Ways To Make Your Wedding Environmentally Friendly

So you’re an environmentally conscious queen… but you’re ENGAGED! What to do!!? You’re currently nose-deep in the Pinterest sinkhole full of fun party favors, spectacular florals, gazillion dollar dresses, and far, far away locations. A stunning, well oiled, stress free day, right? Here are some tips that could make you rethink the difficulty level that is an environmentally conscious wedding, and could even make your day more special than you imagined. What could be so hard!

CONSIDER YOUR VENUE!

If geographically able, consider picking a venue close to you and your guests. Cutting everyone’s length of travel will cut down your wedding’s overall carbon footprint. Also, encourage carpooling to your ceremony or reception, or invest in a shuttle service. A fun bus driver is never forgotten!

YOU’RE INVITED!

Getting mail is fun! Of course digital invites are the most earth-friendly option- but again mail is FUN! Look into compostable invites (with minimal ink and decoration,) or plantable invites. It could be a sentimental touch for your family and friends to start growing flowers in excitement for your upcoming day!

THE CEREMONY!

You absolutely need (!!) the shot walking back up the aisle with the love of your life, after exchanging vows, getting showered in confetti by your friends and family. This, I think, is one of the most simple ways to get creative and minimize your wedding’s environmental footprint. Depending on the season, alternative options could be bubbles, leaves of any color, flower petals, or dried flowers. If you’re extra sentimental and save every bouquet you’ve ever received from your partner (…who, me?) you could put those to use here! You could also try hole punching the leaves or petals for a more classic confetti look.

DRESSES & RINGS & BEAUTIFUL THINGS!

As for rings, the options seem to be endless… So here are a couple more! Consider going for a Moissanite stone. It is less expensive, no mining process is involved (WOO!), and it is just as beautiful. Vintage rings are also so special, and create a fun memory of finding the “The Perfect One” on your vintage shopping endeavors. Furthermore, try to find a vintage dress! This could be such a memorable day shopping with your mom, bridal party, etc., and just as special as a bridal shop- possibly better! You could also look into reusing your mother or grandmother’s wedding dress, even just for a fun shortened reception moment. If you’re stuck on having the full bridal shop experience and want an outfit change for your big day, try to find a convertible dress that you could maybe even wear again! Happy earth, and happy wallet! 

FLOWER HOUR!

When shopping for your wedding day flowers, try to stay local, and request in season florals. The less transportation needed, the less environmental impact! You could even grow or pick your own. This will ensure that no mass production chemicals were used to grow the flowers, and will be super low cost. You could also decorate with propagations, or re-plantable flowers!

*Flowers will not hurt the environment if they get thrown away, but it hurts our decorating hearts!! And repurposing won’t hurt a thing! Look into donating your leftover arrangements to hospice homes, hospitals, or gifting them to the mothers and grandmothers on/after your special day.

DECOR GALORE!

Leftover decor is most likely the biggest hit the environment takes during wedding season, and it is such a simple fix! First of all, renting is best- if you don’t NEED new glasses, plates, candlesticks, or linens, DON’T BUY! Otherwise, thrifting any of your decor and holding onto it for your own home is getting increasingly popular, and makes so much sense in the long run. Other day-of decor, such as frames or mirrors for signage, can all be cost efficient and reused. If you are willing to pitch anything, set aside a bin during breakdown and locally donate anything that is in good shape!

ALL IN FAVORS!

A sustainable rule of thumb for favors- Stick to edible or functional. Some great ideas are engraved bottle openers, decorated matchboxes, candies, honey, jam, or syrup to take home, or seeds to plant. A Photo Booth is also a great investment and is an awesome take-home memory. If you want to nix the favors completely, consider making a donation to a cause specific to you and your spouse in each of your guests names!

WASTE SOLUTIONS!

The boring stuff- but important! Ask your venue if it is possible to have sortable bins: cans, trash, compostable scraps. If necessary, delegate a person to take care of the compost and recyclables during takedown or the next day. Easy peezy, and it feels so good!!

Repurpose-able linens for a special touch to parties you’ll host in the future!

A fun guest book that will be used for years to come!

“I have too many charcuterie boards” – said nobody, ever!

A functional favor idea, and florals native to The Mitten!

Jake & Jessica’s Wedding in Leelanau, MI

Photography by Tylee Shay