Pity the poor bride who relies on such lists to create the perfect big day – especially if she starts planning a year in advance as most do.

Picture it: you’ve just had your dressmaker remove the sleeves from your bespoke wedding gown and make a few strategic cuts to showcase that cleavage when the next wedding mag you pick up tells you that ‘coy is in’ for 2012 and lace sleeves (a la Kate Middleton) a must.

So for those of you who are fed up of fickle fashions and just want this special day to be your day not a vision from Vogue, here is Ethical Weddings’ (completely subjective) list of what’s always hot in weddings:

Warning: This is written in the style of a ‘what’s in, what’s out’ list – normal service will be resumed for the next post!

1. Feeling special but feeling comfortable

We’re in raptures over the tailored, cream suit for today’s bride, but also loving the dramatic, red flamencoesque swishing skirts, and the traditional A-line shape that flatters the hips, and the mountainous meringue that shouts “Hey hubby, I’m here!”.

Essentially, we’re swooning over any shape, size or style that makes us feel gorgeous, happy and best of all, comfortable – ourselves but on a good day (as somebody said).

2. Vintage weddings – something old?

We’ve heard that vintage is old hat (well, it would be, wouldn’t it?) but we’re not ready to give it up that easily.

We don’t have to ram it down our guests’ throats (those 1920s feathers can tickle) but we adore the idea that our wedding has a history – that our rings celebrated love in centuries past, our stylish fascinator fascinated another blushing bride, our charity shop china has adorned countless wedding tables and will adorn countless more.

And of course we’re completely ravished by the ‘reuse, recycle’ philosophy that comes with the whole vintage shebang.

If you think vintage is still in, get your fix at one of the many vintage wedding fairs this year.

3. Not breaking the bank

We’re obviously head over heels about weddings but we’re also holding on tight to a tiny seed of common sense that says “It’s just one day”.

We’re poring over our sexy spreadsheets, borrowing as much wedding paraphernalia as we can, dabbling in a bit of crafty DIY for our table decorations and just doing our bestest to keep our white wedding in the black.

Our hard work will pay off when we’re cosied up on the sofa with our other half watching telly – rather than watching the bailiffs cart it off.

4. Loving and giving

We’re sharing this one with The Wedding Channel who flagged it up on their 2012 hot list: charity gift registries are in, reckless registries are out.

And we’re keeping it! We say charity gift lists are here to stay – if our houses are cluttered to bursting, why not make the most of our guests’ giving instincts to benefit a good cause?

5. Saying thank you (the Anti-Bridezilla)

We’re suppressing the desire to shout “It’s all about me, me, me” and instead being grateful to our nearest and dearest for their support and friendship not just on this day but over the years.

If they offer their talents, their cast-offs or their hard-earned cash to help us make our celebration that bit more special we’re accepting graciously or – if absolutely impossible to do so – declining with the utmost delicacy that leaves relationships intact and hearts warmed.

6. Getting personal

We’re reading the wedding rule book then hurling it out of the nearest window.

We’re looking to our own lives as we choose poems and vows that mean something to us, not the masses. We invite the friends and family we want (not the ones we’re supposed to) and in the way we want – by phone, by email, by smoke signal.

We’re having a go at making our own cake, dress or bouquet and cherishing the personal imperfect over the professional and immaculate.

Or maybe we’re turning up in our jeans and t-shirt with just our loyal dog as a witness – it’s our wedding and we’ll do it our way.

7. Marrying the one we love

We’re absolutely in love and we want to get married to celebrate that, tell the world and make that commitment to each other.

The rest doesn’t really matter.

Katie

What next?

• Sign up to our Ethical Weddings newsletter
• Follow us on Twitter @ethicalweddings

Ethical, eco or green wedding fairs are still sprouting up here and there around the country and we really hope you’ll go along and support them so that we have more in years to come.

The real success story for 2012 though has to be the vintage wedding fair – whether you’re based north, south, east or west there should be a vintage wedding show near you.  And at Ethical Weddings we love vintage (when it’s properly done) – giving old stuff (‘Something old…’) a new life helps to keep your carbon footprint up the aisle nice and low.  If you’re planning to go vintage for your wedding, do tell as we’re planning some more articles on this topic soon.

