Get tips from Ruth Culver - green wedding planner

Wedding Planner Ruth Culver launched Green Weddings earlier this year because she believes that there's a growing demand from couples wanting to enjoy their wedding without having to sacrifice their ethical principles.

Ruth said "I had my own 'green wedding' last year which generated a lot of interest and I have a personal interest in ethical and environmental sustainability. Because of this, and the demand from others, I set up Green Weddings to help couples plan their own eco-friendly nuptials."

Ruth now works hard to promote the concept of greener, eco chic weddings for couples wanting the best possible party without pillaging the planet.

Ruth's tips for anyone wanting to plan their own eco chic wedding are:

• Go local with your food & drink to cut food miles. Request organic and fair trade
• Source recycled materials for your invitations, or just use e-mail
• Use biodegradable confetti, or collect petals from flowers a florist was throwing out
• Do you really need new kitchenware? Consider a charity wedding list or select eco-friendly products
• Rent outfits or look for vintage - only buy things you'll definitely wear again
• Have a local stag/hen party - you’ll spend less time travelling and more having fun. Or take the train – so much more sociable
• Honeymoon locally - you'll be so tired you'll be glad you didn't travel far
• Offset the carbon emissions produced by your wedding (and honeymoon flights) through a carbon offset scheme