Color me green

Not the green of envy, but the green of earth-friendly, eco-chic! More and more couples getting married today are looking for innovative ways of showing their own committment to helping Mother Earth stay green by looking for earth-friendly wedding guest favors and reception decor. Below are just a few ideas, Love U Mean It has many more ideas which can be shared during your initial consultation;

1. PACKAGED SEEDS ... what's easier than a trip to your local home improvement center to pick out seed packets? Inexpensive and colorful, many seeds attract a variety of butterflys, birds and bees and lend not only beauty, but fragrance to the home garden. Check to be certain that you're selecting the right flowers for your growing zone, then choose two or three packets of flowers, staple at the top and adorn with a ribbon and gift tag. Flowers not your style? Try herbs and spices for a change of pace, or mix it up and include flowers and herbs! As quick as you can say "I Do", you've got a sensible, eco-chic wedding favor!

2. LOVE TAG SEEDED FAVOR & PLACECARDS ... The creative folks over at Milkweed Cafe (www.milkweedcafe/partyfavors.htm) have taken flower seeds one step further with their plantable paper seeded Love tags that serve the dual purpose of being guest favor and placecard. You can even choose the paper color, ink color and ribbon for this awesome, eco chic find.

3. HIGH EFFICIENCY LIGHT BULBS ... Ok, so this isn't your typical romantic guest favor, but think about it; these light bulbs can last up to 10 years longer than standard light bulbs and are up to 5 times more efficient. They're an excellent way to reduce household energy expences. And what's more important, you're the light of each others lives - how is that not romantic?

4. TREES ... Trees are a gift that can last a lifetime and will remind your guests of your special day every time they see the tree. Lots of organizations sell miniature trees (in little tubes) that can be planted indoors or out.

Check out the Arbor Day Foundation (http://arborday.org/shopping/gifttrees/weddings.cfm) for more information and pricing. Tree in a tube not your cup of tea? Consider a small "topiary" placecard holder like the ones available from Kate Aspen (www.kateaspen.com).

5. BIODEGRADABLE WEDDING CONFETTI ... Tossing rice is a no-no, bird seed is out of favor as well, why not give your guests something fun to toss that's also easy on the environment? Personally, I like the biodegradable wedding confetti available at Favor Creative (see http://www.favorcreative.com/product/biodegradable-wedding-confetti--set-of-12-ka28046.aspx).

6. DONATE, DONATE, DONATE ... Most of us have enough stuff sitting around our homes, including things we received as wedding guest favors but haven't touched since we got home from the wedding. When you and your groom are considering what new "thing" your guests would most appreciate, why not consider a gift of donation? The American Humane Society, ASPCA, and World Wildlife Federation all are in need of your donations to fund their ongoing efforts to help both domesticated and wild animals the world over.

There's also the Susan G. Komen Fund fighting the great battle against breast cancer, and the American Cancer Society. Charitable donation has become such a popular idea that the American Diabetes Association will even supply table cards to explain your donation to your wedding guests.

In an age when many of us are looking at our material accumulations with an eye to thinning out, a wedding is a great time to extend your happiness to those most in need with a donation to the charity of your choice.

Simply Centerpieces

Among the countless items vying for attention on every brides to-do list, is the question of how to decorate the reception area to create the right mood. From lighting to chair covers to table linens and table centerpieces, the bride has many choices to make, and many options to consider.

Whether you choose an edible wedding centerpiece such as multiple mini-wedding cakes, centerpieces that guests take home as wedding favors, a classic floral arrangement that incorporates the same flowers carried by the wedding party, or a centerpiece that lends soft romantic light such as candles, your centerpiece is something you'll want to put some time and thought into.

That said, centerpieces don't have to break the bank to enchant your guests and highlight a stunning wedding reception table. Here are some simple yet chic ideas for the harried bride-to-be to consider in choosing her wedding reception centerpieces;

* A tall clear glass cylinder filled with colored water, glass bubble beads in a contrasting color and a small candle (perhaps a flower) floating atop sets a fun and colorful tone for the table.

* A medium sized round glass bowl with floating flower heads and floating candles lends beauty and elegance to any reception table.

* One of the latest trends in weddings is the "Green Wedding" or "Eco Wedding" as more and more couples look for something that lives beyond the party. Grasses, potted plants, even bonsai trees are gaining in popularity and echo the sense of the life ahead of the happy couple.

* Do double duty with mini-wedding cakes boxed up for guests to take home as their favor. A pretty box in wedding colors, perhaps with the happy couples monogram is an elegant way for guests to carry this flavorful favor home.

* Cupcakes !!! A tiered display of colorful cupcakes takes the place of traditional wedding cake and gives your guests easy access to a tasty dessert.

Whatever you choose, make sure your centerpiece has your imprint and reflects your own personal taste. Working with your wedding planner and/or floral coordinator is the best place to start. Whether you're a traditional bride or are leaning towards "eco-chic", there's a centerpiece to suit your needs and taste out there just waiting to be discovered by you!