Weddings are a lot of fun and, if done correctly, can be eco-friendly affairs. The best way to ensure you're planning an eco-responsible wedding is to ask yourself at every step along the way, "Is this the most eco-friendly option?". Wherever possible choose a local vendor or supplier for your event needs and note that renting is usually more eco-friendly than buying. Here is a guide to the major elements of a green wedding.

• Eco Wedding Rings -The symbol of love between you and your partner should also be an example of your commitment to the environment. Look for vintage or antique rings, conflict free gems, cultured or synthetic gems and recycled metal settings. Read more about eco wedding ring options at Inhabitat.com's Green Wedding Guide.
• Location or Venue - The venue for your wedding and reception is one of the most important decisions you could make because it will help determine all the other elements that are included in your wedding. Check out our list of recommended Eco-venues in the Park City area. In general, look for a venue that already has eco-friendly practices like buying renewable energy, recycling, offering organic/local food,and is easy to get to. Also, holding outdoor weddings during the day saves on electricity as well as on food and rentals, so consider public parks, backyards and state parks.
• Invitations - Traditionally, etiquette says invitations should still be mailed and not sent by email. Email is definitely the greener option, and you can opt to send Save The Dates, Shower, and Bachelor/Bachelorette invitations via email, Evite or some other similar digital invitation. For the wedding invitations, make sure you chose recycled paper or tree-free paper and look for a printer that uses soy inks. The less paper and filler items the better. A wedding website these days is also very handy and can contain all the other information about your wedding rather than sending it with the invite. Green Leaves Press, a green printing service using only recycled paper and soy ink, recently opened shop in Salt Lake City. Your local printer should also be able to source recycled paper, but probably doesn't have soy inks.
• Gifts & Favors - Whether you're shopping for attendant gifts, a gift for your fiance, or registering, make sure to pick eco-friendly gifts. Review our Buy Green category for ideas on ways to choose environmentally responsible and practical gifts. In general, look for gifts that have meaning, will be useful, durable, and hopefully made from eco-friendly materials. You can also get some good ideas on gifts and registering at Inhabitat.com's Green Wedding Guide.
• Transportation - Ideally, you don't want your guests to have to travel far to your wedding, especially if you'll be serving alcohol at your reception. If possible, pick a central location or one near a Park City bus stop so guests can easily and safely get home. If your location isn't right in Park City, consider contracting with a bus or transport service to drive all of your guests to and from the wedding or reception. Most guests are happy to not worry about driving when given the choice. There are many transportation companies within Park City for hire.
• Wedding Gowns - There are tons of wedding gown designers out there utilizing sustainable fabrics like raw silk, hemp, tencel, bamboo and organic cottons. Check out Inhabitat's Guide to Eco-Wedding Gowns for some amazing options. Other options include, sourcing sustainable fabrics and having your local tailor or a dressmaker make it. And if you don't mind wearing a gently used dress, search for a gown at thrift/vintage stores, and scour Ebay, Craigslist and KSL.com.
• Bridal Party Attire - As with the wedding gown, your bridal party should also be sustainably dressed. The most popular option for bridesmaids is to ask them to wear a dress of their choosing or one they already have in a certain color. This is a great option, because the bridesmaid is then more likely to wear the dress again. For men, ask them to wear their own suit or have them rent a tux or a suit. Check out Inhabitat's Green Wedding Guide for more great options for bridal party attire.
• Catering - If catering isn't included with your venue and you can choose yourself, look for a caterer specializing in local and organic food. Also make sure they recycle at the end of the event, use washable place settings (not disposable) and recycled paper products. There are many catering options available, but Culinary Crafts out of SLC has a good set of environmental policies.
• Carbon Offsets - Another great way to lower the impact of your wedding is to purchase carbon offsets. Carbon offsets can be purchased from many suppliers to offset the greenhouse gas emisisons associated with the electricity, food, travel and transportation impacts as a result of your wedding. Learn more about Carbon Offsets and find a trusted supplier.