10 Tips For Planning An Eco-Friendly Wedding
Are you planning an eco-friendly wedding and want it to be as magical and memorable as possible? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll be sharing 10 tips for planning the most incredible eco-friendly wedding. From sourcing sustainable materials for decorations to ensuring a minimal waste policy, these tips will help you create an eco-friendly celebration that will be remembered for years to come.
1) Picking an earth-friendly venue
When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important aspects is finding an eco-friendly venue. An environmentally-conscious wedding venue can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and show your commitment to sustainability.
When looking for a venue, consider sites that are run by organizations dedicated to environmental protection and conservation. Look for venues that have green initiatives in place, such as using recycled materials or energy-efficient lighting and heating systems. You should also try to find venues that are close to your guests’ homes, so they don’t have to travel far to attend your big day.
Another great option is to find a venue that offers outdoor options. This will allow you to take advantage of natural beauty and minimize the need for extra decorations. It’s also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and make sure your wedding is as eco-friendly as possible.
No matter what type of venue you choose, make sure you ask plenty of questions about their environmental policies and practices. Doing your research before booking a venue will help ensure that you’re hosting a green wedding that is as sustainable as possible. Additionally, opt for biodegradable materials whenever possible when purchasing decorations and other items needed for your ceremony. Ask vendors if they use products from sustainable sources - many companies now carry organic and locally grown flowers, recycled paper products, and Fair Trade chocolates which could all make lovely additions to any celebration. Finally, when sending out invitations and thank you cards, opt for digital solutions rather than paper ones. Not only is this more affordable and efficient, but it reduces waste and supports a greener planet.
Encourage guests to do the same by including information on digital RSVP cards and digital thank you cards in your invitation suite. By following these tips, you'll be able to plan an incredible eco-friendly wedding while keeping with your values.
2) Invitations and paper products
When it comes to sending out invitations and creating paper products for your eco-friendly wedding, there are many creative and affordable ways to go about it. Here are a few of our favorite ideas:
1. Digital Invites: Send digital invitations that can be easily shared via email or through social media. This will help reduce the amount of paper used and you can even create fun designs that fit your wedding theme.
2. Recycled Paper: For those who prefer a more traditional invitation, look for recycled paper options when buying paper products such as invitations, programs, menus, and place cards. Make sure to research the company’s green practices before purchasing.
3. Plantable Invitations: Plantable invitations are made from seeded paper and will grow into plants when planted! This is a fun and unique way to send out invitations and remind guests of your special day.
4. Reusable Materials: If you’re looking to add a little more pizzazz to your invitations, consider using reusable materials such as fabric or burlap instead of paper. This is a great way to add texture and a special touch to your invites.
By incorporating these sustainable strategies into your wedding planning, you can help make your special day even more eco-friendly. Good luck with all your planning!
3) Decorations
When planning your decorations for an eco-friendly wedding, you want to focus on using natural materials and items that can be reused or repurposed. Natural materials like driftwood, burlap, and greenery are great choices for your decor. You can also opt for vintage pieces or rent furniture to minimize waste. Consider using mason jars or other reusable containers as vases instead of buying traditional floral arrangements. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, use LED lights to add a warm and romantic atmosphere. LED lights don’t produce heat and use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent lightbulbs. Finally, you can create a beautiful centerpiece with items from nature like leaves, branches, and stones. By choosing these eco-friendly alternatives for your decorations, you will have a beautiful and sustainable wedding day.
4) Flowers
When it comes to eco-friendly weddings, flowers can often be the most difficult part to make sustainable. To ensure that your wedding blooms are as environmentally friendly as possible, here are some tips:
1. Choose locally grown and in season flowers – You can easily find florists that specialize in using only local and in-season flowers. This cuts down on shipping costs and helps support local growers.
2. Use potted plants – Potted plants are a great way to add a unique touch to your decorations and they can last longer than cut flowers.
3. Use plants from your own garden – For a truly sustainable wedding, you can use flowers from your own garden. This is a great way to keep your budget down and also have a sentimental touch to your big day.
4. Consider dried or preserved flowers – Dried and preserved flowers are becoming increasingly popular for eco-friendly weddings and can last for years if kept properly.
5. Reuse flowers – If you’re having more than one event at your wedding venue, ask the florist if they’re able to use the same flowers from one event to another. This will cut down on waste and save money as well.
5) Food and drink
When it comes to food and drink for your eco-friendly wedding, there are plenty of options to choose from. Look for caterers who source locally-grown produce, use organic ingredients and compostable materials. Consider serving vegan and vegetarian meals to reduce the environmental impact of your food. If you plan to have an open bar, opt for drinks made from sustainably produced alcohol, such as organic wines, craft beers or natural spirits. You can also limit or avoid single-use plastic items like straws, cups, and lids. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can use plant-based “edible cups” instead. Lastly, consider composting any leftover food scraps to further reduce waste. With these tips, you can make sure that your eco-friendly wedding is an enjoyable experience for all of your guests—and the environment.
