When you think of eco-friendly weddings, what comes to mind? Probably a lot of things: save the environment by using recycled materials, go paperless with your invitations and announcements, have a vegetarian or vegan wedding feast, and choose organic flowers. But that’s just the beginning! There are many more ways to make your wedding environmentally friendly. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Use recycled or sustainable materials whenever possible.
This includes everything from your invitations and save-the-dates to your decor and favours. There are many companies that specialize in eco-friendly wedding products, so do your research and find the ones that best fit your style.
As well as that, think about ways you can reduce waste. Maybe you can use mason jars or other reusable containers for your centrepieces, or opt for potted plants that your guests can take home with them.
2. Send electronic invitations and announcements.
There are lots of great websites that allow you to create beautiful electronic invitations and announcements, and many of them are free! Not only will this save you money, but it will also save paper and help reduce your carbon footprint.
To design a good invitation, make sure to include all the important details like the date, time, and location of your wedding, as well as how to RSVP. And don’t forget to include a link to your wedding website!
3. Choose a venue that is eco-friendly.
This is becoming increasingly easy to do, as more and more venues are becoming aware of the importance of sustainability. When searching for a venue, ask about their energy-saving practices, their use of recycled materials, and what they do to reduce their carbon footprint.
You can also look for a venue that is already beautiful and doesn’t need a lot of decorations, which will save you money and time.
4. Have a vegetarian or vegan wedding feast.
Not only is this better for the environment, but it can also be delicious! There are many great chefs out there who specialize in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, so do your research and find one that you think would be a good fit for your wedding.
Make sure to notify your guests about the menu in advance, so that everyone can be prepared. Some people may put up a fuss, but eating vegetarian or vegan for one meal won’t do them any harm.
5. Choose organic flowers.
This is a great way to support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint. You can also look for flowers that are in season, which will save you money.
If you’re not sure where to start, try looking for a florist that specializes in organic or sustainable flowers. Those who live near nature can even pick their own flowers for their bouquet.
6. Use eco-friendly transportation.
If possible, try to use public transportation, carpool, or even ride a bike to your wedding! This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and get some exercise at the same time.
7. Offset your carbon footprint.
You can do this by planting trees, investing in renewable energy, or donating to an organization that works to combat climate change. There are many great organizations to choose from, so do your research and find one that you feel good about supporting.
This can be a great wedding gift or way to celebrate your love if you don’t plan on having a big wedding. Additionally, it’s a way to make sure that your wedding has a positive impact on the environment, even if it’s not perfectly eco-friendly.
8. Get married in nature.
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to get married in nature. This means having your ceremony and reception outside in a park, forest, or even your own backyard.
Not only is this great for the environment, but it’s also a beautiful and unique way to celebrate your love.
9. Have a green wedding dress.
This doesn’t mean that you have to wear a dress made out of leaves (although that would be cool). There are many beautiful eco-friendly wedding dresses made out of sustainable materials like bamboo, linen, and organic cotton.
10. Give back to the earth on your big day.
There are many ways to do this, but one of the most popular is to have a tree-planting ceremony. This is a great way to offset your carbon footprint and give back to the earth.
Other ways to give back include donating to an environmental organization or planting a garden at your venue.
11. Have a green wedding registry.
If you want to make sure your wedding is as eco-friendly as possible, consider having a green wedding registry. This means choosing gifts that are eco-friendly, sustainable, and local.
There are many great green wedding registry options out there, so do your research and find one that’s right for you.
12. Have a zero-waste wedding.
This is the ultimate eco-friendly goal! A zero-waste wedding means that everything from your invitations to your decor is reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
It can be a challenge to have a completely zero-waste wedding, but it’s definitely possible. There are many great resources out there to help you plan a zero-waste wedding.
13. Don't go for plastic decor.
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to avoid using plastic whenever possible. This includes everything from straws and cups to decor and favours. There are many eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, so try to use those instead.
The same goes for your accessories, especially if you’re getting married in sunny weather. For example, instead of plastic, get beautiful wooden sunglasses. Instead of straw, drink out of a coconut.
14. Educate your guests about your eco-friendly wedding.
One of the best ways to make sure your guests understand your eco-friendly efforts is to educate them before the big day. This can be done through your invitations, website, or even at the wedding itself.
Make sure to let your guests know about your eco-friendly efforts so they can be part of the solution.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly weddings are becoming more and more popular, and it’s easy to see why. They’re a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and celebrate your love in a unique way.
If you’re planning an eco-friendly wedding, use these tips to make sure your big day is as green as possible.