When incorporating sustainable aspects into your wedding or special event, remember the four f’s; fun, functional, and fashion forward!

As my ideas and visions for the Green Bride begin to take shape and grow into a beautiful undertaking, so does my passion for the research that goes into finding the most innovative, functional and cost effective products and services for Green Brides, and conscientious consumers alike.

I believe that sustainable events and event products should not only be fun and functional, but fashionable as well.

Today, I am dedicating this post to five of the many products I have found that fit this fun, functional and fashion forward philosophy to a t (or to an f in this case).

As always, enjoy and let me know if you have any comments or questions.

The Green Bride

#1 Give a friend a gift that keeps on giving with Grow a Note Recycled Gift Cards

These handmade note cards are 100% recycled and embedded with a variety of wildflower seeds that will grow just about anywhere. The paper that the note card is printed on is planted directly in soil and will recycle naturally as the embedded seedlings grow into a mini wildflower meadow.

6 motifs for different occasions plus blank cards too. Check out: www.rawganique.com

#2 Stay organized with B. Happy Bags Reusable Totes

These reusable totes are perfect for keeping all your wedding planning notebooks, samples and other goodies in one place. They also act as a functional, fashionable gift for attendants or special members of your wedding party. These canvas totes are made from recycled plastic bottles and upholstery weight cotton and can be machine washed.

For more info visit: www.blueorchidweddings.com

#3 Celebrate generously by donating to the I Do Foundation

The I Do Foundation links engaged couples with a host of charitable giving options in order to share the joy and wealth of wedding celebrations with effective non profit organizations. You can choose from a variety of options and ways to donate through the foundation, from donating your wedding dress to donating left over food or registering with companies that give back to the community. This organization will assist you in incorporating a spirit of giving into your special day.

For more info visit: http://www.idofoundation.org/

#4 Take the guesswork out of finding the perfect gift and visit Branch, Sustainable Design for Living

Ahhh (sigh) what to get for the soon to be married gal (or groom) that has everything. Trying to find beautiful, functional gifts that won’t break the bank can be hard on any level, not to mention trying to find sustainable items that meet these criteria.

Well, lucky for you, Branch has made this experience a much more simple and enjoyable one. Branch is a company based out of San Francisco that offers fun, fashionable and functional gifts, accessories and décor items.

All products that are sold through Branch are made from environmentally responsible materials, through an ecologically responsible manufacturing process by labor employed that are treated fairly in safe and healthy working environments. Sounds like a mouthful, I know. But in visiting the Branch website I am sure that you will fall in love with their products, their philosophy and their easy to use gift registry and ordering system:

For more info visit: www.branchhome.com (GB side note: for wedding showers, outdoor events or other special events where disposable plates and table wear will be used check out Branch’s selection of 100% sugar cane fiber plates, bowls and cups. These items are disposable, biodegradable and compostable!)

#5 For guilt free, beautiful ambiance check out Organic Bouquet

Organic Bouquet offers a wide variety of stunning bouquets, wreaths and floral arrangements for all occasions. All Organic Bouquet products are fresh and sustainably grown in a way that is gentle to the earth and that safeguards the ecology and well being of wildlife and farm workers.

Proceeds from each purchase benefit one of Organic Bouquets featured non-profit organizations. To learn more or to make a purchase, please visit the Organic Bouquet website at: www.organicbouquet.com