“At the end of every wedding I go to, I’m always left wondering, “What will happen to all of these flowers?” Beautiful floral centerpieces are a mainstay at most weddings, but they can be extremely wasteful. The solution? Use eco-friendly flowering potted plants instead. A cluster of 6 or 8 will make a lush table arrangement, not to mention a convenient take-home favor. Or call a local nursing home or hospital to see if they’ll accept the blooms—you’ll feel even better post-wedding knowing that you’ve brightened someone else’s day. (For brides in New York or LA, FlowerPowerFoundation.org will pick them up and deliver them to the sick and elderly.) For more green ideas to incorporate into your wedding, pick up a copy of the Winter issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, on newsstands Monday.”

You can also try using dried or silk flowers as an eco friendly alternative. And try to reuse your wedding flowers by using your ceremony flowers as table decorations at the reception. After the party, donate them to a local hospital or senior citizen center or send them home with your guests.