Take a look at the vintage, eco and alternative wedding fairs in 2012 here

If you know of one that we’ve missed, let us know and we’ll add it to the list.

Have fun at the (wedding) fair!

Katie

What next?

• Sign up to our Ethical Weddings newsletter
• Follow us on Twitter @ethicalweddings

She will be bringing to The Southbank recycled and eco-friendly design, locally made products, organic bodycare and lots more.

For the eco bride, this is a great chance to kit you and your bridesmaids out with some top, upcycled accessories and pamper yourselves with organic skincare from Ruby Red.

Alternatively, swoon with your husband-to-be over stylish but planet-friendly homewares to feather your newly-wed nest.

Out in the Vintage Village you’ll find some of the UK’s top recycling design talents such as Plastic Seconds who create witty jewellery from reclaimed plastics including sushi soy bottles and vitamin pot lids.

Then there will be the locally-made contingent consisting of printmakers Coffee and Pie, with their charming eco-friendly prints of some of London’s best places to live, eat and drink.

East London collective Hazel Stark, Sam Wingate & James Brown, working with traditional print techniques create contemporary homewares with a nod to British design heritage.

• When: Friday 29 July at 10:00 – Sunday 31 July at 20:00
• Where: Southbank, London
• How much: From £60 a day

See Vintage Visitor Information

Find out about all of this and more on the Upcycled Market Facebook page.

Katie

Made in Clerkenwell: Summer Open Studios at Craft Central – 19-22 May

First is Made in Clerkenwell, a chance for you to hop off the high street and into the studios of this community of designers.

Pick up the perfect pair of cufflinks, commission a bespoke ethical engagement ring, or try on an upcycled dress. You might even find items for your gift list in the home area. And don’t forget to chat to the designers about the philosophy behind their handmade wares.

Among the designers, you’ll find:

Hetty Rose Shoes – re-using and re-working vintage materials in her handmade shoes to get you stepping down the aisle in style.

Frilly by Lily – unique accessories from carefully sourced ‘frilly bits’ from around the world but handmade in London for the finishing touch to a wedding outfit or a special gift for a bridesmaid.

Ali Miller – upcycled ceramics for your marital nest.

Special Launch Night on Thurs 19 May, 5-8pm
Late Night Shopping on Fri 20 May, 12noon – 8pm
Avoid the High Street crowds on Sat 21 & Sun 22 May, 12noon – 6pm
Venue: CRAFT CENTRAL HAS TWO GREAT BUILDINGS! Craft Central, 21 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DX AND 33-35 St John’s Square, London EC1M 4DS
Admission (unlimited access over the 4 days): £2.50 per person (under 16’s free)

Craft Central Gets Hitched – Central London’s Handmade Wedding Fair – 23-25 June

The June Craft Central event is even more suited to the ethical bride or groom – and it’s FREE!

Craft Central Gets Hitched sets out to be an antidote to ‘sprawling, soulless wedding fairs’.

This is Craft Central’s first ever wedding fair and with more than 30 UK designer makers this is your chance to put a unique, handmade stamp on your special day.

Talk through your ideas for rings, dresses, accessories and more with designers who can make your vision a reality. You might even stumble upon your dream dress on the day.

The designers waiting to meet you include:

• Hetty Rose Shoes (also attending Made in Clerkenwell above)
• A Alicia Weddings – working with eco-friendly, vintage fabrics (see garter pictured)
• Jana Reinhardt Jewellery – working with conflict free diamonds (pictured below – centre photo)
• Katherine Elizabeth Hats – working with fabrics recycled from vintage pieces (see below – bottom left)

You will find:

• Bridal fashion
• Invitations
• Bookbinding for photo albums
• Millinery
• Jewellery (rings in particular!)
• Gifts (such as Ceramics, Interior Products, Silversmithing)
• Tasteful Hen/Stag fashion and accessories
• Father/Mother of Bride/Groom fashion and accessories
• Bunting and other decorations
• Favours and table paraphernalia

