Jane Powerson green weddings
For couples with a conscience, the matrimonial journey starts with the right kind of engagement ring: the gems must be ethically mined (look up "diamonds" on www.trocaire.org for more information), and the gold is recycled, as gold mining can be very damaging to the environment. Vintage (second-hand) jewellery is also a possibility, as it is already in existence and makes no further impact on the planet. Of course, non-precious jewellery, or even no jewellery at all, is the choice of some people.
Dedicated eco-couples may issue invitations for the celebration by e-mail, but for those (or, more likely, their proud mammies) who baulk at the idea, there is the option of using recycled paper (see www.daintree.ie).
The fairytale wedding abroad is a fierce generator of carbon dioxide, thanks to the flights for all the guests. And in many cases - dare I say it - those same guests might prefer to spend their money and holiday time on a more relaxing occasion (minus a high-maintenance bride and groom). The greenest wedding is the one at the nearest church or other registered venue, while the most planet-conscious bridal parties walk to the location, instead of hiring gas-guzzling limos. Horses-and-carts or bicycles may also be favoured.
But what to wear? Earth-friendly wedding gear can be that which is previously-worn, as in a hired or second-hand suit and dress, or it might be clothes that the couple are going to wear again and again after the big day. Natural fibres are kinder to the environment than artificial ones, but cotton farming can be extremely hard on workers (look for Fairtrade or organic cotton). Fine silk is frowned upon by vegans and some ethical types because the silkworms (the larvae of the Bombyx mori moth) are boiled or gassed inside their cocoons: 500 die for every 100 grammes of silk. Wild silk, spun silk and Eri silk all allow the larvae to break free naturally and live; the bride who wants to be completely ethical should ensure that her silk comes from a factory where there are acceptable working conditions.
Florists' flowers can be seriously ungreen, with their burden of thousands of air miles, chemical treatments and worker exploitation. Solutions to this problem include growing your own, or getting someone else to grow them - after all, seasonal flowers are much prettier. Alternatively, live plants can be planted in a garden afterwards, or given to the guests as favours. (And speaking of favours, already many couples are giving charitable donations instead of chocolates, candles or other souvenirs.)
Food at the ethical wedding is, of course, organic or locally-sourced, guest numbers are limited, and the honeymoon is - naturally - as eco as can be.
Cynics may raise their brows at the idea of a green wedding, and, in fact, most weddings don't generate more CO2 or cause more earthly damage than your average corporate event. But the planet-conscious marriage celebration sends a precious message to the world: that the couple wishes to start their new life together without stomping all over the planet.