Thankfully, in recent years, sustainability has become a significant trend in many aspects of life, including wedding planning. More couples are choosing to celebrate their love in a way that honors not just their commitment to each other but also their commitment to the planet. From locally grown flowers to sustainable wedding dresses, eco-friendly weddings are more than just a trend—they are a movement towards mindful and meaningful celebrations. Below are just a few ways that you can create a beautiful, eco-friendly wedding:
Locally Grown Flowers
One of the most beautiful trends in eco-friendly weddings is the use of locally grown flowers. Traditional wedding flowers often travel thousands of miles, contributing to a significant carbon footprint. By choosing flowers that are grown locally, couples can reduce their environmental impact while supporting local farmers.
Why It’s Important:
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Local flowers don’t have to be flown or trucked from distant locations, which means less fuel consumption and fewer emissions.
Seasonal Blooms: Local flowers are usually in season, which means they are fresher and often more vibrant.
Supporting Local Economies: Buying from local growers helps support small businesses and local agriculture.
Tips for Incorporating Local Flowers:
Visit Local Farms: Take a trip to local flower farms or farmer’s markets to see what’s in bloom and available for your wedding date.
Choose Seasonal Blooms: Work with a florist who specializes in local and seasonal flowers to ensure your arrangements are both beautiful and eco-friendly.
DIY Arrangements: For a more hands-on approach, consider creating your own bouquets and centerpieces with flowers you’ve picked from local farms.
We absolutely love The Frase Farm's locally grown blooms that she uses in her beautiful flower cart! The Flower Cart is an elegant interactive display AND serves as eco-friendly favors for your shower or party!
Renting Glassware and Table Settings
Another fantastic way to make your wedding more sustainable is by renting glassware, table settings, and other decor items instead of buying them. This reduces waste and is often more cost-effective.
Why It’s Important:
Less Waste: Renting reduces the need for disposable items and the waste they create.
Variety and Quality: Rental companies often have a wide range of high-quality items to choose from, allowing you to create a beautiful, cohesive look without purchasing items you'll only use once.
Convenience: Rental services typically handle delivery, setup, and pickup, making the process easier for you.
Tips for Renting Decor:
Choose Reputable Vendors: Look for rental companies with good reviews and a commitment to sustainability.
Plan Ahead: Reserve your items well in advance to ensure availability and to avoid last-minute stress.
Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and colors for a unique and personalized look.
The glassware rental from Stems Glass Co in the tablescape below elevate the whole look and add a vintage sophistication that we absolutely love.
Sustainable Wedding Dresses
The fashion industry is notorious for its environmental impact, but brides are now seeking sustainable options for their wedding dresses. Whether it's a dress made from eco-friendly materials or a vintage gown, there are many ways to walk down the aisle in a dress that’s kind to the planet.
Why It’s Important:
Eco-Friendly Materials: Dresses made from organic, recycled, or sustainable fabrics have a lower environmental impact.
Vintage and Second-Hand: Choosing a vintage dress or a second-hand gown reduces the demand for new production and the resources that go into it. Talented designers such as the ladies at Made by Anatomy are pros at turning heirloom or vintage pieces into the dress of your dreams.
Supporting Ethical Brands: Buying from designers who prioritize ethical practices helps promote a more sustainable fashion industry.
Tips for Finding a Sustainable Dress:
Research Designers: Look for designers who specialize in sustainable and ethical fashion, such as Maggie Sottero. Her line, available at Bridal Chateau features lower impact, more eco conscious materials and processes AND a tree is planted for each dress purchased!
Visit Vintage Shops: Explore vintage stores and second-hand shops for unique and timeless pieces.
Consider Custom: Work with a local seamstress to create a custom dress using eco-friendly fabrics.
Eco-Friendly Invitations and Stationery
Wedding invitations and stationery are another area where couples can make sustainable choices. From recycled paper to digital invitations, there are many ways to reduce the environmental impact of your wedding communications.
Why It’s Important:
Reduced Paper Waste: Using recycled paper or digital invitations cuts down on the amount of new paper produced and waste generated.
Eco-Friendly Inks: Choosing soy-based or other eco-friendly inks reduces the use of harmful chemicals.
