An Ethical Alternative to the Conspicuous Excess of the Average Wedding

Many happy couples are turning their backs on the traditional wedding gift list in favor of a more ethical approach to their big day. If you are put off by the materialism and "me, me, me" aspect of modern weddings, then why not plan your day to reflect your personal philosophy and beliefs? It's not just gift lists that are being replaced. Conscientious brides and grooms are putting a lot of thought into making every part of their wedding day more ecologically sound, from purchasing fair trade flowers to using organic food in the catering.

With the cost of the average wedding reported to be around £17,000, a rising number of couples are beginning to question just where that money goes. In these times of environmental awareness and social responsibility, a lot of people are looking at how they can arrange their special day with these ethical principles in mind.

A growing number of wedding gift lists are being substituted for the more selfless idea of charity lists. The fact that many people live together nowadays before they get married, means that they already have all the household items they actually need. Rather than ask their guests for gratuitous symbols of consumption, some couples are choosing to support a good cause instead. Guests are asked to donate to charity in a range of ways, from buying a cow or a camel for a third world community, to planting trees to create a woodland grove.

"Green" issues can come into every aspect of wedding planning, from finding "conflict-free" wedding rings to environmentally-friendly confetti and wedding invitations made from recycled paper. More and more people are choosing to follow an ethically-aware lifestyle, so it makes sense for their wedding day to follow their beliefs. Ways to cut down on waste and food miles include using local and organic produce for the food, or even asking a friend or relative to make the wedding cake. Wedding flowers are another controversial issue, with many cheap non-fair trade flowers being flown in from abroad. Locally produced fair trade flowers are a more suitable option for the ethical bride.

When planning your wedding the wedding dress can be a huge expense. With regular reports of exploitative child labor in the clothing industry, ethical brides are conscious not just of the aesthetic appeal of their bridal gown, but the social and environmental impact of it's production. Fortunately there is a range of ethical wedding gowns on the market these days to meet this demand. Beautiful organic wedding dresses, made from organic cotton are a good choice, as are fair trade silk bridesmaid dresses. Some designers are creating wonderful unique wedding dresses from recycled fabrics such as vintage silk. Hemp is another popular eco-friendly material.

So, if the excess of modern weddings is not for you, you can choose to use your wedding day as an opportunity to give something back.

Simon Phillips is a successful freelance writer and regular contributor to http://www.discount-wedding-dresses.com, your one stop source for finding the best deals on wedding favors, bridal gowns, wedding accessories and more!

---

Legislating Morality: The Sanction of Marriage

Biologically, a coupling between male and female (with some very... Read More

A Tale of Two Weddings

In the next six months, my... Read More

The Perfect String Quartet Repertoire for Your Wedding

Here follows suggestions and tips that will help you determine... Read More

Wedding Budget - What Can You Do To Shave It, Yet Still Have A Memorable Wedding?

OK, so you have your heart set on the top... Read More

Ten Ways to Have an Irish Wedding

Honor your Emerald Isle heritage with traditions that are romantic,... Read More

Make Sure You Do: Before You Say ?I Do?

Tina Turner asked an important question in the title of... Read More

Family Law

A frustrating lack of permanence plagues modern relationships. Approximately one... Read More

Creative Wedding Cards

You invitation is a reflection on the type of wedding... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 10

What about this business of food for lovers? Is it... Read More

Rose Petals Add The Perfect Touch For A Wedding

Rose petals will add luxury to a wedding day or... Read More

Keeping A Marriage Romantic

My belief is that most relationship problems should be given... Read More

The Wedding Aisle - Who is Walking You Down it?

Choosing who should walk down the aisle with you is... Read More

Trust in Marriage

A couple should trust each other in many ways. When... Read More

Let Your Wedding Flowers Speak the Language of Love

Congratulations! You have found the man of your dreams and... Read More

Beautiful Balloon Wedding Decorations

Need a quick idea to dress up a mediocre wedding?... Read More

Organising your Wedding Stationery

Of all the things you need to do, buy and... Read More

Mens Diamond Rings ? The Ultimate Wedding Ring For The Modern Man

Mens diamond rings are becoming more and more popular with... Read More

How to Save Money on Wedding Photography

All brides want that one photograph that perfectly captures the... Read More

The Brides Greatest Ally

On Friday, 1st May 1835, Mr Charles Dickens, the creator... Read More

How Wives with Cheating Husbands Can Gain the Upper Hand

Too many wives with cheating husbands put up with their... Read More

Bridal Accessories To Complete Your Wedding Look

Bridal accessories are as necessary to complete the bridal look,... Read More

Wedding Insurance ? Peace of Mind for Your Perfect Day?

With the average cost of a wedding around £17,000 you... Read More

Whats a Goldfish Doing at a Wedding?

Time was when you'd open a wedding invitation you'd find... Read More

Why You Should Buy that Wedding Gift from the Gift Registry - OR, the Wedding Gifts from Hell!

When you come to choose a wedding gift it's no... Read More

Sending Out Your Wedding Invitations

It really doesn't matter if you are planning to have... Read More

Infidelity: How ?My Marriage Made Me Do It? is a Cop-out

Ask someone why they had, or are having an affair... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 3

Remember the frenzy of the paparazzi when they caught Sarah... Read More

How to Enhance and Enrich Your Marriage

Any marriage counselor will tell you that one of the... Read More

Seven Ways to Survive a Remodel (And Save Your Marriage) Tips from Pisa Design, Inc

Remodels are tough on everyone. The house is out of... Read More

Bridal Shop Owner Reveals Insider Secrets Every Bride Should Know

Your wedding is nine months away and you decide to... Read More

Wedding Anniversary Signature Frame ? The Perfect Anniversary Gift!

So you're having a wedding anniversary. Congratulations! It's quite a... Read More

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

When people think about great love stories, more often than... Read More

Wedding Planning Ideas and Guidelines

Wedding planning is a difficult task for everyone. Unless you... Read More