Click on each image for complete instructions and templates from Martha Stewart Weddings. I really like how the second one doubles as placecards as well.

Today brides are finding that the growing public concern for health and environment has lead to a dramatic increase in the availability of green wedding products. Many companies now offer green selections with options available for every budget. For example, WeddingCardPrinters now offers budget friendly, affordable wedding invitations made from recycled paper in a great selection of fresh, modern styles to fit any wedding. These budget friendly wedding invitations set the perfect first impression for your wedding without having a huge impact on the environment – or on your wedding budget!

Similar options can be found for just about every part of your wedding. Caterers are offering healthier, organic and local options at competitive prices. Florists are offering more environmentally friendly options. Many rental companies now offer hybrid vehicles for affordable rental prices. Decorators and décor craftspeople are continually finding new ways to turn recycled materials into gorgeous wedding pieces at amazing prices.

Post sponsored in part by WeddingCardPrinters.co.uk

I found these Natural Bamboo Coasters on Beau-Coup this afternoon and HAD to share! These coasters are made from natural bamboo and packaged in sets of four in lovely green boxes tied with a raffia bow and a For You tag. Here’s the best part – they are available for as little as $1.45 per set! Basically you get a complete wedding favor, ready to give with no work required for less then $1.50 per guest!

The nice thing is that coasters are a fairly practical wedding favor as well. These bamboo coasters are modern and beautiful – and are something your guests will take home and use for years to come! That in itself makes them even more eco-friendly because they are less likely to end up in the trash.

Other Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors from Beau-coup include mini bamboo plants, plantable papers and cards, eco-friendly wedding confetti and beeswax candles.

In recent years, brides have begun to take notice as well, and green or eco-friendly weddings are becoming quite popular. Many brides have decided that they want to be sure their special day is a true celebration, not a damaging one – and as a result, the bridal industry has responded with an ever growing selection of products and resources that are both eco-friendly and chic as well.

For the bride on a budget, here are a few eco-chic and affordable ideas for you:

• Choose a venue where you can host both your reception and your ceremony. This not only cuts down on travel between locations, but will probably save you money as well.
• There are many paper products involved in wedding planning, and it is one area with much potential for cutting back on both expenses and paper waste. For example: a seating chart poster uses less paper and costs much less then escort cards. A phone and/or email RSVP cuts back on the need for rsvp cards, envelopes and shipping! Gorgeous recycled paper invitations are also a great option.
• A daytime wedding not only cuts back greatly on the amount of electricity you use (lighting, etc), but is also generally more affordable as well.
• While organic food may not always be cheaper, a light lunch reception opens the possibility to choose organic, local foods without spending a fortune.
• Common flowers are not only more affordable then exotic florals, but if exotic florals often need to be shipped in from much further distances, meaning more travel, more emissions.

If you’re planning a eco-chic wedding, here are a few great finds for you to check out!

Photos #1 & 2 Courtesy of Conscious Clothing

Photos #3 & 4 Courtesy of Twisted Limb Paper

Photos #5, 6, & 8 Courtesy of Plant A Memory

Photo #7 Courtesy of Beau Coup

Photos # 9,10 & 11 Courtesy of Real Green Weddings

Photo #12 Courtesy of Fake The Cake

Apparently, in France, it is a custom to give guests almond dragees as wedding favors, but you don’t have to be French to love this fabulous favor idea. It’s simple, it’s green and it’s extremely budget friendly! 30 minutes picking leaves at the park, a sharp knife, some chocolate covered almonds and a paint pen – VOILA.
(see Parisian Party for more detailed instructions).

These would look absolutely fabulous resting on the cloth napkin at each place setting, and you could use them as place cards as well if you wished.

Today’s Focus: Wedding Rings made from recycled or reused metals and created stones or natural products including wood & stone.

One of my favorite finds has got to be Green Karat. Not only do they have gorgeous jewelry they also have a registry where you can ask your friends and family to send in their old gold to help you create your wedding rings.

Some of my favorite designs include:

From Left to Right:

GatbsyRedux $1875

Dune $1675 Anamchara $1450

Intrigued? Here’s a list of some other eco-friendly jewelers.

Brilliant Earth

Sumiche Jewelry Co.

Leber Jeweler Inc

Wedding Rings Made From Wood

Chicago Joinery

Touch Wood Rings

Coconut Jewelry

If you have an eco-friendly wedding ring/set or plan to purchase one we’d love to know. Just leave a note in our comments section. If you have pictures we’d love to seem them and while you’re at it, please share where you got it with our other interested readers. Thanks!