11 Ways to Have a More Sustainable Wedding

Did you know that the average wedding can produce 400 pounds of waste??After working in the wedding industry for years, I realized that having a sustainable wedding is not generally on people’s minds when they’re planning the wedding of their dreams. Here are 10 ways that you can incorporate eco-friendly plans into your big day, without skimping on what you really want! Start out your eternal love by protecting the planet! While it can take a little more effort to be mindful of the impact you have on the environment, the lasting impacts are truly worth it! Here are some ideas on how to have a more sustainable and ecofriendly wedding:

• Bring your own can recycling containers and bags for aluminum cans!! When not recycled, aluminum cans take over 500 years to decompose. Most venues do not have a can recycling system in place (though you may assume they would). I had many clients assume this and find out on their wedding day that trash cans were the only option. These recycling containers are reusable- bring them to your wedding and use in your home after your event! These recycling containers are compactable and fold flat so that there easy to transport. Bring the plastic bags to your local can shed or can recycling center and get cash back! Generally, if you put an aluminum can recycling bin next to a trash can, people will choose to recycle!

• Bring and use bioplastic cups rather than plastic cups!! Generally, people do not re-use single plastic cups, and some venues and bars don’t accept refills from already used plastic cups. Supplying your own biodegradable and sustainable plastic alternative cups drastically reduces your wedding’s carbon footprint!

• Feed your guests and save the planet at the same time by using compostable and biodegradable cutlery! These items are certified 100% compostable and ecofriendly! Whether it’s for breakfast or lunch while you’re getting ready for the big day, or to put out on the dessert table, making a conscious choice to use biodegradable and compostable items is being mindful and considerate to the environment!

• Use real flower petals for your exit toss “confetti”! Fresh or dried petals look so much prettier than using a fake alternative, and also have a more natural and timeless look to them! Not to mention they are also environmentally friendly!

• Rent decorations rather than buy single-use items! This helps keep waste out of the landfill, and also helps you out-someone else will be in charge of picking up and cleaning chargers, linens, decor pieces, arches, etc.!
• Use seed paper for paper products such as save the dates, invitations, signs, confetti, thank you cards or even as party favors! You and the guests can plant the paper after its been used, and watch it grow! There are so many cute sayings that you can tie into with using this paper about your GROWING love! An extra thoughtful and cute idea is to write thank you notes on seed paper with the seeds being native to where your guest is coming from!

• Be mindful of reducing food waste- talk to the caterer ahead of time about how you want any extra food to be packed up. Offering plated meals can reduce waste that may come from ordering extra food for a buffet. At the end of the night, you won’t be wanting to have to decide what to do with any extra food, this is the time that it may end up getting tossed! Having a plan in place and designating someone to pick up the food at the end of the night can be really helpful and one less thing you have to worry about!
• Choose food and drinks that are locally and sustainably sourced! Having a vegetarian option is a great way to cut down on carbon emissions and help the earth. News flash- the meat served at weddings usually isn’t that great anyway! Vegetarian options are typically cheaper on the budget as well! Finding a local winery or brewery that values sustainability also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It also adds a personal flare to your event and is a fun way to introduce out of town guests to your community favorites!
• Gift guests with ecofriendly party favors, like honey jars! Honey is a sustainable and ecofriendly gift that guests will enjoy. They come in reusable glass containers.

• Use beeswax candles! Beeswax is the most environmentally friendly wax out there and is healthier for the air in which we breath. It also gives off a pleasant and subtle honey scent that will add a sweet touch to your venue.

• Get married at a flower farm!! You won’t have to spend thousands on florals, as you’ll already be surrounded by flowers! If this isn’t an option, choose sustainable floral products! Avoid floral foams which are harmful to the planet. Use local florists that are familiar with sustainable practices! Use flowers grown locally that are in-season. Have a plan for what you’re going to do with the flowers at the end of the night- it is common to donate flowers to retirement homes. OR use flowers that are planted in pots and have those be gifts for guests at the end of the night, or plant them outside your home with your new spouse!

Congratulations! I hope this article gives a few helpful ways to add sustainability into your wedding day! It really does make a difference when you plan ahead to be ecofriendly in your event planning!