Having an eco-friendly wedding might seem like an impossible task, but it is a lot easier than it seems. Not only does it offer a unique and memorable experience for guests, but it also demonstrates the couple's values and commitment to the environment. Start with these simple steps!
Weddings are beautiful and joyous celebrations of love, but they can also be notorious for their impact on the environment. The average wedding produces 400-600 pounds of garbage and emits around 62 tons of CO2. Couples who are environmentally conscious may feel a sense of guilt for contributing to this damaging statistic, but they can take heart.
A wedding that is both eco-friendly and elegant is possible. In this blog post, we will discuss a few simple steps to help you plan a sustainable wedding that reduces your carbon footprint and still makes for an unforgettable day.
Location
One of the easiest ways to reduce your wedding's carbon emissions is to choose a venue that is easy to access without driving. Consider hosting the reception and ceremony in the same location, and pick a venue that is near public transportation or that encourages carpooling. Hold the event outdoors, where natural light and scenery can help create an ambiance that needs little embellishment. By choosing one of these options, you can lower the event's carbon footprint and bring a relaxed, bohemian feel to the celebration.
Invitations
As much as traditional paper invitations are elegant, they can be costly to the environment. Save the trees by utilizing digital invitations instead. There are various websites that give you the ability to personalize your invitations while keeping it entirely paper and carbon-free.
Florals
If you're looking to infuse a little greenery into your wedding day, the first rule of thumb is to go seasonally local when choosing florals. This practice reduces forgoing the need to import flowers to fit the wedding's needs, resulting in a more sustainable and cheaper option. You can also consider using potted flowers as centerpieces that guests can take home as souvenirs. By using potted flowers, it not only reduces the environmental impact but also the waste in production.
Catering
Food and drink are essential elements of any wedding celebration, and this shouldn't be different in a sustainable wedding. Choose a caterer that prioritizes locally sourced and ethically regenerative ingredients, or consider going vegan to reduce the carbon footprint. Avoid packaged plastic utensils or disposable dinnerware by choosing compostable or biodegradable alternatives. The catering stage offers the most significant variety of choices in creating an eco-friendly environment for guests.
Wedding Favors
It is never a bad idea to end your wedding day experience with thoughtful and eco-friendly favors. Some excellent ideas range from flower seeds, biodegradable confetti, and reusable canvas tote bags. Couples can also consider making a donation to a green charity instead of offering tangible gifts.
Having an eco-friendly wedding might seem like an impossible task, but it is a lot easier than it seems. Not only does it offer a unique and memorable experience for guests, but it also demonstrates the couple's values and commitment to the environment. These simple steps, including location selection, invitation choices, flower arrangements, catering, and favors, are just the beginning. Couples engaging in green practices during their wedding ceremony and reception have the opportunity to inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Personalize the wedding in the greenest, fanciest, and memorable way possible. It's achievable.