6) Gifts
When it comes to the eco-friendly wedding, you don't have to forgo the idea of giving your guests a token to remember your special day. Instead, look for sustainable gift options that won't harm the environment. Consider items such as potted plants, handmade jewelry, and ceramic pottery as a way of saying thank you. If you want to give out food, look for locally grown and organic options such as honey or jams from a local farm. You could also opt for recycled paper products such as notebooks, journals, and cards that feature designs from sustainable sources. By looking for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional gifts, you can make sure your guests know that you care about their well-being and the environment.
7) Transportation
When it comes to planning your wedding, transportation is an important consideration. Choosing eco-friendly transportation can help reduce your carbon footprint and ensure that you are making responsible decisions. Here are some of the best ways to plan an eco-friendly transportation solution for your wedding:
1) Choose an eco-friendly vehicle: If you’re planning on having a limousine or other car service pick you up for your wedding, look for companies that offer hybrid or electric vehicles. Not only will this help reduce emissions but you may be able to find a great deal on the service as well.
2) Carshare: If you’re having your wedding in a different city, ask friends and family to carshare to the venue. This is a great way to reduce emissions from multiple cars and save money too.
3) Choose a venue near public transportation: If you’re looking for venues, try to choose one that’s close to public transportation like trains, buses, and subways. This will make it easy for people to get to the venue without having to worry about parking or gas.
4) Consider renting bicycles: If you have an outdoor venue and would like to encourage guests to get active, why not consider renting bicycles? This is a fun way to get people moving and is also an eco-friendly option.
By choosing eco-friendly transportation options, you can ensure that your wedding is as sustainable as possible while also making sure that everyone gets to the venue safely and on time.
8) Music
One of the most important aspects of any wedding is the music. It sets the tone for the entire event and helps create a memorable atmosphere for you and your guests. When it comes to planning an eco-friendly wedding, you have many options for making sure that your music is not only enjoyable but also environmentally friendly.
If you’re looking to go the most eco-friendly route, consider having a live band or acoustic musicians play instead of using a DJ or recorded music. Not only is this an incredibly personal way to entertain your guests, but it also reduces your energy consumption by avoiding the use of electronics. You can also look for local bands who use recycled instruments and make sure to keep their energy consumption to a minimum.
You can also look for alternatives to traditional live music. Many venues now offer “silent discos”, which allow guests to dance to their own individualized soundtracks with wireless headphones. Not only does this reduce sound pollution, but it’s also a great way to keep your guests engaged and entertained!
By being mindful of the type of music you choose for your eco-friendly wedding, you can ensure that your celebration is both enjoyable and environmentally responsible. Whether you opt for a live band, acoustic musicians, or an alternative option, you can create a unique soundtrack that will make your special day even more special.
9) Wedding dress and accessories
When it comes to your wedding dress and accessories, there are plenty of eco-friendly options available. You can choose from vintage or secondhand gowns, or you can opt for a more sustainable option with dresses made from natural materials such as organic cotton, hemp, linen, or even recycled materials.
If you want something totally unique, there are lots of eco-friendly designers out there who will create custom gowns using sustainable fabrics. Look for designers who use ethical practices and only source their materials from ethical sources.
Accessories can also be chosen with an eco-friendly mindset. Look for jewelry made with recycled metals and conflict-free diamonds. And if you're looking for something truly unique, consider upcycling pieces of jewelry from loved ones to make them new again. This is an especially great idea if you want to honor someone who has passed away by wearing a piece of jewelry that belonged to them.
These days, there are lots of great options for brides and grooms who want to look fabulous on their wedding day while also being kind to the environment. From sustainable fabrics to upcycled accessories, you can find an amazing look that won't break the bank – or the planet!
10) Favors
When it comes to planning your eco-friendly wedding, the favors are an important part of the celebration. Consider giving away potted plants as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional favors. You can also give out fair trade organic chocolates or other treats that are sustainably sourced and produced. For a unique and creative touch, create homemade favors using recycled materials. If you're looking for something more traditional, consider offering guests seeds to take home and plant in their gardens. Whatever you choose, make sure that your wedding favors contribute to the overall theme of your eco-friendly wedding.
Conclusion
Planning an eco-friendly wedding doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little bit of creativity and planning, you can create the most beautiful and unforgettable eco-friendly wedding! From selecting an earth-friendly venue, to sourcing sustainable invitations and paper products, eco-friendly decorations, and locally grown flowers, to providing food and drink that are organic and made with seasonal ingredients, to finding gifts and favors that are made from environmentally friendly materials – the possibilities for creating an amazing eco-friendly wedding are endless! Let your love for each other, and your respect for the planet, shine through on your special day!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dean Odell is a professional wedding magician, mind-reader and Your Magical Wedding Toastmaster.
I help wedding couples create unforgettable moments by providing unique entertainment with incredible close up magic & as Your Magical Wedding Toastmaster.
If you’d like to find out more about booking him for your wedding head to: https://www.deanodell.co.uk/weddings