Who needs white when you can plan a green wedding? More and more couples today are taking the environment into account when planning their nuptials. But knowing what’s ecofriendly and how to find it can be difficult. That’s why we called in the expert.

Environmentally-friendly wedding planner Katie Martin, owner of Elegance & Simplicity Wedding & Event Designers, knows a thing or two about planning green weddings—in fact, she’s writing a book about it. Martin, a native Washingtonian, has planned about 3,500 weddings since starting Elegance & Simplicity ten years ago. In 2001, she added floral design to the company’s list of services, and now offers everything from planning to lighting to stationery. Martin and her team, who were chosen by the Audubon Naturalist Society as one of the area’s best ecofriendly event planners, drive fuel-efficient vehicles and order flowers from growers who use environmentally-friendly herbicides.

On Thursday, Martin brought her best advice and ideas for making your wedding greener to The Washingtonian for a live chat. Silk flowers or fresh-cut? Are favors ecofriendly? Can you be green and still stick to a budget? If you missed the chat, catch up here.

More>> Bridal Party Blog | Wedding Guide | Wedding Vendor Search