TUCSON, Ariz. — Green weddings can have a positive impact on the environment, but will they burn a hole in your pocket?

Indeed, green weddings tend to be a bit more expensive, according to Candace Flores, a Tucson, wedding planner, and Danielle Archer, a wedding planner who specializes in green weddings in Rochester, N.Y.

“As far as (organic) food cost, it is a little higher but not that much higher,” said Mere Ours of Back to Earth organic catering in Berkeley, Calif. “We try to make up for the food cost with other less expensive ways of running the business.”

Ours produced two similar menus, one using organic ingredients and the other using regular ingredients. The organic menu cost $12,177.21 and the regular menu cost $8,202.21, leaving the difference between the two at $3,975.

“Some areas it’s costly, like using all organic food, but other areas it’s not,” Flores said. “I think there’s more value in a green wedding for the money you would have spent.”

Flores planned a green wedding that used plants as centerpieces which doubled as favors that guests took home and enjoyed for months.

“They average out,” she said.

Archer agreed that green products are usually more costly.

“In my experience, anything that has the word ‘recycled’ in it tends to be more expensive,” Archer said. “The process of being recycled adds to the cost. Plus, it’s a trend, so they can charge more for it.”

“But having a green wedding is about simplifying,” Archer added. “You can cut back in places — do you really need a four-tiered cake?”

Planning an eco-friendly event might cost a little more but will definitely put a little more green back into the environment.