Congratulations! You’ve succeeded in your eco-friendly proposal and finally found love with the person who rocks your world. As you plan your life together while finding ways to care for the world by opting for an eco-friendly wedding. Small changes to how you plan your wedding and honeymoon can make a massive difference to our planet. Changes that mean your dream white wedding can also be a green wedding. This blog looks at ten simple eco-friendly techniques you can easily incorporate without hassle.
1. Keep it Local
A local venue supports your local economy. Local venues have knowledge about other local suppliers and will be able to advise on recycling infrastructure and travel to the venue options for guests. Local to you means you won’t have to travel far to the venue. However, also bear in mind the geographical location of your guests to weigh up the overall carbon footprint. If you have guests traveling from a wide geographical area, which location is most central for the majority? Considering this can help you to choose a location that reduces overall travel distance. Do bear in mind carbon offset schemes if you have guests traveling from abroad. A reputable travel agent can advise on carbon offsetting. However, if your guests really need to travel for your wedding, you can give them tips on how to be eco-conscious travelers.
2. A Hire Love
It’s possible to hire many of the things you’ll need for your wedding celebration. Hire options to range from marquees to wedding suits, down to the humble wine glass and cake fork. Anything you hire rather than purchase meets the reuse (preferable to recycling) mantra. Wherever possible aim to hire rather than purchase to keep things eco. In doing so, you’ll also be keeping the overall budget down, too. And if you do decide to purchase rather than hire, can you donate afterward to a charity or thrift store to ensure items are reused?
3. Dress to Impress
Your wedding dress is a critical ingredient for your special day. It’s possible to look at a million dollars without costing the earth. Consider a vintage, pre-loved, or hire dress for the ultimate in wedding reuse. If that doesn’t feel a fit, you can also look for dresses made from sustainable, organic, and ethical materials, such as 100% organic silk or vegan-friendly bamboo. Look for handmade lace to support cottage industries and bespoke businesses. Resist the urge to have different outfits throughout your special day, or even the fad to engage in photos where you “trash” your dress. Stick to the one beautiful dress that you wear throughout. And, if it is a dress you’ve purchased, take care to choose eco-friendly dry cleaning that avoids harmful or toxic solvents. Your freshly cleaned dress can then be placed carefully into storage to preserve it for future generations.
4. Do Me a Favor
Traditional plastic-wrapped favors leave a bad taste when the environmental cost is factored in. Likewise, even favors made from more sustainable resources are less green if they’ve been produced on the other side of the globe, racking up air miles in shipping. Impress guests with eco-friendly DIY favors or favors crafted locally from natural ingredients. Small packs of wild seeds, homemade soy candles, or local preserves are thoughtful eco-gifts for guests.
5. All’s Fair in Love
Play fair with the globe by investing in fairtrade gold rings as an eco-friendly expression of love between you. Gold production can involve deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats. Some unscrupulous producers use poisonous mercury as part of the
production process which has devastating environmental impacts. Not overly romantic Fairtrade Gold Standards ensures adherence to strict socially and environmentally responsible products that mean a better deal for both producers and the environment. Look for the Fairtrade Gold Stamp when sourcing your wedding rings.
6. Creative Decorations
Be creative with how you decorate your wedding venue. Natural materials can be crafted into beautiful home-spun decorations. Simple pine-cone strung garlands, and candle-filled glass jars finished with a natural raffia bow look elegant and rustic. Locally
grown flowers can adorn tables bringing their scent to add to the beauty of the occasion.
7. Me and You Menu
Sharing food with family and friends is a wonderful way to celebrate your marriage. There are couples who choose to hold their reception from the comforts of their own beautified home and choices of dining room decor. Be conscious about menu choices that respect the planet by selecting local and seasonal produce. You may opt for a menu jam-packed with plant-based options to minimize the carbon footprint of the menu. If you do serve meat and dairy products, select farm-assured/free-range/outdoor-bred organic sources. A professional caterer should get potion sizes to spot on to avoid food waste. Consider, too, how food will be served, steering clear of plastic or disposable cutlery, glasses, or plates.
8. The Gift That Keeps Giving
It’s customary for guests to choose a thoughtful gift for the happy couple, and you may have people asking in advance what sorts of gifts you’d like. One option is to request zero-waste options for gifting, suggesting homemade presents, or even the gift of an experience. One option that’s both practical and avoids unwanted duplicate toasters is to suggest guests contribute money towards a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon.
9. Come up Roses
Selecting seasonal and local flowers as part of venue decorations and for your bouquet. An experienced florist can advise on suitable flowers that will look and smell beautiful, matching your color scheme as well as your green credentials.
10. Green Honeymoon Options
After putting thought and care into your eco-friendly wedding day, ensure your honeymoon is also green by seeking advice from a reputable travel company. An eco-friendly honeymoon needn’t necessarily mean compost loos and rainy camping under canvas (unless you both love that sort of thing!) There are plenty of options for romantic and intimate getaways that neatly combine comfort and relaxation with care for the planet. Speak to a trusted travel agency about your unique needs for this once-in-a-lifetime getaway.
So, with a little thought and a lot of care, you can easily adapt wedding plans to be more environmentally friendly. Show the world some love by keeping green principles first and foremost when planning for your wedding and honeymoon.
Article by Jade Piper
Author's Bio: Jade Piper is a writer and mother based in Indianapolis. She is a keen environmentalist and in her spare time enjoys gardening, reading, and listening to music.
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