Ways to Make Your Wedding Eco-Friendly
It’s called your “Big Day” because it’s big on sentiment. But you don’t want to make a big impact on the environment. It’s never too early to start thinking about steps to minimize waste for an eco-conscious wedding. Small gestures add up and you’ll look back on your 30th anniversary, proud that you were part of the solution. Learn ten ways to make your wedding more sustainable and eco-friendly.
What is the Average Wedding Waste?
The amount of waste a wedding generates can vary widely based on several factors. These factors are the number of guests, the scale of the event, the location, and vendor choices. However, weddings are often associated with significant waste due to factors like decorations, single-use items, food, and more. Here are some common sources of waste in weddings:
- Single-Use Items: Disposable paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins, and other single-use items can contribute to much waste.
- Decorations: Decor items like balloons, streamers, and other disposable decorations can contribute to waste. Flowers that are not repurposed or composted can also be a source of waste.
- Food Waste: Overestimating the amount of food needed or not having a plan to donate leftovers can result in significant food waste.
- Packaging: Packaging from wedding favors, gifts, and other items can contribute to waste. Especially if these materials are not recyclable or compostable.
- Invitations and Paper: Traditional paper invitations, RSVP cards, programs, and other paper-based materials can result in substantial waste. This is especially true if they are not made from recycled materials.
- Attire: Waste can be generated from producing wedding attire, including dresses, suits, and accessories. These items may not always be reused or repurposed after the wedding.
- Transportation: If guests need to travel long distances to attend the wedding, it can result in carbon emissions and other environmental impacts.
It’s important to note that efforts to minimize waste and promote a green wedding can significantly reduce the environmental impact of a wedding. Couples who prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as using reusable or compostable items, donating leftover food, and repurposing decorations, can help lower the overall waste generated by their wedding.
Sustainable Wedding Ideas
While there isn’t a specific “average” amount of waste for weddings, being mindful of your choices and reducing waste can make a positive difference. Below, we will discuss ways to make Mother Earth proud of your wedding day.
1. Conflict-Free Stones
You may not have ever considered the ethics of wedding or engagement rings. The fact is, an eco-friendly wedding can start with ring shopping far away from conflict zones. Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds sourced and traded in a way that does not support or contribute to violence, human rights abuses, or other unethical practices often associated with the diamond industry. “Conflict diamonds” or “blood diamonds” refers to diamonds mined in war zones. These diamonds are sold to finance armed conflict against governments, often leading to human suffering and instability.
To address these concerns, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was established in 2003 to help prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process ensures that diamonds are sourced from legitimate and ethical sources. It provides a certification process that tracks diamonds from origin to final sale.
The ethics behind wedding rings, including sourcing diamonds and metals, is important for couples striving to have an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding. Choosing ethically sourced materials can make a positive impact on both the environment and communities. Pearl engagement rings are one alternative that can align with these values.
Consider Benign Bands
Pearls are a sustainable and elegant choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. Oysters or mollusks naturally produce them, and responsible pearl farming practices can help protect marine ecosystems. Additionally, pearls are often harvested without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond or metal mining.
When it comes to metals, you can also consider using recycled materials or opting for metals sourced and processed in environmentally responsible ways. Look for jewelers and brands that are transparent about their sourcing practices and prioritize ethical and sustainable methods.
By making informed choices and supporting ethical and sustainable jewelry brands like Laguna Pearl, couples can contribute to a more responsible, sustainable wedding while still enjoying the beauty and symbolism of their rings.
2. Local Love
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to hold the wedding locally versus a destination wedding. Holding your wedding locally or in a convenient location for most of your guests can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel and transportation. It’s a practical and eco-friendly choice that can make the planning process more streamlined and less stressful.
Alternatively, you can stage it wherever most of your guests live. Save fuel and stress by staying close to home. Encourage guests to use public transportation, carpool, or walk to the venue.
If possible, provide information about local transportation options on your wedding website to make it easier for guests to plan their trip. Providing transport for your guests not only uses less fuel but is also safer. Buses, vans, and even trolleys are all options here. Bonus: out-of-town visitors have one less thing to worry about.
3. Responsible Registry
Creating a green wedding registry is a meaningful way to ensure that your gifts reflect your values while benefiting the planet. Prioritize experiences, charitable contributions, and sustainable home goods from eco-friendly materials like bamboo, organic cotton, and reclaimed wood. Consider adding second-hand or vintage items and products crafted from recycled or upcycled materials. Opt for energy-efficient appliances and green gadgets, and include plants, gardening tools, and zero-waste essentials to enhance your eco-friendly lifestyle.
Supporting local artisans and requesting locally made or artisanal products further promotes sustainability. By curating a registry that embraces these principles, you can inspire your guests to choose thoughtful and environmentally conscious gifts that positively impact your home and the earth.
4. Catering
Selecting local and seasonal food options is a wonderful way to create an eco-friendly and sustainable wedding menu. Collaborate with local caterers and vendors, prioritizing sourcing ingredients from a nearby farm or producer. Consider embracing a vegan or vegetarian menu to reduce the environmental impact further. This approach supports the local economy and minimizes carbon emissions by eliminating the need for long-distance food transportation. By making thoughtful choices about your wedding menu, you can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious celebration.
