The Sustainable Wedding

As couples become more aware of their environmental impact, we are beginning to see a rise in couples choosing sustainable alternatives for their wedding celebrations. A few decades ago, indulgent, lavish affairs with no consideration to cost or impact were considered to be the pinnacle of a successful wedding.

Today, couples are seeking better alternatives for everything from invitations to venues and from attire to gifts. These sustainable switches are not only better for our planet but also for our budget. Another positive to a sustainable wedding? Many times it becomes more personal and meaningful.

We have collected some top ideas to incorporate more sustainability into your wedding.

The Rings: Popping the question with a family heirloom is meaningful and sustainable. Family jewelry or even vintage rings can be updated or worn "as is" to reduce the need for mining and production of those precious elements.

Venues: Look for venues that already incorporate sustainability into their daily business such as using renewable energy, water conservation systems, recycling programs, or have multiple purpose spaces. Look for locations that will use the fees earned to further aid conservation efforts such as zoos, aquariums, parks, or botanical gardens.

Attire: Second hand or already owned attire can be fun and comfortable, but it can also be sentimental. Wearing a friend's or relatives wedding gown not only reduces your carbon footprint, but can be a touching and meaningful gesture. Bridesmaids will enjoy picking out a dress that they know they will wear again and will feel more comfortable and confident in, something that fits their style and body type. Groomsmen will look just as dapper in their own button down shirt as they would with a brand new one.

Invitations: The best way, to reduce emissions from all of those save the dates, invitations, reply, and thank you cards is to go digital. Some of the older generation might struggle with this but having a friend or relative follow up with those folks to make sure they can get all the information will be a minor inconvenience to save all that paper and carbon emissions from mailing invitations across the states or even across the globe.

If your heart is set on paper invitations, recycled paper or even plantable paper can be a great option ensuring that your wedding stationery will have a positive effect on the environment. Beware of invitations with foils, plastic lined envelopes and toxic inks to lesson chances of your invite ending up in a landfill.

Food: Locally sourced food is key to a sustainable menu. Look for caterers that source their food locally or choose a venue that sources their food locally. Choosing a menu that is in season will also give you the freshest result while lessening your impact. Considering a plant based menu will extend that positive impact. Discuss what will be done with excess food to minimize waste and offer to bring your own containers if you plan to take the food home.

Use beverage stations with large dispensers for water, tea, lemonade or punch to minimize single use plastics such as water bottles.

Decorations: Choosing a venue with visual appeal is the best way to minimize your need for decor. A botanical garden already has the flowers, a mountain lodge already has the views. If you need to add decor, consider LED up lighting from your DJ to add drama. Finding second hand items on sale sites or thrift stores not only gives you a great deal, but a one time use item gets a second, or third, life! Houseplants as centerpieces are not only pretty but can be gifted to guests or wedding party or can be taken home to adorn your own home. A spring or summer wedding can be decorated with garden flowers to be moved in the garden after the wedding.

Favors: For some of us, no favors is not an option so finding a favor that won't end up in the trash is the best way to stay sustainable. For most guests food or beverage to take home for a late night snack or next day treat is most preferred. Shot glasses, teddy bears or bottle openers often get left behind but who doesn't love a chocolate chip cookie? If the favors do get left behind, wedding party or family can always take the extras home for later use. I attended a wedding that left compostable containers near their cake and invited guests to take a slice home. This was a great idea because it used up the rest of their cake and gave their guests something sweet to enjoy later.

There are so many ways we can make a difference for our environment while still having an incredible and meaningful wedding. We would love to hear your ideas on sustainable events. Drop us a line and let us know how you are making a difference.