Event Dates: 23-25 June 2011
Join us for a drink at the Special Launch Night on Thurs 23 June, 4-8pm
Late Night Shopping on Fri 24 June, 11am – 7pm
Avoid the High Street crowds on Sat 25 June, 11am – 5pm.
FREE ADMISSION

For more information on both events visit craftcentral.org.uk

Katie

Ali Cook and Katie Daniels, the guys behind Bristol Vintage (vintage crockery & prop hire and events company) are using their ten years’ experience organising boutique events, weddings, parties and film premieres (as well as drawing on a life-long love of all things vintage) to put on a show that caters to the retro rather than contemporary couple.

After all, there’s no better time than a recession to indulge in some serious nostalgia.

Katie got married a couple of years ago and Ali over 10 years ago, but they both came across the same problem – most wedding fairs are geared towards the modern bride.

They know there is a fantastic vintage crowd in the South West who aren’t getting what they want from the standard wedding fairs, so they hope this one will tick all the vintage hat boxes.

Whether you want the full vintage wedding from veil to buttonhole or are just in need of inspiration, the Vintage Wedding Fair’s fabulous exhibitors should help you find it here.

• What: Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair
• When: Sunday 20 March 2011
• Where: Clifton Pavilion, Bristol Zoo Gardens
• How much: FREE
• More info: www.bristolvintageweddingfair.blogspot.com (opens in new window)

Katie

Amanda and I were thrilled with the response to our request for green wedding suppliers when we first decided to host The Great Big Green Wedding Fayre.

We couldn’t believe the wealth of different green businesses that jumped on board, everything from pedal-powered rickshaws and beautifully crafted jewellery, to vintage tea parties and classical musicians.

The weekend was everything we hoped it would be – relaxed, informative and different.

Visitors were treated to catwalk bridal shows with dresses by Oxfam Bridal, ‘Worn Once with Love’ and Aliz Vintage – a great mix of different styles with fabulously low price tags and sound ethics.

Our couples also enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of our Vintage Tea Room, dressed for the occasion with vintage china, care of the girls at Pebble in The Pond and seasonal flowers from Felicity Morgan.

With a little help from our two cake exhibitors, Fleur Ashley and Little Cake Heaven, guests sat down to free afternoon tea and cake- scrumptious treats and an endless supply of tea and coffee.   It’s little wonder guests lingered here making notes and discussing plans.

We were lucky enough to have CRED fair trade fine jewellers exhibiting with us, and founder Greg Valerio gave fascinating presentations each day on their pioneering story.  CRED are an inspiration to green customers and fellow businesses alike.

Meanwhile, The Natural Wedding Company was on hand offering advice on planning a DIY wedding – founder Charlie Burton provided lots of handy hints on bringing together friends and family to help create a very special ‘homemade’ celebration.

Visitors took advantage of the pampering sessions provided freely by The Body Shop at Home, and each visitor took home a goody bag filled with info and offers from green businesses – along with a delicious Green & Black’s wedding favour.  Yum!

We had a fantastic response from visitors, who were thrilled with the range of products and  services which could make their celebration a green one:

“Very good, nice mix of exhibitors and all the providers were very nice to talk to. The jewellery and accessories were brilliant and gave me lots of ideas. The talk from the CRED director was fantastic, it really highlighted how my choices for one day make a massive difference.  I also really enjoyed meeting the humanist celebrant, and think we will be booking her for our blessing. Thanks very much for all your hard work putting it together, it exceeded my expectations and we had a really lovely day.”
Melanie, Salford.

“[There were] plenty of exhibitors covering all areas of a wedding. Very different but very friendly and welcoming – a lot of wedding fairs can be quite ‘snobby’.  I loved the Oxfam wedding dresses. We had a fab time at the event and got loads of ideas for our wedding. Thank you so much. x”
Sarah, Huddersfield.

What’s next?
Our friends Katie and Kate, from Ethical Weddings and Greenfinder, will be hosting their Eco Chic Wedding and Home Show again in 2010 for those of you interested in meeting more green exhibitors.

