2008 Los Angeles Market Party: An Eco-Friendly Celebration

The SmogShoppe is the perfect venue for a green wedding bash. The facility was an actual smog-check center back in the 1980s. It is now 100-percent solar-powered and has lush gardens and chic sustainable features throughout.

Just because you're going green doesn't mean you can't go chic too! We topped our tables with modern rose centerpieces and tall cylinder votive holders wrapped in green foliage.

Guests sipped elegant drinks in sugar-rimmed glasses.

Now here are some favors that keep on giving! We provided guests with all the ingredients needed to grow fresh herbs.

On the menu -- elegant hors d'oeuvres like stuffed cucumber slices and gourmet sliders.

Guests also noshed on colorful macaroons.

The five tiers of the cake varied in size and shape. Each tier was wrapped in brown ribbon and covered in a pale damask pattern. The confection was topped off with edible pearls.

Planning a green wedding is simple for anyone. Small efforts like asking your lighting designer to use LED bulbs, donating your leftovers to the food bank, or taking your flowers to a nearby hospital after the event can make an impact. Thanks to all the vendors who helped make our green party a big success! Event Planners: Beth Helmstetter Ev ...