By Caroline Ailanthus

The stage of planning; getting started.
Who the article will target; the couple
Keywords; Alexander Lilly Events, The Wedding Newsletter, Green Weddings, Caroline Ailanthus, green weddings, sustainable lifestyles, wedding planning 

So you and your beloved have just gotten engaged and you’re feeling on top of the world…now what? How does one start planning a wedding? A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, but the journey to the eco-friendly altar starts with five steps.
[picture; “couple talking” URL is http://atlantablackstar.com/2012/09/05/7-steps-to-a-better-relationship/couple-talking/ ]

1. For a green wedding, the first step is deciding to have a green wedding. This decision should not be rushed through, because even the most eco-friendly couples sometimes disagree on how environmental issues fit in with other, sometimes contradicting values. Talking through differing priorities is a part of marriage, and wedding planning is a great opportunity to practice.

2. Next, figure out what being green means. Again, this is not as obvious as it may sound because not all so-called green products and activities are equally helpful to the planet. Sorting through the sometimes contradictory advice requires both knowledge and careful attention to context. A little research may be necessary. Go beyond books and websites that offer only simple suggestions and look for in-depth discussions of sustainability from people with science backgrounds. Getting a degree isn’t necessary, and there are writers who can make the issues interesting and accessible for anybody.
[picture; “family and friends” URL is http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/ ]

3. Then there are the environmental attitudes of family and friends. Couples whose inner circles include lots of fellow greenies can discuss their eco-friendly plans with others and, when necessary, ask for help. For example, the guests might be asked to bring their own reusable plates to an outdoor reception. Other couples have to make plans that will not inconvenience or offend guests with different values.

4. Just like any other wedding, planning a green wedding requires knowing how big and complex the event will be. A family potluck following a courtroom ceremony is organized very differently from a gala with 500 guests! A good place to start is the budget; set a target budget and an outside budget and a lot of major planning decisions will fall into place. Some green choices save the other kind of green, too. It is possible to hold a small wedding with fifty or sixty guests for well under $2000, including the rings and the reception.

5. Finally, the stress of wedding planning is many couples’ first major test as a team. Be flexible, and keep plenty of humor and love handy.

[picture; “The Adventure Begins” URL is http://www.mrwallpaper.com/couple-hiking-valley-wallpaper/]