When you get married, you’re starting a new phase of your life, one full a new beginnings. This includes everything from creating a lasting bond with your spouse, to purchasing a new house to having children. In order to ensure your future is as happy as your special day, you might want to think about the environment as you plan your wedding.

Having a green wedding does not mean that all the food you serve has to be locally grown and organic or that you can’t choose a venue that has air conditioning. But it does mean making an effort to cut back on unnecessary waste, choosing eco-friendly products when possible and informing your guests about why having a green wedding is important to you. Even if you don’t want to go all-out-green on your special day, here are a few simple – and cost effective – ways to make a positive environmental impact as you plan.

Cheap and Chic!

Why spend thousands of dollars on a dress that has to be chemically bleached and uses a ton of materials that will only be worn once? Check out a discount wedding dress shop that sells used and sample dresses. Or, if you’ve fallen in love with a new dress, consider donating or reselling your dress after the big day. You’ll help cut down on material and help someone else to celebrate her special day in style.

Reduce Paper

Using paper is unavoidable when planning a wedding. From the invitations to thank you cards to the place cards, paper is a necessary commodity. But for the eco-conscious, alternatives to using more paper than necessary abound. Get really creative and unique by creating a wedding website where you can post hotel information, directions, menu options, photos and more. Not only will a wedding website eliminate the need to include additional cards with your invitation, but it will bring guests together in a centralized place to help you celebrate. If you’ve got a young or tech-savvy crowd, sign up for an Email Marketing account and send out email invitations for showers, engagement parties and more. Ask guests to RSVP by email as well.

Reusable Party Favors

What better way to make an impact than to leave your guests with a party favor that helps them to lead eco-friendly lives, too. Instead of handing out physical favors, tell guests you will be making a donation in their honor to a charity or environmental organization. If you’d rather hand out something for guests to keep, consider giving away customizable tote bags or reusable grocery bags.

When it comes to being eco-friendly, every effort counts. You can decide to go all out or just make a few environmentally conscious decisions, but the impact will be felt. Make your special day extra special by not only celebrating the love you share with your future spouse, but by celebrating our planet, too.