StyleSchool

Worried your wedding dress will just gather dust in the closet after the big day is over? Don't! Bridal designer Morgan Boszilkov created her convertible (and eco-friendly!) wedding gown collection with you in mind. Boszilkov's Natural Bridal line (naturalbridal.com) features gorgeous dresses that literally go from full-length to short in a matter of minutes (think Charlize Theron's gray, ruffled Dior dress at Salma Hayek's wedding). The Janine, for example, starts off as a stunning drop-waist gown with a tiered skirt, but transforms into a flirty, knee-length sheath with a flounced hem. Kathleen is another convertible option that's also beautiful both ways. 

It's also worth mentioning that the gowns are made from environmentally-friendly hemp, silk and bamboo. And as if that weren't eco-chic enough, Boszilkov donates 5% of the profits from each dress to Conservation International. 

Boszilkov is already hard at work on her next collection, which will feature heavily-detailed busts, handmade flowers, organic lace, and Swarovski Crystal beading. Can’t wait? Browse her current collection now at naturalbridal.com.

—Chrissy Mahlmeister

So many couples forgo a registry entirely because they think they have everything they need. But part of the fun of registering for gifts is being able to ask for you items you don't necessarily need, but that you really want.

Such is the case with the gorgeous, handblown glass pieces at Esque Studio (esque-studio.com). The Portland-based design company specializes in unique, artistic items that are perfect for everyday use or just to dress up your digs. What makes the firm really special, though, is that their studio is wind-powered, so in addition to being attention-getting, the glassware is also eco-friendly.

So, of course you don't need another toaster or espresso machine, but don't you sort want one of these beautiful vases?

—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor

One only has to look at the discarded flowers, leftover food and trucks filled to the brim with returned chair and table rentals to understand the environmental impact that a wedding can have, especially if vendors are coming in from faraway locations. But one hotel in Hawaii is offering a way to make marrying a little greener.

The Four Seasons Hualalai (fourseasons.com/hualalai) now offers a "sustainable nuptials" package for couples who want to marry at the hotel. With the help of an eco-friendly planner, the hotel has incorporated tons of new services that will help ease your wedding's impact on the environment, from using bio-degradable and sustainable plates and napkins to illuminating your reception with natural beeswax candles. They also use locally grown produce and flowers (and lots of them—they'll scatter two thousand dendrobium orchids at your wedding site!). The hotel will even issue you a carbon credit to remedy the environmental impact of your plane ride.

With all the great options Hualalai now offers, you'll definitely have a wedding that's both romantic and easy on the earth. And that's certainly a great way to start a new life together.

—Jessica Derschowitz

If you and your husband-to-be are anything like most newlyweds, writing thank-you notes does not rank high on the list of things you're excited to do. But alas, they must get done, so why not use some amazing stationery?

I love these bright, flat note cards by Prismera Design (prismeradesign.com) and they're perfectly sized for thank you notes. All four color options (orange, blue, green and red) bear unique, hand-drawn sea-life motifs that are sure to catch your guests' attention. Plus, by sending these thank-yous, you'll be doing a good, "green" deed—each card is made from 60% post consumer recycled materials and comes with a 100% recycled kraft brown envelope.

Hopefully, with cards as special as these, writing your thank-yous will be a little more tolerable. And remember, guests should receive a thank-you note within 3 months of sending their gift.

—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor

When you think of luxurious honeymoon destinations, Fiji, the Maldives and Turks & Caicos probably come to mind. But what about the Bahamas? Yes, you can add that to the list, too, thanks to the Tiamo Resort (tiamoresort.com) on South Andros Island.

Nestled among coconut palms and sea grape trees, the property is comprised of 11 gorgeous beachfront bugalows that have king size beds, open-air showers, wrap-around porches, and morning coffee delivery. Unsurprisingly, water activities abound at Tiamo—the resort offers you use of their kayaks, sailboats and snorkeling equipment. Explorers can also take guided ecological trips under water or on land. The lodge, the main hub of Tiamo, serves up delicious daily meals including dinner served on white linens by candlelight.

