Sustainability is no longer a fringe topic and is now a key focus in many aspects of our society, including weddings. Though still relatively uncommon, the idea of sustainable weddings is
growing as many couples, keen to minimize the environmental impact of their big day, are
exploring ways to host celebrations that are kind to the planet.

Why Choose a Sustainable Wedding?

The single-use decor and leftover food can cause massive amounts of waste to be
dumped in landfills. When choosing to have a sustainable wedding, you’re reducing the footprint that you leave and are beginning your new life together with a fresh start. Having a sustainable wedding is simpler than you might think, with just a few choices you can make to create an eco-friendly ceremony to remember.

Choosing the Right Venue

The venue is the foundation for planning any ceremony. When choosing where you’d like to say ” I Do,” here are a few options to consider:

• Eco-friendly Venues: Is the event venue itself eco-friendly? Venues like botanical gardens, some eco-resorts, or repurposed historic buildings are often green-certified and otherwise eco-friendly.
• Choose a local venue: By choosing to get married locally, you’ll reduce the travel emissions necessary to get the couple and a majority of your guests to your ceremony. You’ll also be supporting your local economy and businesses run by neighbors and friends.
• Outdoor Settings: Outdoor weddings in public parks, on beaches, or in forests
  use less energy and require less decoration by relying on the natural beauty of the earth. If you’re holding a ceremony in a natural environment, please take care not to disturb it.

Sustainable Invitations

Invitations are the first impression of your wedding, and there are several environmentally friendly options to choose from:

• Digital: Digital invitations are becoming increasingly popular. They are paperless and usually less costly – they also make it easier to track RSVPs and communicate with guests throughout the process.
• Recycled Paper: If you’re planning to use real invitations, choose a recycled paper
  or plantable paper, which you can embed with seeds so that guests can grow
  flowers or herbs from them as a happy reminder for your big day.
• Minimalist Design: Minimalist design can be chic and eco-chic. Keep your invitation design simple to reduce energy and ink use.

Eco-Conscious Attire

The bridal parties attire, from the suits to the wedding gown itself, can be sustainable as well:

• Second-Hand Dresses: A vintage dress or a second-hand gown can be a sustainable
  choice, as well as a unique addition to your wedding.
• Ethically Made Dresses: Buy from designers who are committed to sustainable materials
  and labor. Today, many designers offer sustainable collections made with organic
  materials.
• Sustainable Suits: Grooms and groomsmen can choose suits made with
  sustainable materials or get them on rental.
• Renting: Opt for renting rather than buying an outfit. This way, you reduce
  waste and ensure that the clothing will be reused.

Eco-Friendly Decorations

Decorations play a significant role in creating the wedding atmosphere. Sustainable
options include:

• Natural Elements: Use natural elements – flowers, greenery, and wood – to
  decorate your venue – potted flowers can double as gifts for the guests.
• Decorate Responsibly: Buy decorations that can be reused or repurposed after
  the wedding, such as fairy lights or fabric banners that can be used for future
  parties.
• DIY Decorations: Making your own decorations can help reduce waste and make
  the wedding your own. Try using recycled or second-hand materials for that unique touch.
• Locally Grown and In Season: Get flowers that aren’t imported and are in season. Avoid mass-produced bouquets and choose locally grown flower arrangements whenever possible.

Sustainable Catering

Food and drinks are central to any celebration, especially your wedding reception. Here’s some ways to keep your catering sustainable:

• Local and Organic Food: Select caterers who use seasonal and organic food as
  much as possible. This supports local farmers and minimizes the environmental
  impact of using food from afar.
• Minimal Food Waste: Work with your caterer to ensure that portions are
  reasonable so that food waste is minimized. Arrange for any leftover food to be
  donated to local shelters or composted.
• Greener crockery: Opt for biodegradable or reusable tableware so you won’t
  need single-use plastic. Loads of firms now sell stylish and sustainable wedding serving options.

Green Transportation

Transportation can be a significant source of carbon emissions, but there are some eco-friendly options, such as:

• Ask guests to carpool or shuttle your guests to the event. In addition to requesting your
  guests to carpool, arrange shuttle vehicles at convenient locations to transport
  them to the venue.
• Electric Vehicles: If possible, use electric vehicles for transportation, including the
  bridal car.
• Bike-Friendly Weddings: Small weddings might be considered a bike-centric
  event with attendees transporting themselves by bike or other self-powered transportation.

Ethical Wedding Rings

Wedding rings symbolize eternal love and commitment. You can also show your commitment to the planet by sourcing your rings ethically:

• Recycled metals: Opt for rings made from recycled metals to cut down on newly
  mined gold.
• Ethical Gemstones: Opt for conflict-free diamonds or alternative gemstones like
  lab-grown diamonds or moissanite.
• Old Rings – Good for our Environment and our History: Old Rings are eco-friendly because they
  don’t require new diamond mining, and provide you with a piece that may have significant sentimental or historical value.

Conscientious Gift Registry

Your friends and family want to celebrate you on your wedding day, and help you and your significant other start your life together. When guests ask what to get you on your big day, consider a sustainable approach to your gift registry:

• Charity Donations: Instead of your guests bringing lots of items that you potentially don’t need or want, consider setting up a charitable fund to benefit a local organization.
• Experience Gifts: Request experiences such as cooking classes, spa days, or
  travel vouchers that create lasting memories without generating waste.
• Eco-Friendly Gifts: If you’re a traditionalist, include eco-friendly products like
  refillable household products, organic linens, energy-saving appliances, etc. in your wedding registry to begin your new life together eco-friendly from the start.

If you’re planning a sustainable wedding, you’re opting to make choices
that consider the planet and pledge to minimize the carbon footprint of your wedding
day. Choosing to plan an eco-friendly ceremony does not have to compromise the vision for your big day. With so many sustainable resources and options, you can create a beautiful day to celebrate your love for one another, while still acknowledging your love for the planet as well. A sustainable wedding is one small gesture to start your new life off on the right foot, and even taking small, earth-friendly steps in your planning can make a difference.