Having a ‘green’ wedding doesn’t have to be expensive and it certainly doesn’t have to limit your special day. An eco-friendly wedding can be cheaper and more creative than a conventional ceremony and what’s more, you’ll also be helping to keep the environment healthy.
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Go Digital with E-Invites
Embrace the digital age by sending invitations and thank-yous through email. You can also ask to receive your RSVPs by email too. They can be as simple as you like or hire a designer to create something special that is more unique to you as a couple. Not only will you cut down on paper waste, but you’ll also save money on postage and printing, and save time on writing addresses on endless envelopes!
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Choose Flowers Carefully
While flowers bring the beauty of nature to your special day, they aren’t always so eco-friendly. Out of season florals or exotic flowers are often being imported from flower farms overseas that pollute the environment with toxic pesticides. The longer the distance the flowers have to travel, means more carbon emissions and a more expensive product.
Opt for in-season blooms which are grown locally or produced by an organic florist. Or, why not create your own bouquet using wildflowers you’ve picked yourself? Another option is to use more greenery instead of flowers. Potted plants or succulents make great table centerpieces and room decorations.
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Find an Eco-Friendly Venue
If you can, select a venue that can hold the ceremony and the reception. This can help keep costs down and also reduces travel for you and all of your guests. It’s a great way to reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint.
The best way to keep travel to a minimum is to find a venue close to the majority of your guests. If it’s not possible, you can always find different ways to offset any travel. For example, you can link to a carbon offset program in the invite and encourage your guests to donate when they book their flights.
More venues and hotels are now becoming environmentally conscious these days. With a little research, you can find a venue that has green initiatives that you can support by celebrating your love there.
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Choose Wooden Disposable Tableware
If you are planning to cater to your wedding party yourself, then choose wooden disposable plates and wooden cutlery instead of single-use plastic. WoodU offers elegant wooden utensils and disposable wooden plates that are perfect for special occasions such as weddings. They are 100% natural and completely biodegradable so you can serve in style without harming the environment.
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Provide Eco-Friendly Wedding Party Favors
Providing favors for hundreds of guests can often mean a lot of plastic waste. Steer clear of sweets with wrappers and cellophane gift bags. Instead, show gratitude to your guests with an eco-friendly wedding party favor. It’s much better for the planet and is also much more personal and creative than many traditional wedding favors.
Mini-potted plants in recycled mason jars, personalized seed packets, or edible treats are all great environmentally friendly options for wedding favors. If you have time, then get some disposable wooden spoons and make some chocolate spoons with personalized wood carvings. It’s a cute edible and eco-friendly wedding favor which can also act as a place-name.
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Get Romantic with Candlelight
Not only is candlelight great for setting the romantic scene, but also really energy efficient. If you can, use soy candles. They are much cleaner than regular paraffin wax candles with no toxic fumes or smoke. Made from soybeans, they 100% natural, renewable, and biodegradable. They also burn for much longer compared to paraffin candles which make them more cost-effective.
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Eco-Friendly Food
If you are hiring a caterer then try to find one who specializes in local, organic, or sustainable food. Choosing local means products don’t have to travel as far, so there is less fuel burned in the delivery process. You may also want to offer a vegetarian-only menu, which is tasty, healthy, and keeps costs down.