How To: Eco-Friendly Weddings
Planning an eco-friendly wedding involves making thoughtful and calculated decisions that prioritize sustainability while still creating a beautiful event. From selecting a venue that prioritizes green practices to choosing locally sourced flowers and food, every choice can contribute to a more environmentally conscious celebration. It’s important to remember that even small steps can collectively make a meaningful impact. By prioritizing eco-friendly options, couples can craft a wedding that reflects their values while celebrating their love. To help guide you with your goal, we’ve listed some things to consider when planning your day.
Venue - As mentioned, working with a venue that takes steps to be more eco-friendly whether with a recycling & compost system, eco-friendly lighting, better waste water management & groundskeeping, or even something as 21st century as geothermal heating, will have a big impact on energy usage.
Catering - Book a catering vendor that works with locally sourced food. Not only will it taste amazing but you will be doing your community a great service!
Rentals - If your catering company does not provide rental plates & flatware, make sure you book these from a local company! This is an easy way to not only add to your overall design but to make an impact. Disposables are not only wasteful but also thing about all the travel it takes to produce, protect, and transport them to the wedding. If disposable is your only option, opt for bamboo or recycled materials.
Decor - THRIFT! That’s it! Outside of rentals, thrifting is the best way to add little decor elements to the wedding day rather than pruchasing new. I constatnly tell my couples to go on a date and thrift for cool things. Or, if you are lacking on time, check out bridal resell groups on Facebook. A lot of basic items like candles, runners, cake stands, etc are on there for you to pickup for cheap!
Flowers - Speaking of decor, check out our previous article on how to reuse flowers. The more you can repurpose flowers, the better it is for the environment. You can also ask your florist to source from local flower farms and REFUSE floral foam. Realize this may make some structural elements change, but wire and new “foams” such as Oasis are better alternatives. Also ask your florist whether they compost or donate florals like our own Grace & Thorn does!
Paper Goods - For items like ‘Save the Dates’ and invitations, opt for digital versions. For signage, opt to have it printed on recycled materials and reduce the amount of additional single-use extras such as menus and ceremony programs.
Favors - Skip the favors as most people don’t take them home anyways. If you wish to have it, opt for something thrifty and fun - like thrifted vintage goblets for guests to use throughout the day! Or plantable ones, such as locally sourced potted succulents.
Fashion - Again, vintage is best in this category! But, if you want something newer, consider donated bride dresses or opt for one made of sustainable materials such as cotton or linen (or wool if you live somewhere cold!)