As if that weren't enough, Tiamo is also eco-friendly! Tiamo is the first full service resort utilizing 100% alternative energy for its electrical needs, including a commercial kitchen. And, all the hot water used by the resort is created by thermal hot water heaters—no electricity or gas is used.

So maybe Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon knew something we didn't when they eloped in the Bahamas, but now, the secret is out!

—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor

If you're anything like me, after the engagement ring, all other jewelry is secondary. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be special, especially if we're talking about accessories for your wedding day. And what could be better than dazzling extras that also happen to be eco-friendly? Not much in my book.

So, when shopping for your big-day accessories, check out Dawes Design (dawes-design.com). There are 14 different collections that feature everything from bracelets to earrings. The designs are simple and unique and will perfectly complement any style gown. They also do gorgeous, understated wedding bands if you and your fiance haven't picked yours out yet. What makes Dawes really special, though, is that all the pieces are made from recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds. It's jewelry you'll love and feel good about.

Choose one (or a bunch) of these stackable rings to sport on your right hand and you'll be able to knock the something old (recycled gold), new (it's new to you) and blue (conflict-free topaz) out of the way in one shot!

—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor

Your wedding is supposed to be a day of beauty: a beautiful gown, beautiful bouquets, beautiful tablesettings, the list goes on. So you would never think of junking the whole thing up with some not-so-beautiful stationery. For a while, eco-friendly stationery could be described as such, but not anymore.

Take Smock Paper (smockpaper.com), for example. Their gorgeous letterpress wedding invitation suites are printed on luxury bamboo paper (they're the only company in the U.S. to do so!). What makes bamboo so special is that it's both sustainable and renewable—it grows quickly without much maintenance. (To read more about the benefits of bamboo, go to smockpaper.com/sustain/bamboo.)

Add to that the fact that the designs are classic and elegant and you have a truly winning combination.

So, gone are the days of ugly eco-stationery. And that's reason for brides all around to rejoice.

—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor

While relaxing during your honeymoon (or just lounging around with your new husband), Trove Clothing (troveclothing.com) is a must-have.

Trove is a new eco-friendly clothing line made from 100% organic cotton that just launched in the US. The pieces are casual, yet sexy and most importantly sustainable. They offer dresses, shorts, tops, cardigans and hoodies that are perfect for packing because they take up very little space. Layer the neutral colors with some of the more vibrant blues, yellows and coral—this way, you'll get more outfits without having to take more clothes.

Trove's pieces are super-versatile, so whether you're exploring Europe or laying on the beach in Hawaii, this is the only loungewear you need.

—Erica Blick Sigel, Associate Fashion Editor

Everyone knows that your wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding, so why not go for a stylish, chic, eco-friendly theme with the new Ecru Collection from Wedding Paper Divas (weddingpaperdivas.com).

All the invitation suites in the collection are printed on recycled paper that consists of 30% post-consumer waste. Now I know, that might sound scary (and not at all chic), but trust me, the paper is gorgeous. It's a warm shade of white that's super-soft to the touch.

Even better, Wedding Paper Divas has over 75 designs in the collection, so it won't be hard to find something you like. The styles range from nature-inspired (like the falling leaves pick above) to classic monogrammed cards in an assortment of colors to match your wedding palette.

Oh, and did I mention the invites are crazy affordable? You can get 100 of the design we feature here for under $200!

So let's recap: environmentally-friendly, budget-friendly and high on style. Sign me up!

—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor

One of the most common registry-related questions we get asked is what to register for if you already have everything you need. We've suggested everything from registering for a honeymoon to upgrading your housewares, but another great idea is to go green!

Chances are your cabinets aren't eco-friendly as they could be, so why not considering replacing your old plates and cups with new, greener items? If you're on-board, then head over to Heath Ceramics (heathceramics.com). The Sausalito, C.A.-based company has some of the most gorgeous tabletop merch out there (just check out that tablescape!) and it's all created with as little environmental impact as possible. All of their clay products only go through the kiln once, which is fired at a lower temperature than most. And the amazing part is, they're just as durable as goods that go through the kiln twice at higher temps.

So no more worrying over what to put on your registry. The solution is simple—go eco-chic!

—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor