By Alexandra Graves
Madison Magazine
Special To Channel 3000

Vegan shoes: stylish.

Locavore: actual word.

There's obviously something in the air, and it's not just love -- it's green. That's good news for the eco-conscious bride. As little as four years ago, planning a planet-friendly dream wedding was a nightmare--expensive, stressful and often not so chic. Thanks to media attention and consumer demand, that's no longer the case. Brides can make green choices without sacrificing style or quality.

Madison retailers say they've noticed a trend toward environmentally friendly wedding choices. The demand is one they're happy to comply with.

The concept of green has changed too, making it easier for brides to make responsible choices, says Amelia Royko Maurer, founder of Free Market Organics, an environmentally conscious retail website that sells green, toxin-free lifestyle products like apparel, kitchen items, bath and body goods and more.

"The true green is purchasing local and being smart about how you're spending your money," says Rokyo Maurer, who is co-planning a friend's September eco-friendly wedding. She says that buying from local producers and retailers is one of the most socially and environmentally responsible things a bride can do. Buying local means less fuel, better labor practices and a stronger community. Madison offers greener options for every wedding purchase, from the dress to the favors.

Gorgeous Gowns

Being eco-friendly and looking eco-friendly are two different things and when it comes to the dress, most brides want to avoid the latter. Fortunately, white can be green without looking the part. Royko Maurer says green fashion has come a long way since her own wedding in 2005.

"You'd find a dress that looked like a potato sack or hemp bag," says Royko Maurer of her gown search. Now, with even more local and online retailers to choose from, she suggests that brides look for fair trade, organic or reclaimed fabric--and hire a local dressmaker to fashion a dress from scratch.

For a classic touch, wear a family heirloom or vintage gown, or talk with a tailor who can help you recycle an old gown to fit your modern style.

If your heart is set on a brand new dress straight out of the store, you can still make a green choice. At Premiere Couture on Monroe Street, gowns are made from silk rather than polyester, a petroleum byproduct. They're also made in the United States, which means that less fuel goes into getting gowns from producer to altar.

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