Eco-Friendly Items on Etsy

We can all do our part in small ways to help preserve the environment. And for my weekly Etsy finds I searched out some great little enviro-friendly items including a fantastic bridal gown from one of my favorite handmade Etsy vendors, Your Fairytale Wedding, recycled paper invitations from Foosie Design and an herbal party favor for your wedding guests from Favor Creative ... 

Sweet Romantic Bridal Gown ($799) by Your Fairytale Wedding / Unique Collar with Organic Silk  ($39) by Lilliput Chipmunk / White Wool Acorn Ornaments (12 for 6) by Green Baboon Designs  / Wedding Invitations 'Cynthia & James' ($4.55) by Foosie Design / Turquoise Hemp Bag with queen anne's lace ($45) by Lizura / Peaced Together Babydoll Dress  ($60) by Mountain Girl Clothing / Julian Boutonniere ($22) by Lint and Lavender / Blue House Slippers ($25) by Green Tea Vintage / Sea Glass Personalized necklace ($31) by Swept From the Sea / Seed Pod Place Holder ($12) by Thitaree / Lemon Balm Herbs Favor ($4.50) by Favor Creative / Misha Headband Felt & Peacock ($52) by Lint and Lavender / Half Carat Pebble Ring ($3800) by Single B Beautiful

Eco-Wedding Rings?

Diamond mining is a very touchy topic. We all would love to have a beautiful diamond - but what about those that are concerned about the impact diamond mining has on the environment and the people that live in that area?

Going Green
   Since wearing jewelry is an important part of honoring the tradition of marriage in all cultures around the world, no one expects you to forgo the wedding rings. There are ways for each individual to lessen their impact. Check out Green Karat for information on using recycled gold.  Green Karat also has some unique rings available for purchase in their shop.
  Cultured Diamonds and gemstones are among the most ecologically friendly stones available. These stones are grown in a lab rather then mined from the earth. And they can also significantly less expensive.  You can build your own conflict-free diamond ring at Brilliant Earth or purchase ready-to-wear jewelry at Elizabeta Jewelry.

Vintage Rings
   Another really great alternative is to purchase a vintage/antique ring. Choosing an antique ring is like selecting a work of art. Estate rings date from the Victorian era through the 1950's. So rings from different eras will have different characteristics.   I found some beautiful rings available at Leigh Jay Nacht Inc and the Antique Jewelry Mall.

Shop Local
   Don't feel comfortable ordering your rings online? Why not shop local? There are several vintage & consignment shops near every major city. Shopping locally helps support the neighborhood businesses and allow you to try on the rings and check the quality out in person.

Happy Earth Week! Eco-friendly Wedding Sites

Happy Earth Week! This week I will be featuring different earth-friendly wedding ideas.  So to kick it off, I found 2 really great websites thats has a a list of green wedding items. First is Dream Green Weddings.  Inspired by their own wedding, Dream Green Weddings is dedicated to maintaining their own green business practices and using green suppliers  to help you with your wedding day. 

Among the many items that are available for purchase: Wedding Favors, Setting cards, gifts & beautiful invitations. Check out their site for current give-aways and eco-friendly ideas.

Second site (having a partnership with Dream Green Weddings to support this effort) is the Green Bride Guide.

This site offers organic flowers, peace silk wedding gowns, tree and seed favors and invitations. Are you planning a green wedding already? The Green Bride Guide also has pictures and stories from real weddings. Check it out to help with your wedding plans! (They have even begun to feature a directory to help you find vendors and accessories.)

Happy Earth Week Everyone!

St Patty's Inspired Ideas

In honor of St Patty's Day, we have decided to post a little bit of green-inspired wedding ideas.