As for us, The Big Green Wedding website will continue to run until January 2010, a handy resource showing images of the show and details of all exhibitors.  Amanda and I are now focusing on our eco stationery business, GreenLeaf Press for a while, but look out for another Great Big Green Wedding event in the future.

We would like to thank all of our great green exhibitors and friends for helping us to deliver a very clear message – that being green doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or style and you don’t have to blow the budget!

Thanks Jemma! It sounds like a good time was had by all. We’re looking forward to your next event already.

Katie

All you need to do to take advantage of this great offer is quote ‘Ethical Weddings‘ when ordering your tickets.

It promises to be a fantastic event so snap your tickets up now!

The fayre takes place next weekend, 5-6 September in the beautiful surroundings of Little Crosby near Liverpool.

Find out more about the Great Big Green Wedding Fayre.

Katie

This fabulous free event promises “good green fun for everyone” and there will be green celebs galore with the whole event designed in collaboration with eco-greenroom guru, Robert Craymer who has created eco-greenrooms backstage at the Oscars, Golden Globes, Bravo A-list Awards, Young Hollywood Awards, Sundance Film Festival and Al Gore’s LiveEarth concert series.

Eco brides

The best bit for all you eco brides will be the ‘I Do Eco’ zone.  Packed full of green wedding suppliers it is, in the organisers’ words, “devoted to helping happy couples tie the knot and walk down the the aisle without leaving behind a large footprint”.

Don’t forget to check out the eco fashion show either featuring clothing, jewellery and beauty products made from organic materials.

If you’re in the area and get chance to check it out, do tell us all about it – we’d love to know how it goes.

Katie

What made the Show was the great range of exhibitors who came along and of course the busy buzz of visitors perusing the gorgeous goodies on display, asking lots of questions about their ethical credentials – quite right too!

Fashion dahhling!

Two fabulous fashion shows went off in sustainable style featuring Dirty Pretty’s range of upcycled items, Motasem’s re-wearable wedding gown / cocktail dress range, gorgeous gowns from Worn Once with Love (that were snapped up quick smart by beady-eyed brides after the show) and the stunning eco gown, ‘Remnanta’ by Julie Dutton, created especially for the Show from scraps of fabric in her studio.

Our models were also thrilled to get the chance to wear delightfully delicate tiaras from exhibitors Papillon, Anna Clifton Jewellery and The Scarlet Room.

Talks & practical sessions

We enjoyed two beauty sessions courtesy of Sue at Forever Living Products and Melanie from The Body Shop at Home (see exhibitor list for details). Both left at least some of the audience with smoother skin than they came with!

Meanwhile, Jen Marsden, author of the Green Guide for Weddings gave a talk that covered all the bases on green wedding planning – from options for ethical wedding dresses to the type of confetti to throw at the newlyweds.

Get £2 off the Green Guide for Weddings until 30 April 2009. Just quote GGW09 when ordering online.

Eco hamper competition

The winner of our wonderful Eco Hamper was Ellie Kendall - and our thanks go to all those who contributed to the hamper:

Angel Scent

The Body Shop at Home

EcoEscape

Eden & Home

Green Guide for Weddings

Nature’s Larder

WomPom Cards

Our thanks also to Wonderfully Relaxed and Angel Scent who provided pamper sessions as prizes for our Show competition, and to Eco My Party for the pretty decorations that fitted perfectly with the venue’s colour scheme.

More thank yous

Finally, we would just like to say a big thank you to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for providing a fantastic venue, to our amazing volunteer models and helpers, to all our exhibitors who made the show such a success and to all the couples who made the effort to come and see what they had to offer.

We hope to see you all again next year! Watch this space…

Katie & Kate
Organisers of the Eco Chic Wedding & Home Show

Cross-posted from the Eco Chic Wedding & Home Show blog

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is to answer the following question; in what year did the Birmingham Botanical Gardens open to visitors?

Please email the answer to katie (at) ethicalweddings.com before Wednesday 4 March

. Winners will be notified by email.

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For more information about the show please visit the Eco Chic Wedding & Home Show website.