How to Create an Eco Friendly Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Weddings are magical, sprinkled with fairy dust and filled with 'happily ever after' dreams. But, did you know they can also be eco-friendly? Yes, eco-chic is a wedding trend for 2024, and we are totally here for it! If you're wondering how to make your special day sustainable, keep reading. From sustainable wedding dresses to eco-conscious invites, we have the ultimate guide to creating an eco friendly wedding. And trust us, your wedding will still have all the sparkle, just without the carbon footprint!

Sustainable Wedding Dress – Look Gorgeous and Green!

It's no secret that the wedding dress is often the center of attention. But who says you can't look drop-dead gorgeous and be environmentally conscious? Check out these top tips:

• Go Vintage: Vintage wedding dresses not only ooze charm but also come with zero environmental cost. Plus, you might score a killer deal!

• Rent or Borrow: If you're not sentimental about keeping the dress, why not rent or borrow one? There are numerous boutiques that offer this eco-friendly option.

• Ethical Designers: Many designers are jumping on the sustainable bandwagon. Opt for a sustainable wedding dress from designers that use organic materials and sustainable practices.

Eco-Friendly Rings – Put a Green Ring on It!

Diamonds may be forever, but so are the environmental repercussions of mining. Seek out jewelers who use recycled materials or lab-grown diamonds. Or, go non-traditional and opt for a vintage ring or one made of alternative materials.

Digital Invites – Go Paperless, Go Trendy!

Save a tree and impress your tech-savvy friends. Consider sending out a digital wedding invitation. Websites like Zazzle offer stunning designs that can be customized to match your wedding's vibe. And if Aunt Martha complains about missing out on a physical invite, remind her that trees are also living beings!

Venue – Where Nature Meets Nuptials

The venue you choose for your big day sets the tone for everything else. By opting for eco-friendly venues, you’re not just securing a place to say “I do,” but you're also saying “yes” to Mother Earth. Here’s how to make your venue choice count:

Embrace the Great Outdoors

Gardens and Parks: Nothing beats the charm of natural sunlight and flowers in full bloom. Many gardens and parks offer rental spaces that create a dreamy backdrop while minimizing energy consumption.

Beaches: Let the sea be your witness. A beach venue reduces the need for elaborate decorations, relying instead on nature's splendor. Plus, the soothing sound of waves beats any playlist!

Farms or Barns: A rustic barn wedding or a ceremony amidst farmlands can be both elegant and earthy. Many farms now offer wedding packages and prioritize sustainable practices.

Indoor, But Green!

Historical Buildings: Think of venues like old mansions or historical halls that aren’t typically used daily. They often have character, charm, and, being used occasionally, a smaller carbon footprint.

Eco-Resorts or Green Hotels: These venues prioritize sustainability, from energy-saving practices to waste reduction. Check for certifications or green initiatives when researching.

Community Centers: Local community centers or halls might not be the first venue to come to mind, but they're versatile, affordable, and usually open to eco-friendly customization.

Selecting the right venue is like setting a strong foundation for your eco-friendly wedding. It's the canvas on which all other green strokes will be painted. So choose wisely and let nature play a significant role in your happily ever after!

Sustainable Decor – Make a Green Statement

Decorations can make or break the ambiance of a wedding, but they can also make or break the environment:

• Ditch the Balloons: They might look pretty floating in the sky, but they wreak havoc on wildlife.

• Upcycle: Create decor from recycled materials. How about candle holders from old wine bottles? Yes, please!

• Biodegradable Confetti: Choose rice, flower petals, or biodegradable paper for a festive and earth-friendly toss.

Eco-Friendly Catering – Yummy and Green

Let's be real, half the excitement of attending a wedding is the food. Why not surprise your guests with a sustainable spread?

• Go Local: Source food from local farmers. This not only supports the community but also reduces carbon emissions.

• Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Less meat means less water consumption and deforestation. Bonus: Vegan food can be delish!

• Compostable Cutlery: Say no to plastic! Opt for bamboo or other compostable alternatives.

Transport – Navigating the Eco-Friendly Highway

Traveling to and from a wedding can leave a significant carbon footprint. Here's how you can tread lighter while ensuring your guests arrive in style.

Green Your Own Ride

Horse-drawn Carriage: Channel Cinderella vibes with a romantic and carbon-neutral mode of transportation.

Vintage Cars: Opt for classic cars that run on biofuel or have been converted to electric, giving a nod to tradition while embracing the future.

Bicycles: For the bold and adventurous, arrive on a decorated bicycle – a unique and green entrance!

Encourage Group Travel

Chartered Buses: For venues a little off the beaten path, chartering a bus reduces the number of cars on the road. Plus, it’s a fun way for guests to mingle!

Shared Rides: Promote carpooling among guests. There are handy apps like GroupCarPool that can make coordinating shared rides a breeze.

Green Gifts – Give the Planet Some Love

Consider setting up a registry that includes eco-friendly products or even the option to donate to a favorite environmental charity. After all, do you really need that 10th blender?

Eco-Friendly Favors – Send Guests Home with Green Memories

Bid adieu to guests with sustainable favors. Think seed packets, handmade soaps, or reusable tote bags. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they're also way more unique than the typical wedding favor.

Wrap Up

Remember, every little bit helps. Even if you can't have a 100% sustainable wedding, incorporating a few eco-friendly elements can make a significant difference. After all, wouldn't it be amazing to start your new journey by giving some love back to our planet? Your future grandkids will definitely thank you. And who knows, maybe your eco-friendly wedding will inspire others to jump on the bandwagon.

In the words of a wise person (okay, maybe just me), "Why just wear something blue, when you can also think green?" Cheers to a happily and eco-friendly ever after!