If reports that have been coming into my inbox lately are anything to go by, there is a definite trend emerging amongst couples in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia and the US to have weddings that are more environmentally friendly.

Probably motivated by the huge amount of recent international interest in the seriousness of global warming, engaged couples are looking at ways to ensure that their weddings have as little impact as possible on the planet.

All the publicity in the British press surrounding the extravagant wedding of Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar certainly highlighted the accuracy of the claims made by environmentalists.

Although, true to form, the press was not very fair to the couple, the report that appeared in The Independent created a good deal of awareness and brought home just how environmentally unfriendly lavish weddings can be. The Independent described the Hurley/Nayar affair as 'a big, fat, not-so-green wedding'.

It accused the couple of producing a carbon footprint ? during celebrations that lasted just over a week ? so large that it would take the average British couple more than 10 years to contribute as much towards heating up the planet (what I found even more startling, though, was the corresponding assessment that it would take a typical Indian couple a massive 123 years to have a similar impact!)

A report by Best Foot Forward, a footprinting consultancy in Oxford, suggests that the celebrations released around 200 000 kilograms of carbon into the atmosphere, with the biggest polluter being the Lear jet ? used to transport guests ? on its 12 000-mile round-trip to India.

Recently The New York Times quoted Janet Larsen, director of research at the Earth Policy Institute, an environmental research group in Washington, as saying that "every little bit helps".

"All the actions add up," she maintains. "Anything individuals can do to reduce their overall environmental footprint can make a difference."

So what can you do?

So what should an environmentally-conscious couple do to ensure that their nuptials leave a smaller carbon footprint and are therefore kinder to the planet?

Firstly, when planning your wedding, take time to think about the choices you make and, as far as reasonably possible, use locally-grown produce, and items that are made locally.

For instance, ask your florist not to use imported flowers ? or, better still, hire potted plants for your decor.

Consider using small tubs of flowers or herbs as table decor, which could double up as gifts for your guests.

You could also give your guests packets of wild flower seeds, or products that are locally made (and support a good cause at the same time).

If you use fresh flowers, don't waste them after the wedding ? rather donate them to something like an old age home. I did this after my son's wedding and the ladies at the home to which I took the flowers were thrilled to receive them. As you will probably be leaving on your honeymoon straight after the wedding, ask a friend or family member to organise this for you.

When it comes to your wedding dress, try to choose a style you will wear again, rather than having an outfit that will just clutter up your cupboard for years ? and of course it should preferably be made from a natural fabric, like silk.