How To Plan a Sustainable Wedding
THAT IS ALSO ELEGANT & DESIGN FORWARD
By Jaclyn Tracy
Source: Junebug Weddings
Forget wasteful traditions, lovebirds! A stylish celebration doesn't have to cost the Earth. With a little creativity, you can plan a wedding that's as gorgeous as it is sustainable. Here's your guide to throwing an eco-conscious bash that's as unforgettable as your love story.
ECO-FRIENDLY VENUES
Choose a unique, eco-friendly venue with panoramic views to create a stunning backdrop while minimizing your environmental impact, such as:
Restored Barns
Greenhouses
Rooftop garndes Public Gardens and Parks
Campgrounds and Ranches
Beaches and Forests
Vineyards and Wineries
Private Estates and Farms
Ask the venue:
Do you recycle? What about composting?
Can I bring in my own local catering? Or does your catering buy/use local, organic food?
Do you offer options to minimize disposables, like using reusable or compostable tableware?
“Choose a unique, eco-friendly venue with panoramic views to create a stunning backdrop while minimizing your environmental impact”
LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD
Ditch the generic catering packages. Opt for a caterer who uses seasonal, local ingredients. Not only will your guests experience a burst of fresh flavors, but you'll also support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint.
For my Colorado friends, this local, boutique caterer is the absolute best.
MINIMIZING FOOD WASTE
Here's where things get practical (saves you some $). Collaborate with your caterer on accurate guest counts and portion sizes to avoid over-catering. Consider offering smaller, family-style plates or stations instead of a traditional plated meal. This encourages guests to take what they want and reduces the risk of excess food waste.
Photo by local caterer: GB Culinary
DITCH DISPOSABLE
Invest in elegant, reusable tableware for a sophisticated touch. Skip the plastic and offer cloth napkins and refillable glass carafes for water.
WILDFLOWERS NATIVE TO YOUR REGION
Skip the imported, out-of-season blooms. Embrace wildflowers native to your region, or get creative with potted succulents for centerpieces. These beauties can double as guest favors (bonus points if they're easy to care for!) and won't end up in a landfill post-wedding.
VINTAGE WEDDING DRESS
Consider a vintage wedding dress or explore designers who use recycled materials. Encourage guests to express their own style with a "dress for the occasion" invitation, eliminating the pressure to buy a single-use outfit.
PAPERLESS OR ECO-FRIENDLY INVITES & PROGRAMS
Embrace technology! Send beautiful e-vites or plant-a-tree invitations that contribute to reforestation efforts.
Or design eco-friendly, plantable invites:
Paper Culture: Made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper
Botanical PaperWorks: Made from recycled materials and can be planted to grow wildflowers
MyecoDesigns: Made from recycled materials and can be planted to grow wildflowers
GIFTING WITH PURPOSE
Register with the FIRST EVER truly sustainable, non-toxic registry at SISTAIN
Or donate to your favorite environmental charity in your guests' names or offer them the option to contribute to a cause close to your hearts.
Planning an eco-conscious wedding isn't about sacrificing style; it's about celebrating your love story in a way that respects the environment. With a little creativity and these tips, you can throw a wedding that's both breathtaking and sustainable, leaving a lasting impression (and a positive impact) on your guests and the planet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jaclyn Tracy is the founder of SISTAIN. Her goal is to make a greater difference by educating, activating and making sustainable consumerism not only easier, but aspirational. She believes success is in the collective impact, getting a whole group of people to change their behavior by committing to choosing sustainable brands, less waste and imperfect progress.
