Nice Day for a … Green Wedding - environmentally friendly weddings

E: The Environmental Magazine, May, 1999 by Elizabeth Hilts

* Borrow, rent, or use secondhand items whenever possible--such as plates, serving dishes, glasses and cutlery. When selecting gifts for attendants, choose antiques or presents made from recycled or sustainable materials.

* Donate reception leftovers to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

* Be sure to recycle all bottles and cans; include this in your catering contract.

* Avoid one-time-use items like wedding-specific decorations and over-packaged items like disposable cameras.

* Don't succumb to the siren song of the bridal magazine. These hefty tomes feature page after page of dresses and "necessary items" that most people rarely or never use. If you feel the need to access such information, go to the library or bookstore and browse away. Or check out one of the web sites devoted to all things bridal.

Another important way to reduce wastefulness is to select your reception venue carefully. When choosing a catering hall or restaurant, make sure the management is environmentally responsible (or will be to accommodate your beliefs). If you don't know of a restaurant of this kind or if you're getting married away from home, contact the Green Restaurant Association for a list of their members.

The essential thing in planning your wedding is this: Remember what's important to you! Maintain your commitment to yourself and your spouse-to-be. Rather than crumble in the face of family, cultural and consumer pressures, make sure you plan a celebration that reflects who you are and what is important to you. If you need further inspiration, check out The Alternative Wedding Book: Create a Beautiful Wedding That Reflects Your Values and Doesn't Cost the Earth (Northstone Publishing). Oh, and congratulations. CONTACT: Green Weddings Newsletter, PO Box 29292, Bellingham, WA 98228-1292/(360) 676-0266; Green Restaurant Association, 608 Arosa Street, San Diego, CA 92115/ (619)287-4261.

ELIZABETH HILTS, a Connecticut-based freelance writer, has had two greenish weddings.