We at Without A Hitch love a great wedding, and we want you to have the day of your dreams. We also want to help brides and grooms discover that it doesn't have to cost the Earth, small things can make a big difference so check out our top five tips for making your big day more eco friendly - and you never know you might even save some money in the process……

Photo courtesy of R & J Photography

1. Have your ceremony and reception in the same location/venue so your guests won't have to travel in-between
2. Use a Wedding Web-site to update everyone on all the details, you can then cut-down on paper inserts in your wedding invitations
3. Go a step further and send your wedding invitations via e-mail, using a service such as Greenvelope - they are lovely e-invitations and will save you money too
4. Use in season, locally grown flowers
5. Have food that is in season - check out Eat the Seasons which has a great list of what is 'at their best' and 'in season' - also includes recipe ideas
6. Have less meat on the menu - it takes more power to cook steak and chips than stuffed ravioli and a salad
7. Use recycled paper for your invitations and order of service
8. Purchase a carbon offset for your wedding, take a look at the Carbon Fund for more details
9. Car pooling - if you have couples coming from the same area encourage them to travel together
10. Use flower petal confetti as a beautiful and biodegradable option - visit Shropshire Petals for a free sample
11. Pick bridesmaids dresses that you know they will want to wear again - this time of year is perfect, lots of lovely party dresses out there!
12. Choose a once worn or vintage bridal gown - we like Worn Once With Love
13. Only get printed the wedding pictures you really really want...
14. Have an alternative gemstone for your engagement ring, allowing you to express your own individual style and avoid conflict diamonds
15. Reduce paper waste by using chic chalkboard signs for wedding programmes, seating cards and menus
16. Have a 'staycation-moon' - A romantic hometown adventure, check out those places you always wanted to go to but never really got around to it
17. Have a more intimate smaller wedding with just close friends and family (or elope!)
18. Think about a cocktail length wedding dress, not only is it on trend at the moment you can also wear it again and again
19. Don't need anything? Go for greener gifting. Guests can donate gifts in your name to help others. There are many sites out there doing similar things, take a look at The Green Gift List for an example
20. Long veils are out (although I do LOVE them) and birdcage styles and unique hair accessories that can be worn again are in. Headbands, vintage hair clips, flowers and chic tiaras just let your imagination go...