So how can you still be ecologically conscious when choosing out your wedding gown or the formalwear for the groom? By doing a little bit of research and checking out some options!

When choosing your gown, why not say no to white? Get a dress in your best colour and truly dazzle with your unique flair. Most of those super-white wedding dresses get that way from a toxic chemical process. Opt for not-quite-white and get a wedding dress made from non-chemically treated, natural, earth-friendly fabric. Examples of these earth friendly fabrics are soy, hemp silk, organic silk, organic cotton, organic wool, tencel and bamboo.

Purchase your gown from a company that supports fair trade and try to buy locally. Some local design programs have students who would be able to make your wedding gown for you at a fraction of the cost – and you can be sure no one else will have the same dress as you.

Don’t buy any one-time use items. Get a cute pair of strappy shoes and dress them up with accessories. After the wedding you’ll have a nice pair of shoes to wear regularly. Bags, wraps and any other accessories for yourself and the wedding party should be able to be worn or used again.

For the groom, incorporate some linen into his outfit. He can wear a linen shirt or even an entire linen outfit. If you are renting tuxes, check into the company and look into their dry cleaning processes. Is it an environmentally friendly process? What about any chemicals they may use?

By asking questions and doing a little research you can greatly reduce your ecological footprint on your wedding day.

The reception – one of the best parts of the wedding day. When planning your décor and menu try to keep some of these ideas in mind.

Grow your own flowers – try potted asters, impatiens, mums, dahlias, daisies, tulips, hyacinths, and miniature roses, which are all replantable. Paint some cute pots in your wedding colours and use them as centerpieces. Then your guests can take them home as a wedding favour! Look at using bamboo as a decorating feature or wedding favour – it is one of the most sustainable materials on earth and considered very lucky in a lot of cultures. Or use shells, pretty rocks and candles (made from natural sources like soy) to decorate your tables.

Re-use your decorations. By decorating the reception site with items from the ceremony site you can save a lot of money and waste. After the day is over, take your flowers and décor and see if there is a hospital or nursing home you can donate them to.

Choose a caterer that uses organic ingredients and locally grown foods which reduces pollution and the costs of transportation of goods. Serve local and/or organic wines and beers. You can donate your leftovers to a food bank or compost the food waste. Choose in-season fruits and vegetables, and try serving 25% less meat. For the meat you do serve, use free-range organic meats and wild fish with a low mercury content. Don’t forget about your wedding cake. Ask your baker to use organic ingredients.

Organic food is food that is grown without the use of pesticides, chemicals, antibiotics and isn’t genetically modified. By using an organic menu, you will probably increase your catering costs but the food will taste so much better.

Plan a general timeline to help keep yourself organized when it comes to your bridal beauty. Make sure to include your skincare plan, any major hair changes you might want, tanning, waxing and trial runs of both hair and makeup.

Your bridal hair should match the feel of your wedding dress. Bring a picture of your dress (preferably while you are wearing it) to your stylist so they can get a really good idea of the feel of the dress and work with it so your wedding updo compliments it. If you gown is clean and modern, a classic french twist can look stunning. For the bride looking for something a little dressier, go for something reminiscent of the ‘60’s and Audrey Hepburn. This type of style does well with jewelled pins for adornment. The classic bride goes for a traditional upstyle with contour and drama. A tiara is perfect for this look. For something a bit more trendy, go for a red carpet look. Bring in pictures of your favourite celebrity hairstyle for an updo with a twist on the classical. The romantic bride has soft, flowing curls and you really need shoulder length or longer hair to pull this look off. If your heart is set on this look, you can also get hair extensions put in.

On the day of your wedding, schedule enough time for you and your bridesmaids to get your hair and makeup done, to dress and relax a bit before the actual event. Make sure to eat something and drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated.

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular. With sun, sand and surf available, who wouldn’t love to get married in a destination location? Whether it’s in the blue Carribean, historic Mexico or sunny Jamaica, a destination wedding has all the great elements of a wonderful holiday to celebrate your wedding day.

Check out RIU Bambu Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. With an on-site wedding coordinator, décor and set, flowers, music and so much more included with your package, the only thing you have to worry about is keeping your tan even.

Or you could try RIU Ochos Rios in Jamaica – they include spa packages and breakfast in bed for the bride and groom. In Cabo San Luca, the RIU Palace offers three different wedding day packages and a wide variety of amenities for you and your guests. Cuba is less than a two-hour drive from Havana, and the world-famous Varadero beach stretches over 20 kilometres along a narrow peninsula on the north coast of the island. Amazing sites and fabulous views are a perfect backdrop to your wedding day.

Thinking about Hawaii? The culture adds a little something to the traditional wedding. Each island has its own identity, from the commercial to the small and intimate, each supplying a little something special. Visit Haleakala National Park or Diamondhead Mountian. Both of these locations offer breathtaking views. A wedding in Hawaii can range from a quiet beach ceremony to a lavish resort ballroom.

Looking for something different for your wedding day but don’t want to head to a beach resort? No other city is as unique as Las Vegas. Its skyline includes Paris, Egypt, Rome, New York, Venice and San Francisco, to name a few. You could be married by Elvis or an alien, whatever suits your unique style.

Wherever you choose to go for your destination wedding, make sure to research the local laws and marriage rules carefully. Find out a number of different activities your guests can take part in and leave a list with contact information in their hotel rooms with their gift baskets.

A couple of tips on choosing your wedding party. Size does matter – the traditional rule is one attendant for every 50 guests but you don’t’ have to stick to this if it doesn’t fit in your wedding plans.

More isn’t always merrier – the more people in your wedding party, the greater the chance for complications or personality conflicts. Blood is thicker than water – it’s usually worth including family members to avoid unnecessary conflict.

No “paybacks” – just because they asked you to be in their wedding party, doesn’t mean you have to ask them. It’s your wedding, choose who you want. Location is key – know what you are expecting of your party and where they will be. Will they be able to help out with everything you want?

Guys and Girls count – a bridesmaid doesn’t have to be a women, and groomsman a man. If your best friend is of the opposite sex, there is no reason they can’t be a part of the wedding party. A guy on the bride’s side is called an attendant or brides man, and a woman on the groom’s side is called an attendant or groomswoman. It’s that simple.

Other honours – if you are stuck, there are a lot of other jobs your close family and friends can help out with. A special reading or prayer, ushers, the MC or performing at your wedding.

Spread the news – once you have your wedding party picked, make sure everyone knows it. You don’t want the old friend from high school thinking they are in the wedding party when they aren’t.

The kids – your flowergirl and ringbearer are going to be an attraction at your wedding. Children should be able to walk down the aisle by themselves and close to you. A niece or nephew, or young cousins are good for these roles. If they are over the age of 10 and you really want to include them, make them a junior bridesmaid or groomsman or they can be a candle holder/lighter.