Are you in the midst of wedding planning but feeling guilty over the overconsumption? Want to ensure your wedding is not only fabulous but doesn’t literally cost the earth? We get it. Welcome to our comprehensive guide of eco-friendly wedding ideas!
At Go Book It, we understand the importance of making sustainable choices without compromising on the beauty and elegance of your special day. In this article, we will provide you with a wealth of ideas that will help you create a memorable event while minimizing your carbon footprint. Let’s dive right in!
Choosing the right venue is crucial when planning an eco-friendly wedding. Look for venues that prioritize sustainability and have implemented eco-friendly practices. Consider options such as:
Outdoor Spaces: Opt for a beautiful garden, park, or beach setting for your ceremony and reception. The natural surroundings will not only create a stunning backdrop but also reduce the need for excessive decorations.
Secure a venue that is also eco-conscious: Sounds obvious, but a simple Google search will help you narrow down your search. There are many eco-friendly resorts, farms, and barns that pride themselves on providing a space that is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly.
Sending out invitations and stationery is an essential part of wedding planning. Consider these eco-friendly options:
Digital Invitations: Embrace technology by sending out elegant digital invitations. This reduces paper waste and saves energy associated with printing and mailing. Canva is ideal if you feel confident making it yourself (there are templates), if not, head to somewhere greenvelope or paperless post (there are lots of other options!) where you can design your invitation and send it out electronically in just a few clicks!
Recycled Paper: If you prefer physical invitations, choose recycled paper with high post-consumer content. Look for paper made from sustainable sources like bamboo or hemp.
Seed Paper: For a unique touch, opt for seed paper invitations. These are made from recycled paper embedded with wildflower or herb seeds. Guests can plant them and watch beautiful plants grow.
Create an enchanting atmosphere while staying true to your eco-friendly ethos with these decoration ideas:
Upcycled Centerpieces: Get creative by repurposing old items as centerpieces. Consider using bottles, mason jars, or reclaimed wood. Add a personal touch with fresh, locally sourced flowers.
Natural Elements: Incorporate natural elements like tree branches, potted plants, and stones into your decor. These elements not only look stunning but also reduce the need for non-recyclable materials.
Energy-Efficient Lighting: Use LED lights to illuminate your venue. LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and emit a warm, inviting glow. Opt for solar-powered lighting options for an outdoor wedding.
Delight your guests with delectable, sustainable cuisine that supports local vendors and reduces the carbon footprint:
Farm-to-Table Approach: Work with caterers who prioritize sourcing ingredients from local farmers and suppliers. Embrace seasonal produce to create a farm-fresh menu that celebrates local flavors.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes to accommodate diverse dietary preferences. Plant-based options have a lower environmental impact compared to meat-centric menus.
Zero-Waste Strategies: Collaborate with your caterer to minimize food waste. Buffet-style service, compostable or reusable dinnerware, and careful portion planning can significantly reduce waste.
Make sustainable fashion choices
Ethically-Made Dresses and Suits: Choose wedding attire made from organic, eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo. Look for designers who prioritize fair-trade practices and ethical manufacturing.
Vintage and Secondhand Dresses: Consider wearing a vintage or pre-loved wedding dress. This not only reduces the demand for new production but also adds a unique and timeless touch to your ensemble.
Family Heirlooms and Repurposed Jewelry: Opt for family heirlooms or repurposed jewelry to add sentimental value and reduce the need for newly mined materials. This sustainable approach adds a touch of history and uniqueness to your wedding day look.
Recycle your dress: After you have had your special day, consider handing it over to another bride to be. Charity shops would love to get hold of it and will make sure it goes to a good home.
Minimize the environmental impact of transportation on your wedding day with these eco-conscious options:
Carpooling and Shuttle Services: Encourage guests to carpool or arrange for a shuttle service to transport them to and from the venue. This reduces carbon emissions and helps maximize efficiency.
Offset Carbon Emissions: If long-distance travel is unavoidable, consider offsetting the carbon emissions generated by your guests’ flights or other transportation methods. Donate to reputable carbon offset programs that support environmental initiatives.
Walk > Wedding car! Sounds crazy right? But depending on how far you have to go, do you really need to pay for a wedding car? Imagine the photos of you are your bridal party walking to your ceremony.
Express your gratitude to your guests while staying eco-conscious with these sustainable wedding favor ideas:
Plantable Favors: Offer plantable favors such as seed packets, saplings, or small potted plants. These gifts allow your guests to contribute to the environment by growing their own greenery.
Edible Treats: Choose locally made, organic, and fair-trade edible favors such as artisan chocolates, honey jars, or mini jars of locally sourced jam. This supports local businesses and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.
Charitable Donations: Make a charitable donation on behalf of your guests to a cause aligned with your values, such as environmental conservation, wildlife protection, or sustainable development projects.
You are now equipped with a plethora of eco-friendly wedding ideas that will not only make your special day unforgettable but also contribute to the well-being of our planet. By incorporating sustainable practices into your venue selection, invitations, decorations, catering, attire, transportation, and favors, you can inspire others to follow suit and create a positive impact. Win Win!
Dont forget. be sure to check out our fantastic wedding suppliers on our Event Marketplace – Happy Wedding Planning!
