Yay, It’s Earth Day! What better way to ring in the moment than by sharing sustainable wedding ideas for Mother Earth? In this blog post, we’re sharing some environmentally-friendly alternatives to some common wedding items, along with unique ways to tie in eco-friendly finds with your wedding. Some traditional weddings have a big impact on the environment, but by making small tweaks and choosing sustainable alternatives for a wedding, you can give back to Mother Earth. It’s easy! Let’s go! P.S. Subscribe for the latest to your inbox!
Choose a Sustainable Venue
When choosing a wedding venue, seek something outdoors or opt for one that is LEED-certified (this is the most widely used green building rating system in the world!) And when you speak to your wedding vendors and ask them the essential questions, find out how they support eco-friendly business practices.
Since many venues also have in-house catering, you may also want to know if the food is locally sourced to support small businesses, and what kind of trade practices are in place.
Ethical and Fair Trade Jewelry
When you’re shopping for wedding jewelry – especially the engagement ring – be sure to only shop reputable ethical, sustainable jewelry makers that use fair trade. Consider non-diamond ring alternatives, buy a moissanite stone vs. a diamond, or opt for ethically-owned jewelry shops that specialize in sourcing diamonds in a sustainable manner. One place I recommend: Reflective Jewelry. They are artisan-made and ethical.
Eco-Friendly Invitations + Stationery
Have you thought about your wedding invitations? Consider plantable invites! These are handmade by Myeco Designs and are made of seed paper. Plant them and daisies will grow! How cool is that? They also offer place cards, plantable seed favors, and so much more here.
In addition, have you considered recycled paper for your invitations? What about programs? Place cards? Save the dates?! Think about all the good you could do if you bought recycled paper for all of the above! The best place to get sustainable invites, save the dates, and day-of essentials is Minted. One major reason is because you can choose recycled paper as an option when printing your invitations and stationery. The recycled paper they use is made from 100% post-consumer waste, is FSC-certified, and is manufactured using a carbon-neutral process with wind power. Plus, the quality is thick and smooth to the touch, so you get the best of both worlds: eco-friendly invites and a beautiful, smooth finish.
► Browse recycled paper save the dates and invites (and so much more!) here.
Give Back to Earth with Favors
Many wedding favors are given with good intention, but end up in the trash or left to collect dust on a shelf. Why not take advantage of giving your guests something that will actually give back to Mother Earth? Here are some green wedding favors that are great for the environment.
Tree Favors
Give your guests tree saplings to plant after the wedding. What a beautiful testimony to your marriage, seeing all of the beautiful new trees planted in your honor! The best place to get them is Dearly Beeloved LLC on Etsy. Top-notch.
Seeds Favors
Consider plantable seed favors, personalized and ready-for-planting! These are by Myeco Designs.
Additionally, seeds for wildflowers makes an excellent favor for your guests. They can plant the seeds and watch as wildflowers grow – and the bees and butterflies take notice. And don’t just buy any seed packets: make sure they’re bee friendly, like these by Bloom and Haul. They’re bee-friendly and, according to their shop, “All seed is non GMO, fresh crop, with high germination.” Awesome!
Succulent Plants
Give your guests potted plants – like succulents, which are easy-care! – to your guests as take-home favors. I highly recommend succulent favors in bulk from Desert View Cactus for the occasion.
Next, consider waste-free alternatives when it comes to flowers.
Rent Your Wedding Arches + More
Why spend more and purchase new when you can rent wedding arches, decorations, and more? You can utilize RentMyWedding and have your arches, aisle runner, uplighting, chair covers and sashes, and so much more shipped to your door. Use it, return it. It’s that easy.
Rent Your Wedding Flowers
Yep – you can rent your wedding flowers! Yay for sustainability – and beauty – with this option, one I’ve utilized plenty of times myself for client weddings. These flowers are top-notch. You get to pick the flowers you want to use, as well as decor, and use them at your wedding. Then, return them and someone else gets to enjoy them. It’s my favorite of the sustainable wedding ideas, period. So smart! Rent yours from Something Borrowed Blooms.
Use Zero-Waste Food Serving + Decor
Cut the single use items, like throwaway plastic utensils, paper plates, napkins, straws, etc. and opt for reusable whenever possible. Utilize fancy glassware, bring out the fine china, and use real silverware that can be washed and reused again. When in doubt, and if you cannot use real glass due to your venue, use only these utensils that are rated 100% compostable.
Moreover, utilize these compostable cups that are biodegradable, as well as compostable plates like these. It makes a big difference!
When it comes to decorations, use waste-free alternatives. For instance, why buy another wasteful decorating kit made of plastic when you can purchase these recycled tin can garland to tie on the car as a getaway decoration? I love this by Freckles and Whiskers: a nod to vintage style – and recyclablility! Is that a word? Let’s make it one. :)
There are many ways to utilize an eco-friendly approach to decor. Here are some more ideas:
► Use salvaged linens from second-hand or thrift shops; they’re brimming with cool vintage patterns and tablecloths that would love to be included in your decor, rather than purchasing new.
► Opt for glass mason jar vases that you already own, rather than purchasing new vessels for the day – only to toss them. And rent the flowers to use for inside (or rent decor from here).
► Use old mirrors to make welcome signs with a chalk marker and some fancy hand-lettering, rather than purchasing new
► Collect unique glassware from garage sales, estate sales, and second-hand shops to repurpose. As a bonus, you’ll get to create a unique and eclectic look that’s entirely your own!
► Purchase second-hand decorations on Facebook Marketplace from couples who’ve only used the decor for a day! It’s practically brand new and is a much more sustainable option. Plus, if you gently use it, you can then sell it to the next couple and the decorations can get new life at another wedding.
You get the idea!
Wear Sustainable Wedding Attire
The fashion industry makes a huge impact in the environment. There is so much waste, as many garments have become so cheap it is almost like “throwaway fashion”. It’s a shame because it all ends up in landfills. Instead of choosing new attire, opt for second-hand purchases or renting your attire instead. Brides can buy second-hand dresses from consignment shops – add your own twist by adding sleeves or including a bridal sash to give it a fresh look.
Rent Bridesmaid Dresses
The bridesmaids can rent their dresses easily from Rent The Runway. Just rent it, return it. No wasteful spending – or dress sitting in the closet for years to come.
Rent Tuxes and Suits
The groom and groomsmen can rent their attire online from The Black Tux. Andrew’s used it before and it’s awesome. Wear it – return it. No need to buy new when everything is ready to go, in your size, and all packaged up for the big day.
As you can see here, there are many ways to make eco-friendly choices for a wedding. When you’re planning, consider how the choices you make will have an impact on the environment, and do your best to create a more sustainable wedding. By implementing even these small changes, you can make a big difference on the planet!
ON TO YOU: What would YOU add to our list? I’m sure you have more ways and helpful eco-friendly wedding ideas and I’d love to hear them in the comments below.
Chat soon –
xo
Emma
