Top Sustainable, Eco-Chic Wedding Trends for 2011!

Our fabulous weekly guest blogger, Recycled Bride, is an expert when it comes to eco-friendly weddings! So when I saw her top 11 sustainable wedding trends for 2011, I couldn't wait to share! And it looks like a few of our top 10 wedding trends for 2011 match up perfectly! 1. Diamonds are no longer a girl’s best friend: Since Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with a sapphire engagement ring, alternative gemstones are all the rage for popping the question in 2011. Brides will express their unique style —and avoid conflict diamonds— with rings featuring gorgeous gemstones including amethysts, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. 2. Chalkboard chic: We all know that paper wedding stationery is not eco-friendly (unless printed on recycled materials). Stylish slate signs will take the place of paper wedding programs, escort cards, menus and wedding signs in 2011. Chalkboard signs can be made to look elegant and fancy or sweet and rustic, meaning DIY brides can go to town! 3. Weddings go local: Farmer’s market menus and locally sourced favors and gifts are hip as can be this year. By shopping locally for wedding wares, couples can minimize their carbon footprint, support the local economy, and delight wedding guests with never-before-seen details. Chelsea Clinton’s lovely local wedding in Rhinebeck, New York, was a major source of inspiration for this 2011 trend. Psst... check out #3 on our top 10 trends for 2010 list! Looks like we were ahead of our time! 4. The “staycation-moon”: The popular staycation trend meets the honeymoon as couples skip the expense and carbon footprint associated with honeymoon travel in favor of romantic hometown adventures. Picture a week of museum visits, local theater and sporting events, park picnics, bucket-list adventures, and romantic dining — no luggage required! 5. Intimate weddings: Weddings with small guest lists create less waste, offer more warmth, and give couples tons of flexibility when choosing a location. Intimate wedding celebrations range from elegant multi-course dinners in hotel penthouses to backyard barbecues featuring local bands and brews. Now that you've seen trends 1-5, don't you want more?? Head over to the 11 Sustainable Wedding Trends for 2011 post on the RB Blog to see the rest of the green weddingtrends!