<table> </table> Traditionally the bride wears white, but lately more and more happy couples are choosing green.</p><p>Earth Day brought attention this week to environmental concerns, and experts in Atlanta and across the country note brides and grooms are doing their part by planning environmentally friendly weddings.</p><p>&#8220;It has definitely increased over the past couple of years,&#8221; said Jaimee Zanzinger, editor of <em>Real Simple Weddings</em>. &#8220;The country has become so concerned with the green movement and doing things to help the environment that brides seem to be more concerned with making their weddings green.&#8221;</p><p>Still, planning an eco-friendly celebration requires a bit of creativity and sometimes more cash.</p><p>The average wedding costs about $27,000, according to recent statistics, but green weddings can cost up to 20 percent more, said Alex Lluch of the WS Publishing Group, producers of more than 70 wedding planning books.</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Reception</span></strong></p><p>The reception is generally the priciest part of the ceremony, experts say. Have the wedding and reception in the same place to cut down on natural resource consumption, Lluch says. An outdoor wedding may be more energy-efficient than a reception hall.</p><p>Also, consider using a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified space or at least hotels and halls that engage in environmentally friendly practices such as using glassware and cloth napkins.</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">The rest</span></strong></p><p>Offset transportation to and from the wedding by renting a fleet of luxury hybrid cars.</p><p>Couples are turning to terrapass.com to buy credits that reduce the carbon footprint of honeymoon travel. The money is used to support carbon-reducing energy products in the United States.</p><p>For wedding gifts, consider tree saplings or seed packets. Fill gift baskets for out-of-town guests with merchandise from local companies such as barbecue sauce.</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Wedding attire</span></strong></p><p>One option is to look for a gown in natural, pesticide-free fibers such as organic cotton or silk, Zanzinger says. However, buying a vintage dress is also Earth-friendly.</p><p>Some Web sites allow brides to rent a gown. David&#8217;s Bridal recently launched a Wear Again collection offering simple styles of bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses that can be worn again.</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Flowers</span></strong></p><p>Many brides recycle flowers, using the same arrangements for several days from the rehearsal dinner to the reception. In addition, many take flowers to a hospice or children&#8217;s hospital when the festivities end.</p><p>Consider using seasonal flowers from local nurseries to avoid consuming resources in shipping, and you may also save on costs.</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Rings</span></strong></p><p>One of the most personal aspects of the wedding is the ring. GreenKarat uses conflict-free diamonds and recycled metals to create bridal sets and bands that don&#8217;t sacrifice style.</p><p>Contact: GreenKarat, 800-330-4605 or greenkarat.com.