Eco-friendly Wedding Tip – Organic Flowers

You’re sharing your love with your friends and family on your wedding day, and you can also share your passion for the environment. Now more than ever, weddings are going green. One way to make your wedding more eco-friendly is to use more environmentally safe or organic flowers. Most flowers sold are grown using pesticides, which harm the environment. Long-distance transportation costs are also wasteful. There are several alternatives that won’t require sacrificing style for the sake of the environment.

Choosing a florist who offers locally-grown, organic, in-season flowers or buying flowers from the local farmers market will be much better for the environment. If there are no such options, Organic Bouquet (http://www.organicbouquet) offers fair trade and certified organic flowers. There are also other organic flower websites to choose from, but pick one that is located closest to you to minimize shipping. Silk floral arrangements can be just as beautiful, and they last forever. They can double as a keepsake for your bridal party after the wedding. Whatever you decide, at the end of the night, announce to your guests that they are welcome to bring the ceremony flowers or centerpieces home as a token of your special day!

Hawaiian Circle of Love

“From the earliest times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness, a symbol of committed love. An unbroken and never ending circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is also never ending.”
–Michael Barlow-Sparkman

Circles represent an eternal cycle. The circular form of wedding bands symbolizes the everlasting love between the bride and groom. One special way to incorporate this theme into your Hawaiian wedding is the Circle of Love, a Hawaiian wedding tradition. The bride and groom stand in the center of a circle of flowers as they exchange their vows. The circle is usually made of bright tropical flowers, which are one of the greatest symbols of Hawaii. Some wedding agencies and hotels even offer customized Circles of Love as a part of the wedding package. You can also invite your family and friends to participate in this special tradition by having special guests add a single flower to the arrangement that will encircle the happy couple. The Circle of Love will add a Hawaiian sentiment to the destination wedding you’ve been dreaming of!

Wedding day fitness

Your special day is fast approaching, and you’re worried about looking your best in that perfect dress. There’s no need to panic – making a few tweaks in your diet and adding some physical activity will go a long way. All it takes is a little motivation and discipline!

If you have some room in your wedding budget, you could factor in some sessions with a personal trainer. Research independent trainers in your area for the best prices. If you belong to a gym, there should be several trainers to choose from to fit your needs. Some places even offer group discounts, so drag along the MOH or some of the bridesmaids who are probably also watching their waistlines before the big day! Adding group exercise classes to your schedule can help motivate you, and they are much more fun than spending an hour on the treadmill or StairMaster! One of my personal favorites, Spinning, burns hundreds of calories and reduces fat in just one hour a class. The lively music and energetic teachers pump you up, and you will feel great afterward. Pick up a class schedule and give them a try!

If you don’t belong to a gym, no need to worry! Walking or running outside for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, should be your goal. Fitness DVDs can be rented out at the video store, or you could buy them at fairly reasonable prices at Target. Yoga and Pilates can do wonders for your figure. Try adding Yoga or Pilates DVDs to your fitness plan to elongate and strengthen muscles and appear leaner. They can also help with relieving stress! An hour session will enhance your breathing and calm your mood. There are several other DVD options to help tone your “problem areas” or to improve overall fitness.

Whatever you decide to do to get your heart pumping, start now! Exercising releases endorphins, so you will feel and look great.

Smart eating is essential to your wedding day prep. Trade in white flour for whole wheat or whole grain choices. Drink as little, if any, alcohol as possible leading up to the wedding. If you do attend a few happy hours, opt for lower-cal choices such as white wine spritzers or a glass of red wine. Cutting out soda can make also make a big difference in a short amount of time. Water is your best bet – increase water intake and stay hydrated. Lots of water will be especially important because now you will be more active. Eating at home saves you money and calories, so try to limit dining out. When you do go out to eat, skip the bread basket and dessert. Eat every couple of hours to keep you from bingeing later. Choose smart snacks, such as 100-Calorie packs, low-calorie popcorn, low-fat string cheese, vegetables with hummus, or single servings of nuts. Cutting out some of your favorite things and replacing them with healthier alternatives will reap great benefits when it comes time for your last dress fitting!

Working out and eating healthily will have you looking and feeling your best on the day you’ve been waiting for. Your commitment and hard work will all pay off when you are enjoying that beautiful wedding cake that you so deserve with your new husband!