Big dress; big car; big party; big price …and not just financially. The environment can also fall victim to the cost of some weddings. Which is why more and more couples are plumping for an ethical celebration.

It needn’t be more expensive because you can include as much or as little as you want. It just involves a bit more thought.

If you are concerned about arriving at your wedding in a gas-guzzling limo why not go all romantic and order a horse-drawn carriage to transport you in style. Or you could really embrace the green theme by arriving on a bicycle made for two…!

There are dresses made from fair-trade and cruelty-free products, such as organic cotton, hemp and silks that don't even hurt the silkworms. And there are unbleached materials and colours that use only natural dyes.

Oxfam has seen an increase in purchases of recycled dresses from its specialist bridal branches and there is also a growing interest in ‘remodelled’ dresses, where a second-hand or ‘vintage’ outfit worn by a parent or relative is revamped and used again.

Instead of using cut flowers which may have travelled many air miles before they make it into a floral arrangement check out fair-trade options or local and seasonal flowers instead. Or decorate the venues with potted plants which can be handed out to guests after the reception.

Just as with the flowers opt for seasonal food that is locally sourced and, where possible, organic.

If you’re a couple who are in the fortunate position of having everything you need then, instead of asking your guests to shower you with unwanted toasters, why not suggest they buy an ethical gift from one of the big charities in your name: safe drinking water for a family less fortunate, a goat or a mosquito net for a child in Africa. But if you want to give a gift there are presents to be had that are made from sustainable, renewable and fair trade sources that have, of course, been shipped into the country, not flown.

Had you thought about using recycled paper and fairly traded pencils made from non-endangered twigs for your invitations? No? How about just emailing them then? There’s no limit to the eco-possibilities when you put your mind to it.

‘Conflict-free diamonds’ are widely available from jewellers for anyone wanting to buy an ethical ring. But choosing recycled jewellery or vintage rings avoids using new materials altogether.

Green guilt is at its most persuasive when it comes to the honeymoon. For some couples, a long-haul destination is the one eco-lapse they will allow. But there are specialist providers out there offering responsibly-sourced honeymoons and of course, there are places that are very beautiful just a train or coach ride away!