding ring at all. I've tried to psycho-analyse myself to work out what the problem is, but I think I just have an issue with wearing a badge to tell people something that is ultimately just my and my other half's business. I always feel a bit odd going into a business meeting with people and spotting their wedding rings. Suddenly I'm party to their private business and can start speculating on what their other halves are like and how they might behave at home.
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If you're into going green for your wedding then the hardest part is finding a compromise between ethical choices and practicality, especially where transport is concerned. What is a bride to do when rain threatens and you have to get to the church on time?
Thankfully iChauffeur offer just the right hire service. Their Lexus Hybrid car is the next best thing to a horse and carriage, or a stroll to the church of course. Running on electricity and petrol the car is a great way to get just the right balance. Find out more form the iChauffeur website. [via Bridalwave]
If like Katie you're planning an eco wedding, finding a dress can be one of the toughest decisions you make. For many brides to be, a truly unique gown means bespoke and if you want to do the eco, ethical options, this design house offers just that. Sussex based Gaiahouse's service offers a design consultation with cut and fabrics to suit, a minimum of six fittings with the final one within 14 days of the wedding. If you can't wait, there's also a ready to wear collection made from 'peace' silks and mixes.
This traditional strapless A-line dress has a gorgeous pleated diamond pattern on the full skirt. Find it in the bespoke section. [Via Bridalwave]
Related: Hemp wedding dresses by Threadhead Creations
Our own bride-to-be Katie Lee writes:
Let's not beat about the bush: when it comes to your wedding day, it really is all about *you*. But there's no reason why the happiest day of your life (or one of them, at least!) has to come at the earth's expense. At least, that's what I think.
This year, after 12 years together, and 8 years of happily living in sin, Al and I finally decided it was time to get our act together and get married. But since we're both a couple of eco-bores, we thought it was only right that we try to do the whole thing with minimal impact on the environment. I'll be sharing all my experiences here in this weekly column, so if you've got any suggestions or can provide any personal experiences, please do leave me some comments - or contact me on shinykatie[at]gmail.com - I'd love your help!
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You carry an eco-friendly tote when you're in the supermarket aisles but what about when you're walking up the aisle? Your 'bag for life' isn't quite going to cut it on your big day...
Love Eco have come to the rescue with this Big Eco Clutch Bag, which got Bridalwave's seal of approval today as perfectly suitable for a wedding. You'll fit all your wedding essentials in here (makeup, tissues, mini bottle of gin) and few will guess at how green the bag really is: its buckles are vintage and the leather comes from remnants from the furniture industry and they're lined with bronze silk. £49.99 at Love Eco.
Ladies: We are now in a leap year, which means it's your chance to 'pop the question' on 14th Feb! (If you believe all that superstitious nonsense, of course.) So if you're dreaming of a 2008 wedding, why not check out some of the green bridal goodies you can do the deed in over on Bridalwave?
Today, they feature these stunning Te Casan shoes. Available in nude satin, with a bow over the toe, only 60 pairs of these 'Gem' shoes will be made in each size and they would look great with jeans later or dressed up with a pale summer suit too.
Related: New Eco Shoe range from Natalie Portman | Hemp wedding dress from Threadhead Creations
Wedding season will soon begin in earnest, and I've lost count of the couples I know who are planning their nuptials. 
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