Say “I Do” To A Happy Earth
Thinking green shouldn’t be left for the bridal bouquet–– There’s a lot you can do to reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint. With these helpful ideas, you can celebrate your big day with little impact on the environment. From your wedding rings to your honeymoon, it’s possible to plan sustainably from start to finish.
1. Sustainable Gems
There are several ways you can choose sustainable engagement rings and wedding bands. If a family heirloom isn’t an option, get your vintage charm from an antique jeweler. Track the origin of a diamond to find out where it came from. Lab-grown gemstones are better for the environment, but if you’re set on a natural stone, choose one that’s been sourced from eco-conscious mining. Buy from an independent jeweler rather than a large jewelry company.
2. Vintage or Second-Hand Dress
Usually, wedding gowns are only worn once and remain in mint condition. Gorgeous dresses deserve another walk down the aisle. Buying secondhand reduces fashion waste (and the price!). You can also find stunning vintage dresses from any era to suit your style.
3. Paperless Invitations
Snail mail is old news–– go paperless! These days, there are plenty of websites with stunning online invitations with various aesthetics. They make it easy with templates you can fill out and send to all of your guests so you can save time and paper.
4. The Right Vendors
From the caterer to the DJ, find vendors who align with your eco-conscious mind. Hire a local small business if you can. Search online or ask them what sustainable efforts they make. You can often tell how eco-friendly they are by the products and equipment they use.
5. Eco-Friendly Venue
There are many venues making sustainable efforts through their building structure and waste reduction practices. If they provide the vendors, make sure things like the decor, dinnerware, and the bar uses reusable items rather than single-use. Find a venue that gives back to the community or is used frequently for multi-purpose occasions.
6. Think Local
Throwing a large event is a good way to support small businesses. Hiring and shopping local positively impacts the surrounding community and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Deliveries and shipping will take less travel distance as well as the drive for your nearby vendors.
7. Think Seasonal
Keep the season of your wedding in mind when making catering and decor decisions. Plan a menu with food that’s in season in your region and is sourced from local farms. Your dishes will be fresh when you use seasonal fruits and veggies. Whether you’re creating your own decor or hiring a decorator, be sure to use seasonal flowers and natural elements from the area.
8. Charity Registry
You can pay your respects to the environment with a charity registry. Encourage your guests to give their gift money to a charity you choose that’s making a positive change in our world. Support environmental activists, a permaculture school, or a company that plants trees.
9. Sustainable Florals
If you plan to use cut flowers, stick to what’s in season and don’t go overboard. Instead of decorating with bouquets entirely, opt for planted botanicals instead. There are many beautiful potted plants you can use to add fresh foliage to your wedding with less waste and harm to the land.
10. Skip The Buffet
Buffets are notorious for food waste because folks pile their plates too high and there’s always extra food. Opt for a plated dinner service if you can or a family style meal with reasonable portions.
Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash
11. Rent, Borrow, Or Buy Used
If they’re not provided by your venue, your next best option is to rent your tables and chairs. You can rent almost everything you need from the linens to the champagne flutes. It’s even better if you can borrow items from family and friends. Hit up Facebook Marketplace in your local area or check out secondhand shops for decor and furnishings.
12. Edible Favors
Instead of wasteful party favors why not show your appreciation with a tasty treat? Edible gifts with not only provide less garbage but they’ll provide guests with a midnight snack. You can wrap your treats in compostable wrapping or a reusable container.
Wedding Photography on Unsplash
13. Natural Confetti
You don’t have to pollute the air for you grand exit. Many natural confetti options can be tossed after the “I dos”. You can celebrate with dried flower petals, pretty leaves, or biodegradable confetti. As an alternative, opt for blowing bubbles!
The HK Photo Company on Unsplash
14. Reduce Garbage
Use reusable items as much as possible. Instead of paper napkins, use linen, and don’t use any plastic cups or straws. Repurpose items like wine bottles for vases or vintage baskets for your cards. Stock your bar with glass and cans and buy less plastic containers whenever possible. Recycle your empties after the party and compost all the dinner leftovers.
15. Less Is More
You’re not planting a garden–– don’t overdo the florals. You don’t need a lot of decorations and flowers to have a breathtaking wedding venue. You want simple centerpieces that don’t block your guests’ view and too much decor gets costly and wasteful.
Blair Roberts Castagnetta on Unsplash
16. Wax Candles
Ignite a romantic ambiance with natural wax candles. Not only will the candles look traditional and beautiful but they’ll be better to the planet. Artificial candles are made with pollutants that aren’t healthy to breathe in and battery candles aren’t great either.
17. Water Station
Hydrate your wedding guests the environmentally-friendly way! Provide a water station where folks can fill reusable glasses whenever they please. Make it fancy with large dispensers of ice water infused with lemon wheels and mint leaves.
18. Group Transportation
Hire a shuttle service to transport your guests. Providing guests with the option to take a bus is not only a novelty but it’s putting less cars on the road and your guests can let loose without needing to drive. If most of them are crashing at a local hotel, it’ll save you money and gas emissions as well.
19. Donate & Sell
After you’ve become newlyweds, it’ll eventually be time for tear down. You might end up with a pile of stuff you’ll never use again. Instead of storing it or throwing it all out, donate to a charity shop or pass down your items to a new bride or wedding vendor. You can also put items up for sale online or host a garage sale.
20. Green Honeymoon
Plan a romantic escape that shows love to the Earth too. There are many eco-tours you can book and eco-friendly hotels and resorts you can stay at. Sustainable travel options are endless across the globe, from your mode of transportation to the businesses and restaurants you support while abroad.