Minimizing excess food at a wedding involves thoughtful planning and consideration. Begin by accurately estimating the guest list to avoid overordering. Craft a well-balanced menu that accounts for dietary preferences and restrictions, aiming for variety without excessive abundance. Collaborate closely with your caterer to ensure portion control and a flexible serving approach, such as offering stations or family-style meals that allow guests to choose their portions. Implement a post-event food donation plan, partnering with local shelters or organizations to redistribute surplus food. Effective communication with guests can encourage responsible consumption through RSVP reminders or clear instructions on the event day.
5. Vintage Value
Infuse your wedding day with a heartfelt commitment to the planet and your family by incorporating cherished heirlooms. Consider the sentimental and sustainable touch of wearing your mother’s vintage wedding dress or adorning yourself with your grandmother’s timeless jewelry, adding a unique blend of style and sentiment to your celebration.
Extend this eco-friendly approach by shopping locally and scouring flea markets and thrift stores for charming and authentic decor that beautifully complements your theme while minimizing your environmental footprint. You can also rent vintage furniture from local vendors like Sisters Vintage Rentals.
You create a meaningful and sustainable tapestry that honors your heritage and the planet by weaving these heirlooms and found treasures into your wedding.
6. Rent Reusables
Embrace an eco-conscious mindset by opting for non-disposable items such as elegant china, quality utensils, and cloth napkins, all of which can be easily rented. The convenience of inclusive cleaning services makes this sustainable choice a clear winner. By renting these items, you not only elevate the sophistication of your event but also contribute to reducing waste, demonstrating your commitment to a more environmentally friendly celebration.
7. Recycled Paper
Elevate your wedding’s environmental consciousness by opting for recycled paper for invitations, programs, menus, and thank-you cards. While they don’t necessarily have to be “green” in design, choosing recycled paper demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. By reducing paper consumption and utilizing your wedding website to share important details, you save precious resources and make it easier for your guests to access information conveniently. This small yet impactful gesture reflects your dedication to an eco-friendly celebration, blending tradition with responsible choices for a more planet-friendly wedding experience.
8. Double-Duty Décor
Weddings are expensive, and the cost can hit your wallet and the earth. Depending on your venue and location, you can save a lot by using your wedding decor repeatedly in multiple places. The easiest options include a ceremony and reception at a single location.
Here are some ideas for reusable wedding decorations you could use twice on their wedding day:
- Ceremony Arch or Backdrop: If you have a beautiful ceremony arch or backdrop, you can set it up for the ceremony and then move it to the reception area to serve as a stunning backdrop for the head table.
- Chairs: Decorated chairs used during the ceremony can also be used at the reception.
- Bouquets: Bridesmaids’ bouquets can be used as centerpieces on reception tables, and the bride’s bouquet can be a decoration on the head table.
- Lanterns or Candle Holders: Lanterns or candle holders used to line the ceremony aisle can be moved to reception tables to add ambiance and style.
- Signage: Signs with personalized messages or quotes can be used during the ceremony and placed as decor on reception tables or at the entrance.
- Fabrics and Drapes: Fabric used as ceremony decor can be repurposed as a photo station at the reception.
- Furniture Pieces: Decorative furniture, like vintage chairs or tables, can be used as ceremony seating and placed strategically in the reception area for extra seating.
A favorite of mine is to use small potted plants as seating cards. These charming botanical arrangements guide your guests to their tables and add a delightful flair to your reception. Furthermore, the centerpieces adorned with these plants can double as cherished mementos, allowing your loved ones to take a piece of your special day home. This innovative and sustainable approach seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic appeal, making your wedding memorable with eco-friendly choices.
9. Pass Along the Pretty and Yummy
Extend the beauty of your wedding beyond the celebration by repurposing your exquisite floral displays. Instead of discarding them, consider donating these lovely arrangements to nursing homes and hospitals, spreading joy to those who would appreciate them. This thoughtful gesture reduces waste and shares the magic of your special day with others. By considering the lifecycle of cut flowers for your floral arrangements and using locally grown blooms, you extend the impact of your wedding flowers. With this approach, you can create a heartwarming legacy that benefits your community and the environment.
Similarly, your leftover food can find a meaningful purpose. Reach out to local homeless shelters or soup kitchens to inquire about making donations, ensuring that the abundance from your wedding contributes to nourishing those in need.
10. Shared Spirit
Infuse your special day with compassion and sustainability by embracing eco-friendly wedding favors and products sourced from charitable organizations. Consider thoughtful options like the Arbor Day Foundation saplings, which symbolize growth and contribute to a greener planet.
Another meaningful choice is to donate in your guests’ names, spreading the love even further. Our recent blog post highlights edible favors and sustainable alternatives that won’t go to waste, providing delightful memories and a positive impact. By choosing these thoughtful approaches, your wedding becomes a celebration of love but also of kindness and environmental consciousness.
Eco-Friendly Wedding Photographer
If prioritizing an eco-friendly wedding is a core value for you and your partner, entrust us with capturing your special moments as your professional photographers. Enlisting a team of professionals who share your commitment to sustainability is a powerful way to embody your values on your big day authentically. Contact me today to secure your wedding photography for your perfect wedding day. We can ensure that your celebration reflects your love and dedication in a socially responsible manner.
