Financial experts say the wedding industry is just about the only industry that goes virtually un-phased by a struggling economy. Weddings are an emotional one-time-event, and couples don’t want to compromise on their dream day. I’m planning my own wedding right now, and I have found out that there are several ways you can not only go green, but save green… and I don’t just mean using recycled invitations.

For starters, there’s the dress. Consider reusing the fabric of your mother’s dress. If you’re like me and out-grew your mom’s dress years ago you can still reuse the material and embellishments for your own gown. Not only is this economical and resourceful, but it will increase your dress’ sentimental value. Also think about what you plan to do with your dress after the big day. Are you going to let it collect mothballs in the back of your closet? That’s pretty wasteful considering the amount of money and fabric that’s wrapped up in it. Consider reusing or recycling your gown. For example, I plan to save the bodice of my dress for a keepsake but I am going to reuse the skirt and train fabric for several other projects like a christening gown for my future children.

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When it comes to flowers, think beyond your big day. Can you reuse them after your wedding? Silk flowers aren’t only less expensive in most cases, but they are also reusable. You can use them for decorating projects or pass them on to other brides. If you aren’t a fan of silk flowers, there are ways you can reuse real flowers as well. Rather than use fresh cut flowers for the arrangements on the tables at my reception, I am using mums. Those not only go along with my fall theme, but I will be able to plant the mums once my wedding is over.

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Favors are also another area of waste. Couples often choose wedding-themed favors that don’t really serve any real purpose and just end up in the trashcan. Consider buying “green” favors that can be reused or recycled. For example, my fiancé and I are giving strawberry preserves to our guests that will say “Preserve the Day” with our names and wedding date. After our guests eat the preserves, they are left with a reusable and recyclable glass mason jar.

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