Your wedding day should be one of the most memorable days of your life, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. Choosing eco-friendly options can help reduce your carbon footprint and create a sustainable celebration that you and your guests will remember for all the right reasons.
Venue and Decorations
Choosing an eco-friendly venue is the first step towards a sustainable celebration. Look for venues that use sustainable practices like LEED certifications and Energy Star ratings. Hosting the ceremony and reception in the same location or choosing a venue close to guests can also reduce your carbon footprint. Consider renting decor and equipment instead of buying single-use items to reduce waste. When it comes to decorations, consider using natural elements like potted plants, candles, and natural fabrics. Upcycling items from around the home or recycling bin to reuse and repurpose as decorations is also a great way to reduce waste.
Invitations and Paper Goods
Choosing recycled paper products for your wedding invitations and paper goods is an easy way to reduce your environmental impact. You can also opt for alternative materials like upcycled fabrics, leather, and wood. Seed paper is a biodegradable material that sprouts into flowers when planted in soil and can be used for invitations, programs, and menus. Sending digital invitations or save-the-dates instead of printed wedding invitations can also cut down on paper waste.
Food and Beverages
Choosing locally sourced and seasonal food is not only better for the environment, but it’s also a great way to support local businesses and farmers. Look for caterers who focus on local, sustainable, and seasonal cuisine. Serving a fully vegetarian meal can also reduce the environmental impact of your wedding. Donating leftover food to local charities or composting them can further reduce waste. When it comes to beverages, consider eco-friendly options like organic wine and beer, and avoid single-use plastic straws by using biodegradable options like bamboo or wheat straws.
Attire and Accessories
Choosing eco-friendly attire and accessories is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Consider shopping from eco-friendly wedding dress designers who use sustainable materials or choose a secondhand or rented wedding dress. Opting for sustainable and ethical fashion for the bridal party and guests is also a great way to promote sustainability at your wedding. For men’s wedding rings, consider rings made from sustainable materials such as tungsten or wood. The Gentleman’s Smith provides a great guide to eco-friendly wedding rings and jewelry.
Transportation
Encouraging guests to carpool or use public transportation is a great way to reduce emissions. Choosing eco-friendly transportation options like electric or hybrid cars for the wedding party can also help reduce your carbon footprint.
Gifts and Favors
Choosing eco-friendly gifts and favors is a great way to promote sustainability and give your guests a meaningful token of appreciation. Consider giving reusable items like water bottles, hand-poured soy candles, and wooden sunglasses. No-waste wedding favors like birdseed hearts or ornaments, customized seed packets, or seed bomb wedding favors are also great options. Making a charitable donation to an earth-friendly charity instead of giving your guests a decorative tchotchke or edible treat that they leave behind is another way to promote sustainability.
Conclusion
Choosing eco-friendly options for your wedding day can help reduce your environmental impact and create a sustainable celebration. From choosing an eco-friendly venue to selecting sustainable and ethical fashion, there are plenty of ways to promote sustainability at your wedding. Every little bit counts when it comes to doing our part for the earth, and creating a sustainable celebration is a great way to start.
