Since keeping the reception simple and casual is the wedding trend for this year, the same idea can go to your wedding gown.   As you can imagine a formal cathedral train gown with luxurious beading probably doesn’t fit too well with a cozy backyard affair, this is the perfect time to find a less formal gown and save yourself thousand of dollars!

You don’t necessarily have to go to bridal shops to buy those three thousand dollars gown.  Many high end department stores or evening gown boutiques offer a wide selection of gowns.  Given that the less formal gowns usually don’t have as much fabric, embroidery and beading; therefore, the prices are truly attractive!

Jessica McClintock — $171.60

Jessica McClintock — $283.50

BCBG — $298.00

BCBG — $348.00

BCBG — $378.00

See?  Not only they are designer brand gowns, they are all under $400!  Because they look less formal, you will have opportunity to wear it again for some other special occasions.  If you don’t want to stick with a white gown after the wedding, simply dye it in your favorite color and turn it into another gorgeous evening gown!

If you, on the other hand, have been dreaming about the more traditional and formal wedding gown ever since you’re 3, why not checking out some pre-loved gowns around your neighborhood or visit an awesome website like http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/.

What does your gown look like, and how much did you save on your dress?   Take a picture of yourself in a gown and share with us!

As global warming and pollution seems to be getting more severe year after year, words like “sustainability management” and “eco-friendly” shouldn’t be unfamiliar to you anymore.  In your daily lives, I’m sure you know there are lots of things you can do to reduce the carbon footprint.  However, if you’re throwing a once in a lifetime wedding celebration, have you thought of what you can do to save the environment?

Being green does not mean your wedding has to be a tree-hugging festival, and it certainly does not mean you have to compromise the quality.  Better yet, if you go for the locally sourced flowers and food, guess what? It’s going to be cheaper as well.  Here are a few green and oh-so-chic items I’d like to share with you all:

Let’s start off with engagement ring, shall we…?

• Buy recycled gold and/or conflict free diamonds.  If you want it extra special, you may want to consider collecting the old rings from your family and friends, then melt it into one meaningful piece of jewelry.

Before you send your invitation to the print shop, have you considered using…?

• 100% recycled cotton (tree-free) paper or bamboo paper
• soy based inks

For floral and decorations, how about some…?

• Locally sourced flowers instead of imported ones
• Backyard grown plants and fruits
• Potted herbs
• edible centerpiece

Venue location: how are your guests traveling to the venue?

• I know destination wedding is ultra romantic, but please be considerate and try to bring the wedding to your family and friends dearest.  Choosing a venue in the city which is easily accessible helps our Mother Earth a lot!

Wine: it’ll be a great help to the environment if you choose an…?

• Eco-friendly winery where they use integrated vineyard management which eliminates the use of pesticides in the vineyard.

Your princess dress: have you thought of purchasing an…?

• Eco-friendly wedding gown which uses local production and fair trade wages
• Chemical-free fabrics, such as organic silk and hemp that blends colors with vegetable dyes

  http://www.adelewechsler.com/collections/ecocouture/rosebud/

How about wrap it up with a fantastic eco-friendly honeymoon?

• Sounds kind of new to you?  This is a wonderful opportunity to partake in some reconstruction efforts in natural disaster areas or help in endangered natural areas with protection efforts.
  http://www.sendusoff.com/ecofriendly.htm

Don’t you think it’s a great idea to host a green wedding?  While you’re celebrating the best time of your life, you are also saving Mother Earth and promoting sustainability to your guests.  If you had thrown or attended a green wedding, or planning to do so, drop me a line and share your innovative ideas with us!