5 Tips to Make Your Wedding More Eco-Friendly

Before I started planning weddings, I never realized how wasteful and damaging to the planet the industry is. Plates and napkins and any plasticware used is thrown in the trash at the end of the night, packaging for decorations, stationery... it makes me so sad! According to The Green Bride Guide, the average wedding produces over 350lbs of garbage and over 60 tons of CO2. ONE wedding!

Not to get on my soapbox, but it really is a shame that being green and eco-friendly can be so unattainable due to pricing when there are ways it could be decreased and helped... Just no one in power seems to care about that too much. With that being said, I'm aware not everyone has the means for this. This is more of just suggestions in case you're able and wanting to be more eco-friendly on your big day. :)

Ideas to Have a (More) Eco Friendly Wedding:

1. Choosing eco friendly products.

Stationery, plasticware, decorations, and more all have options that are made of recycled and/or recyclable materials. Also, ordering just as many of these as you need with little to no excess can limit the amount of products you use.

Links to examples of eco friendly products:

https://www.paperculture.com/wedding-invitations?utm_source=ADW&utm_medium=PD&utm_campaign=60195-ADW-win-SearchDynamicROAS--Pros-2111--&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpcOTBhCZARIsAEAYLuVzi_GwTPJOYqo4LVToKcxIhFT-paUTiS3ttIcuyfhyUydz3Jr8xL0aAthlEALw_wcB

https://www.etsy.com/listing/869901109/biodegradable-balloons-24-inch-pack-of?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_e-paper_and_party_supplies-party_supplies-party_decor-other&utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQjwpcOTBhCZARIsAEAYLuVxkFAmqQLV-D20MS2HrFNZdC77H169LWsN0cf3eEc_ykzxxnlyps8aAsapEALw_wcB_k_&utm_content=go_12570713511_122439351311_507344188779_aud-1184785539978:pla-315269640899_c__869901109_116059300&utm_custom2=12570713511&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpcOTBhCZARIsAEAYLuVxkFAmqQLV-D20MS2HrFNZdC77H169LWsN0cf3eEc_ykzxxnlyps8aAsapEALw_wcB

https://www.packnwood.com/utensils/

2. Picking vendors that align with your vision.

While the eco friendly wedding industry is still growing, at least discussing your plans and goals on sustainability with the vendors you choose and making them aware of what you want from them can make a huge impact. For example, discussing a recycling plan with your venue and talking to florists about the most sustainable options can help tremendously!

3. Opting for in-season food and flowers for your wedding.

Having in-season, natural/organic foods (especially with some vegan/vegetarian options) can decrease waste a lot at your wedding, as can florals! Working with local vendors for these two services can be helpful as well.

4. Donating used things after your wedding.

Decorations from your wedding can be reused so that people don't have to buy newly made products for their wedding. This both is sustainable and saves money :) One of my favorite things to do so that flowers don't go to waste is donate them to nursing homes or people who could use something to brighten their day. You can also preserve your wedding bouquet.

5. Making smart decisions on wedding favors.

Giving out something that guests will use and love is important, because otherwise, unfortunately, favors will end up in the trash. Having something meaningful and sustainable to give out to guests is better, for all parties involved. :)

Overall, having a sustainable wedding, even on a low scale, is doable with the right means and motivation. For specific questions or to help plan an eco friendly wedding, please reach out!