It's a nice day for a green wedding [with dress rehearsal PHOTOS!]

Dress rehearsal, preparation and bystander photos courtesy the British Monarchy photostream on Flickr. Click to zoom.

Despite efforts by the Prince of Wales to keep the royal wedding green, the April 29 international even will generate a substantial carbon footprint: about 12 times the annual emissions from the London palace, or 1,230 times the annual emissions of the average UK household.

UK newspaper the Telegraph consulted New Zealand carbon emission authority Landcare Research to estimate the event’s total emissions.

With a quarter of the 1,900 guests flying in from overseas – David and Victoria Beckham from Los Angles, for example – travel will generate more than 2,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).

But less than 13 tonnes will be generated by other wedding day activities such as accommodation, energy use and catering.

Charles in charge
Prince Charles has shown keen interest in environment issue since the early 1980s, launching his own organic brand Duchy Originals in 1990.

According to the Telegraph, he has had “huge influence” over the arrangements. Some wine will be English and canapés will be sourced locally – some will even come from the Royal Estate.

Recycled ring
Will and Kate have already limited their carbon footprint to a minor extent. Kate’s ring is made from Welsh gold rather than minerals sourced from an exploitative mine. The lowest carbon option for her dress would be to source it second-hand or rework a vintage dress – something the Telegraph deemed unlikely.

But her engagement ring – originally worn by William’s mother Princess Diana – could be called recycled.

The couple have also chosen to use mostly seasonal flowers in their decorations, printed all documents on recycled paper, asked guests to plant trees for them and included Earthwatch in the list of suggested charities to which guests can donate.

Jam
Other carbon-reducing initiatives such as sending virtual invitations or asking guests to make jam or chutney in lieu of giving presents do not appear to have been adopted.

A royal spokesman said the Prince’s household – Clarence House and St. James’ Palace - always strived to minimise their carbon emissions and make any event as environmentally friendly as possible. “The royal wedding is no exception.”

Carbon footprint on the footpath
But it is the international spectators that will amass most of the carbon footprint. The 600,000 travelling in to central London by tube and rail will generate nearly 4,000 tonnes of CO2e.

The UK’s National Grid also predict 600,000 will turn on their kettles for a cuppa following the Buckingham Palace balcony kiss.

Landcare Research’s analysts did not calculate the carbon footprint of the ceremony, the decorations such as bunting and handheld Union Jacks or the flights of international media.

They said the estimations were a “fun exercise” to highlight how carbon emissions could be cut down.