Digital Options: Digital invitations eliminate paper waste entirely and can be more convenient for guests.
Tips for Sustainable Stationery:
Choose Recycled Paper: Look for invitations made from recycled or sustainably sourced paper.
Opt for Digital: Consider sending digital save-the-dates and invitations to reduce paper use.
Eco-Friendly Printing: Work with a printer who uses eco-friendly inks and practices.
We are obsessed with this wedding suite from Graphic Poetry with all paper goods made from recycled or natural papers and soy-based inks.
Sustainable Catering
Food is a major part of any wedding celebration, and sustainable catering can make a big difference. This includes sourcing local, organic ingredients and minimizing food waste.
Why It’s Important:
Local and Organic Ingredients: Using locally sourced, organic ingredients supports sustainable agriculture and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food.
Minimized Waste: Sustainable caterers often focus on reducing food waste through careful planning and donation of leftovers.
Healthier Options: Organic and sustainably sourced foods are often healthier and fresher.
Tips for Sustainable Catering:
Work with Local Caterers: Choose caterers who prioritize local and organic ingredients, such as Farmhouse Table. This award winning Rochester based women owned company is changing the conversation around beautiful, delicious locally sourced catering options.
Plan Portions Carefully: Work with your caterer to plan portions that reduce waste.
Donate Leftovers: Arrange to donate any leftover food to local shelters or food banks.
Green Venues
Choosing a venue with sustainable practices can also contribute significantly to the eco-friendliness of your wedding. Many venues are now incorporating green practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and sustainable landscaping.
Why It’s Important:
Reduced Environmental Impact: Venues that use renewable energy, reduce waste, and prioritize sustainability have a lower environmental impact.
Supporting Sustainable Businesses: Choosing a green venue supports businesses that are committed to environmental responsibility.
Often Beautiful Locations: Many sustainable venues are naturally beautiful locations like botanical gardens, farms, or eco-resorts.
Tips for Choosing a Green Venue:
Ask About Practices: Inquire about the venue’s sustainability practices, including energy use, waste management, and sourcing of materials.
Look for Certifications: Venues with certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) often adhere to higher sustainability standards.
Consider the Location: Choose a venue that’s close to most of your guests to reduce travel emissions.
One of our fav sustainable venues is Kin Loch Farmstead. This working lavender farm offers a beautiful woodsy ceremony space and a beautiful modern barn for the reception that makes us swoon.
Sustainable Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are a lovely way to thank your guests for celebrating with you, but they can also generate a lot of waste. Sustainable wedding favors are a great alternative, offering meaningful gifts that your guests will love and that won’t harm the environment.
Why It’s Important:
Less Waste: Sustainable favors are often reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable, reducing waste.
Meaningful Gifts: Eco-friendly favors can be more thoughtful and personal, reflecting your values and appreciation for your guests.
Support for Local Artisans: Choosing handmade or locally sourced favors supports small businesses and local artisans.
Ideas for Sustainable Wedding Favors:
Plantable Seeds: Give your guests packets of plantable seeds or small potted plants that they can grow at home.
Edible Treats: Locally made jams, honey, or artisanal chocolates are delicious and sustainable options.
Reusable Items: Consider favors like reusable straws, beeswax wraps, or bamboo utensils that your guests can use daily.
Handmade Soaps: Eco-friendly, handmade soaps in beautiful scents are practical and luxurious gifts.
The Clean Bee Organics is one of our new favorite favor options. Clean, non toxic, eco friendly beauty products in cute packaging make the best favors for your wedding or bridal shower!
Embrace sustainability in your wedding planning
Embracing sustainability in your wedding planning not only helps protect the environment but also creates a meaningful and memorable celebration that reflects your values. From locally grown flowers and rented glassware to sustainable wedding dresses and green venues, there are countless ways to make your wedding eco-friendly. By making mindful choices, you can reduce your carbon footprint, support local businesses, and start your married life on a path of sustainability.
Planning a sustainable wedding may take a bit more effort and creativity, but the rewards are well worth it. Not only will you create a beautiful and unique celebration, but you’ll also contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. Happy planning!
Check out our directory for more eco-friendly wedding vendor resources!