{editor's choice}

the eco-chic weddings *editor's choice* is a new feature where we will periodically showcase a product or service that we think represents the eco-chic ideal. while we will focus on small, local, independent businesses, we will also review larger brands. some of the things we look for: truth in advertising, affordability, ethical manufacturing practices, good environmental policies, and of course, good style and design. as usual, we would never suggest you do something that we ourselves wouldn't do!
peace.
eco-chic weddings

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april 26, 2008

our first official *editor's choice* award goes to d.sharp, aka diane sharp, whose meticulously designed handmade items have graced the pages of martha stewart, country living, among others.

she also sells directly to the public, so you can get one of her one-of-a-kind items for your special day. i always like to stress the importance of focusing on a few key elements, the flowers, the cake, or the table settings, rather than taking a crap shoot approach and trying to make everything perfect, big, and meaningful. all great event designers know that focus is the key to a successful event, so even if you spend a little more on something like a handcrafted item from d.sharp, this will certainly be a focal point for your guests, as well as something worthy of display and to be treasured for a lifetime.

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may 2, 2008

i have long recommended skipping the save-the-date and save-the-paper instead. i still think a printed wedding invitation is a special and important part of the experience...but no judgment if you do send everything electronically. i know some people feel this is not proper etiquette. but i like to say that the internet wasn't around while emily post was alive, and her recommendations have always been based on good common sense as well as being selfless, rather than a selfish person.

alyson of sunali design can bring beauty to your wedding. and make your wedding more eco-friendly. and save you money too. i am giving alyson the "Eco-Chic Weddings Editor's Choice" award. i hope she approves of my own novice design skills ;)

you can read more about alyson and sunali, as well as an excerpt from my book about mindful weddings on the indie weddings guide...

and as for the great wedding-email debate, publsher's weekly wrote in a review of emily post's updated book "etiquette" this: 

"The original book was considered revolutionary in its time because it recast manners from rigid Victorian rules into behavior that was based on ethics, values and common sense."