There's something special about the month of June that beckons lovebirds to tie the knot. Could it be the dawn of summer? Winter has officially made it's departure, however the blazing heat of summer hasn't gripped the weather in a choke hold yet. The air has a crisp smell - the scent of flowers in full bloom. Birds have migrated back bringing their lovely sounds and chirps. No wonder June is the month most people choose to get married.

Weddings can be a very costly endeavor. Particularly, if you are interested in "greening" your wedding and approaching it with an eco-conscious mind. But does it really have to be so expensive? Even in our current economy there are ways to have a frugal, yet beautiful wedding and still incorporate eco-friendly elements.

1. Keep it simple.
First and foremost K.I.S.S. (keep it simple silly) By cutting out a fair amount of unnecessary fluff, you can eliminate a great deal of waste and unnecessary expenditure. Some examples of items to cut out are balloon arches and streamers. Instead opt for live plants and flowers to decorate your wedding. At the close of the ceremony they will make lovely parting gifts and will help minimize your clean up.

2. Seed favors.
Seed favors are an unique and cost effective memento for your wedding guests. The packaging is tastefully decorated with botanical illustrations and a personalized wedding message is printed on the back. Your guest will have years of fond memories to remind them of your wedding through the plants and flowers these favors will provide their gardens.

3. Consider fuel costs.
Go local as much as possible to reduce your carbon emission. Buying local is always the preferred route, if possible. Of course you will be saving money as well by doing this. Less driving equals less money needed for transportation expenses.

4. The all in one location.
Many wedding facilities and churches provide all in one services. You can hold your rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception in the same place. Guests will only need to drive to one location. If you are really yearning to save money, holding the festivities at you own home might be something to consider. Utilizing what you already have at home or renting table linens, table utensils, dishes, fine china, flatware, chairs, etc is a great way to save money and reuse.

Most of us have heard of staycations - taking a local vacation. This idea is a good consideration for honeymooners as well. I can't tell you how many local resorts, vacation spots and tourist locations I've overlooked simply because I live within miles of these destinations. Often I think to myself, I'll visit that place next year or when I get time, expecting these local trips to eventually happen since the locations are so close. Well, I've lived close to 13 years near some of the most coveted vacation spots and I have never visited them. Vacations don't have to be long distances. Hit the local tourist hang out and live up on your honeymoon like a tourist.

5. Organic cake topper.
Instead of going with a large plastic cake topper that will get tossed away at worst or collect dust at best, consider a simple elegant floral arrangement on the top of the cake, with a coordinating set of accent greenery around the bottom of the cake. A natural flower arrangement is completely biodegradable, inexpensive and gives a fresh touch to your cake.

6. Wedding outfits options.
Go vintage and/or classic for your bridal dresses. Choosing a timeless style will allow you to modify and wear your dress again if you so choose. Renting wedding clothes or purchasing pre-owned outfits may sound unappealing but are actually great options. Most wedding clothes are in mink condition when they're sold. Therefore, you are purchasing an item that looks brand new at a ridiculously low price.

7. Bird seed.
Packets of bird seed to throw instead of rice are the way to go. Studies have shown that rice is actually harmful to some animals. Choosing bird seed allows your guest to still throw "well-wishes" and also be kind to the animal kingdom.

8. Plantable invitations.
Numerous companies will print your invitations on eco-friendly paper that is studded with wild flower seeds and plants. These beautiful invitations are completely readable and will provide additional fun as a garden resource. You can plant the invitations. Cool, huh?

There are truly lots of way you can be green in frugal when it comes to wedding planning. Gone are the days when extravagant, over-the-top celebrations are considered chic. Being environmentally conscious and financially wise is far more stylish. A few other resources to check out are eco-indextourism. and Recycle Your Wedding.

Eco Index Sustainable Tourism: ....features businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean that have been deemed environmentally and socially friendly by reputable environmental organizations and/or ecotourism certification programs. The goal of this site is to help responsible travelers and tour agencies choose destinations that are not only beautiful, but also benefit the communities, flora and fauna they will be visiting. TOTALLY cool if you ask me.

I hope you are inspired to make your wedding more eco-friendly and frugal or make some of these suggestions to a family member or friend who might be getting married.

Looking for gifts, apparels and novelties with a green theme? Check us out at
Sha~Dou!