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To help you make your ethical wedding choices and plans, we will be taking a closer look at some of the key environmental and social issues that have a bearing on the wedding industry. Send us your suggestions of issues you want to go under the spotlight, or visit our forum and Ethical Weddings blog for more discussions.

Make love not war on Valentine’s Day

Ethical jewellery designers, Brilliant Earth tell us what Valentine's Day is all about - and how we can make a difference with our choice of love token.

From blood or conflict diamonds to dirty gold, find out what couples planning an ethical wedding need to look out for in their hunt for the perfect ring - the symbol of eternal love.

Seeing red - Free Greenland Ruby

Conflict diamonds hit the headlines in a big way - with a little help from Hollywood blockbuster, Blood Diamond - and while few would claim the issues are now resolved (read about the latest upset at the Kimberley Process), at least the word is out there and we know the questions to ask to track down that elusive, ethical engagement ring.

Much less well known is the controversy around the blood-red ruby. A legal war is waging in Greenland as the native Inuit Greenlanders fight for their rights to prospect for the ruby through small-scale, responsible mining just as their ancestors have done for centuries.

Wood you? A look at wooden wedding bands

By Wenona Napolitano, author of 'The Everything Green Wedding Book'

Has the truth about dirty gold and blood diamonds made you afraid to even consider purchasing a new engagement ring or wedding band?

Do you think your eco-conscience just wouldn't allow you to live with yourself knowing all the damage that mining does to our precious planet?

Have you considered the eco-friendly alternative of wooden wedding bands?

Totally vintageous - search for an eco chic wedding gown

By Wenona Napolitano, author of 'The Everything Green Wedding Book'

Are you considering a green wedding but don't think you're going to find a "green" gown that fits your style? Hemp not your thing? Organic cotton or bamboo doesn't fit the bill either? Maybe you think that eco-friendly gowns don't fit into your image of wearing high fashion.

Don't worry you can still go green and wear high fashion... by wearing a beautiful bridal gown from another era.

Are you a gal that loves the styles from eras long gone? The glamour of vintage fashion, gowns from the golden age of Hollywood. Well, did you know that vintage gowns are a very green option?

Fair trade weddings

In celebration of Fairtrade Fortnight 2008, we're on the hunt for your ideas and photos showing how you've made fair trade a part of your wedding...

Charity shop wedding dresses

How do you recycle, save money and give to charity all in one wedding shopping trip? Go for a charity shop wedding dress of course!

A girl’s best friend? The blood diamond debate

So who is a girl’s best friend when it comes to weddings? According to the marketing it isn’t your chief bridesmaid, it’s that shiny sparkly bit of carbon commonly known as a diamond.

Be my ethical guest

As increasing numbers of couples stop to count the cost of their wedding – to the earth as much as to their bank balance - wedding magazines and websites are starting to devote space to environmental and other ethical issues. But what about the guests?

By Sarah Nicholson

Green is the new white - when it comes to tying the knot

Anyone who is considering saying “I do” in the next few months might want to consider following in the footsteps of South West Tourism’s Sustainable Tourism Manager, Neil Warren, who ties the knot this summer. Here are some of the ideas Neil and his fiancée came up with for their big day:

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