Sustainability doesn’t seem like the kind of topic that should be top of mind when it comes to wedding planning, but there are so many wonderful ways to incorporate sustainability in your planning process and on the day. Eco-friendly weddings are becoming more popular especially with the increase in elopements and micro-weddings. We hope this trend becomes a benchmark for all couples in future.
We have put together our list of tips to put the planet first and still celebrate a magical wedding whilst reducing your impact on the environment and keeping your community in mind. Some of the simplest decisions can make a big difference when it comes to planning a sustainable wedding:
The Venue
Venues that rely on renewable energy including solar power and focus on reducing their overall carbon footprint should be at the top of your list. If the venue you choose offers catering as part of their wedding packages, ensure their menu uses locally sourced, seasonal foods.
Your Guest List
Keep your guest list small, this will naturally reduce overall waste.
Décor and Flowers
When meeting with potential service providers find out if they offer décor made from natural materials rather than plastic. Where possible they should be reusing, recycling and repurposing items to reduce waste and get the most out of each item they include in their inventory.
Do your best to reuse your floral arrangements. For example, turn your ceremony arch into a photo booth backdrop or use the bridal party bouquets as décor for your cake table. You can also skip flowers all together and decorate with creative floral alternatives that will still give you that elegant wedding day look, for example, fresh produce, feathers or candles arranged beautifully.
If you have flowers left over after your wedding, allow guests to take some home or plan and arrange for the flowers to be donated and delivered to a charity or home for the aged so that they can still be enjoyed.
Wedding Stationery
The traditional charm of sending and receiving handwritten or printed invitations will never go out of fashion, however to be an eco-friendly couple, opting for digital invitations and a wedding website will certainly have a positive impact on the environment and create less waste.
Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands
When choosing a ring it is important to request the origin of the gemstones and metals used. Gemstones, including diamonds, should be ethically sourced and certified by a trusted gemological laboratory.
Your Wedding Dress and Wedding Attire
When selecting a wedding dress, ask about the fabric and production process and whether the dress has come from eco-friendly designers, you could even opt for a “preloved” wedding dress. Hire suits for the groom and groomsmen instead of buying, especially if their lifestyles do not call for suits very often.
Think of the Community
Donate any leftover food to a local charity and donate flower arrangements to a local home for the aged.
Your Ceremony Exit
Select biodegradable, eco-friendly alternatives to the traditional rice toss for your ceremony exit, for example, bubbles, flower petals, herbs or dissolvable confetti.
Your Gift Registry
Instead of a traditional gift registry follow a minimalist approach and ask guests to donate to a charity of your choice.
Wedding Favours
And finally choose wedding favours that are edible or make a donation to your favourite charity on behalf of your guests.
I hope these small changes help inspire you to reduce waste and host the eco-friendly wedding of your dreams!
