How can you keep track of all the things you have to do and be green at the same time? Organization is key. Get a spiral bound notebook with folders, a three ring binder, or a custom wedding planner book to keep all of your lists and receipts together.

Do your research. Search for locations that would be suitable for your green ceremony and reception. Check your area for caterers that offer organic, vegetarian, or vegan menus. Research what produce and flowers are grown locally and organically in your area. Also search for retailers and vendors that offer green products and services. If you cannot find anything in your local yellow pages, check online in Co-Op America's National Green Pages (www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages), which lists green businesses and their products and services.

Other things to remember as you plan your green wedding:

• Make responsible choices when choosing outdoor locations. Parks and organic gardens are set up to be natural yet still accessible to people. A true wilderness location is not equipped to handle human parties. You may do more harm than good by having your wedding in a truly wild setting.

• Be sensitive in the materials you choose. Skip the balloons, crepe paper, and tulle decorations. None are natural and they all just get thrown away. Say no to Styrofoam and plastic utensils. Choose items that can be reused or recycled. Also forgo the disposable cameras. Ask everyone to bring their digital cameras, and guests can e-mail you the photos, put the photos on a disk for you, or share the photos at online sites such as Shutterfly.com or Snapfish.com.

• Think outside the wedding mindset and purchase items you can reuse, such as a great pair of shoes. Buy something you'll use again, not just something you'll use exclusively for your wedding day.

• Rent or borrow whatever possible. This reduces the need for new items to be made and purchased and greatly slashes your expenses. Items that can be rented or borrowed include large items such as altars, trellises, gazeboes, tables, and chairs, and other things such as tuxedos, table linens, dinnerware and table settings, glass bowls or vases for centerpieces, and even jewelry and other accessories.

• When it comes to clothing and linens, consider how they will be cleaned. Find a green dry cleaner for your wedding dress, and research tuxedo and table linen rental companies that use green dry cleaning processes.

• Ask yourselves, “Do we really need this?” Cut out all the unnecessary stuff and you'll save money while you help save the environment.