A new twist on an old tradition

Everyone knows the old "Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue" tradition, but a lot of brides struggle with it. Instead of using material objects, why not use this as an inspiration for your cocktails at your reception?

Something old: Go for the classics like the Old Fashioned, Gimlet, Martini, or Tom Collins.

The Old Fashioned

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Something New: Take some time and play with your favourite liquors and see what delicious creation you can come up with and give it a wedding-related name.

Skyy Vodka's Blushing Bride

Something borrowed: This is particularly good when you are having a destination wedding, however you could do this in a number of ways. You can borrow a drink from a location (Sangria if you are in Spain or even a fan of that country) or you can borrow a drink from the bartender or a relative.

Sangria for a bit of Spanish flair

Something Blue: Blue Curacao or Hypnotiq are easy ways to turn almost any drink blue.

The Blue Hawaiian

Have a mixology party with your bridesmaids and have fun trying different concoctions! Enjoy!

10 Ways To Have A Green and Charitable Wedding

1. Consider having your ceremony and reception in the same place

Holding your ceremony in the same place or in nearby locations can save your guests from having to drive from Point A to Point B. Think of all of the emissions that won't be spilled into the atmosphere!

2. Buy conflict free diamonds

Conflict free diamonds are guaranteed to originate from ethical and environmentally responsible sources. Conflict free diamonds are free from violence and human rights abuses, and are produced with minimal environmental impact.

3. Donate your dress to a charity

Some Oxfam charity shops have entire bridal gown sections and by donating your gown, you could help a woman who cannot afford to buy a new dress for her wedding. What are you really going to use it again for anyways?

4. Give back with your registry

Perhaps you already live with your significant other and don't really need all of those home-related wedding gifts. Several charities offer a registry service where you can direct your guests to make a donation instead of buying you a gift.

5. Don't throw rice

In some places it is actually illegal to throw rice and for good reasons. Not only does it create a mess and a slipping hazard, if birds eat rice, it can expand in their stomachs and kill them. Instead, why not blow bubbles?

6. Skip the favours

When you think back to the weddings you have been to what do you remember? The decor? The food? I'd be willing to bet that it isn't the favours. Favours often get left behind and end up being thrown away, so instead of spending money on favours, why not take that money and donate it to a worthy charity? You can make signs that read "In lieu of favours, a donation has been made in your name to ____________".

7. Recycle the leftover paper goods

A lot of stationery goes into a wedding and most of it will be left behind. Have someone collect the leftover programs and place cards and recycle them.

8. Buy eco-friendly paper goods

If possible, purchase all of your stationery from a vendor that uses recycled paper.

9. Use local goods

Use vendors that obtain their goods locally. For instance, use a caterer that uses produce from local farms or a florist that uses locally-grown flowers. This not only stimulates your local economy, but also cuts down on the pollution caused by importing food and flowers that can be grown locally.

10. Plan an eco-friendly honeymoon

At www.ecomall.com you can find a travel agent who can book you a socially and environmentally sensitive trip, including hotels that recycle and reduce the amount of unnecessary laundering, vegetarian, holistic and off the beaten path adventures and electric/hybrid car rentals.