Stressed from wedding planning? Here’s what to look for in an eco-friendly spa.

By Michelle Talsma Everson

Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life, but the planning leading up to it can be downright nerve-wracking. If you’re about to walk down the aisle, consider visiting a spa first.

“For eco-conscious brides, getting bridal-ready at a green spa is the ideal primping and pampering destination,” says spa expert Dena Roché. “All spas promote themselves as sanctuaries of wellness, but with chemicals in the products and in the air, that can be misleading.”

Roché, who is penning a book tentatively titled The Spa Dictionary, says that brides-to-be should ask the following questions to determine if a spa is truly eco-friendly:

• Do you use a certified organic skin care line in your treatments?
• Are the cleaning products used in the spa toxin-free? Are the paints VOC-free? Is the flooring natural?
• Do you use natural fiber products in your robes, towels and linens?
• How else do you conserve in the spa? Low-flow toilets? No bottled water? Bulk-dispensed toiletries?

A great resource to use to locate an eco-friendly spa is greenspanetwork.org/site-search, Roché adds.

Rachel Rock, spa director at Jurlique Spa at Kimpton’s FireSky Resort & Spa, gives a few more insider tips:

UNDERSTAND THE SPACE: Because environmentally friendly buildings can be a bit more costly to operate, many green spas tend to be boutique in size, Rock says. “This turns out to be great for bridal parties as it gives a more intimate and exclusive feeling, allowing gals to be comfortable and connect as they share in the special moments.”

ASK ABOUT THE PRODUCT LINE: Many bridal parties have their makeup professionally done. One brand that’s a favorite at Jurlique is the Jane Iredale makeup line. Whichever line your spa uses, make sure it’s free of parabens, chemical dye and fragrance.

THINK LONG TERM: While your wedding is just one day, your honeymoon is many more thereafter. “Selecting eco-minded products in your services allows more natural care of your skin, leaving it in better shape for the weeks ahead,” Rock says. “Heavy, chemically processed makeup could look fine for day-of photos, but clogged pores when you set out for your romantic getaway will not.”

SEEK CERTIFICATIONS: “How do you really know if a resort or spa is eco-friendly? They generally have a badge to show for it,” Rock explains. “[For example], FireSky Resort & Spa is Green Key certified, passing a rigorous rating system to examine all operations, from the building materials to the products we use, we maintain a green mission and continue to help others achieve spa results while supporting a sustainable world.”

Once you find a spa you like, sit back, relax and unwind before your big day.

Ahh…