Flower petals in paper cones are environmentally friendlier than bubble solution in plastic containers, and require no clean-up. The trick is finding petal suppliers that don't use pesticides. These growers are more popular in U.K. than U.S. Green brides might also distribute harm-free favors, such as sachets made of pesticide-free herbs, live flowers, tree seedlings, or small packets of organic tea. In fact, some brides register at charitable organizations instead of department stores, and contribute to environmentally-active organizations instead of handing out favors. 3) Reuse, Recycle Even most traditional wedding brings opportunities for reuse/recycling. For example, leftovers from reception can be delivered to food banks, and flowers dropped off at hospitals or rest homes. The green bride often takes this a step further and chooses recycled paper for invitations and Save-the-Date cards, for example. She might also re-use a wedding gown (her mother's could be ideal, or failing that, one from a thrift or vintage store). Otherwise, green bride might opt for a new gown that isn't too formal to be worn regularly after ceremony. Just as at grocery store, eco-friendly does not necessarily mean cheaper. Ecology brides are sometimes surprised to discover their weddings cost 10K and up, just like those of their more traditional sisters.

Still, when she looks back on a wedding that opted for more "nature," less formality, and less conspicuous consumption, green bride often finds it was time well spent – and perhaps nurtures hope that a guest or two will be inspired to follow her path.

Blake Kritzberg is the proprietor of: http://www.favorideas.com

The groom then takes bride's hands, palm side up. The officiant says, "They are hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through years, for a lifetime of happiness, as she promises her love and commitment to you all days of her life."

* Knot Ceremony In knot ceremony, mothers of bridal couple are given a cord, which officiant later asks them to give to bridal couple. The couple ties a lover's knot, which they may save to look back on later.

* Sand, Water and Wine Ceremonies These are all mixing ceremonies suited to a Unitarian or interfaith wedding. The sand ceremony is said to arise from Apache customs, and is popular in beach weddings. In each case, bride and groom pour sand or liquid from two separate vials into one. In wine ceremony, they drink mixed wine.

A nice touch is to have bride pour white wine while groom pours red. You can then serve rosé at reception to remind everyone of ceremony.

* The Salt Covenant The salt covenant is an ancient tradition, well-described in Bible, and appearing regularly in Indian-national and Jewish weddings. Like Jewish Huppah, salt covenant (a mixing ceremony with ancient connotations of loyalty, protection and hospitality) is beginning to show up in non-Jewish weddings as well.

* The Foot-Washing Ceremony The foot washing ceremony (not to be confused with Scottish bridal foot-washing ceremony, a raucous pre-wedding event) is a fascinating, solemn custom emphasizing role of dual servitude in a marriage.

This short article hasn't covered all unification ceremonies: there are bread-sharing ceremonies, circling ceremonies, broom jumping ceremonies, and probably more ceremonies that are being invented right now.

However, if you feel a unification ceremony might make your wedding more meaningful and personal, consider these alternatives. Don't forget that you can use more than one!

Blake Kritzberg is the proprietor of: http://www.favorideas.com