One thing to keep in mind when exploring having a green wedding is that it is not all or nothing! Wedding planning is not a one size fits all experience, and maybe not all of these tips below work for you. Adopting best practices can help reduce your footprint, and any of the tips below will help start your wedding in the right direction. This post is meant to get you thinking about making mindful decisions, and becoming an empowered consumer!

Use local seasonal floral
When it comes to floral design, you want to use real floral! Real flowers and greens can be disposed of responsibly. This is a great opportunity to use local organic material for your wedding rather than plastic that has been shipped to you and is often difficult to recycle. You might want to consider donating your wedding flowers after your wedding to get more use out of them, or composting your floral arrangements. Some regional options for donating your flowers can be found here.

Using LOCAL floral is the way to make the least impact on the environment (and your wallet!). When flowers are in season, their abundance reduces production and transportation costs for you. Shipping flowers requires constant refrigeration, as well as truck and plane transportation. Local seasonal flowers don’t require the use of energy intensive greenhouses, allowing you to relax and enjoy your wedding knowing your impact is minimal! Ask your florist if they can provide local flowers for you. They may be growers, or know them!

2. Make conscious stationary decisions

When planning your wedding, every detail counts, and that includes your stationery. Opting for sustainable wedding stationery is a meaningful way to start your celebration with an eco-friendly mindset. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Recycled Materials
Choose invitations made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper. This not only reduces waste but also helps conserve natural resources by minimizing the need for new paper production.

2. Plantable Paper
Consider using plantable seed paper for your invitations. Guests can plant these unique cards, which will grow into beautiful wildflowers, creating a lasting memory of your special day while contributing positively to the environment.

3. Digital Invitations
Going paperless with digital invitations or save the dates is another effective way to reduce waste entirely. Platforms like Evite allow you to send stylish virtual invites, cutting down on both costs and environmental impact.

By selecting sustainable stationery options, you not only reflect your commitment to the planet but also inspire your guests to adopt eco-friendly practices in their own lives.

Photographer: Jacquline Benet Photography

3. Provide a shuttle service for guests on the day of

Utilizing shuttle transportation is an eco-friendly choice that can significantly reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint. By opting for shuttles, you minimize the number of individual cars traveling to and from the venue, which helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion.

Shuttle services can accommodate larger groups of guests at once, ensuring that fewer vehicles are on the road. This not only conserves fuel but also reduces the likelihood of parking issues at your venue, which can lead to additional emissions from idling cars. Furthermore, many shuttle companies are increasingly adopting greener practices by using fuel-efficient or electric vehicles, further enhancing the sustainability of your wedding.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, shuttles provide a seamless experience for you and your guests. They ensure everyone arrives on time and together, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day without worrying about logistics. By choosing shuttle transportation, you’re making a conscious decision to support sustainable practices while creating a memorable celebration.

4. Choose a venue with built in decor

When planning your wedding, one of the most impactful decisions you can make is selecting a venue that offers built-in decor. This choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your celebration but also significantly reduces your environmental footprint. Here’s how to make sustainable decor choices by opting for venues with existing decor elements.

1. Embrace Natural Beauty
Many venues, such as botanical gardens, historic estates, or rustic barns, come with stunning natural features that require minimal enhancement. By utilizing these inherent characteristics—like beautiful trees, unique architecture, or scenic landscapes—you can create a breathtaking atmosphere without the need for excessive decorations.

2. Reduce Waste
Choosing a venue with built-in decor minimizes the need for additional materials that often end up in landfills after the event. For instance, if a venue already has elegant lighting or charming furnishings, you can save on renting or purchasing new items. This not only cuts down on waste but also saves time and resources during the planning process.

5. Choose a LEED Certified Venue or Hotel

One effective way to minimize this impact is by choosing a LEED certified hotel or venue for your celebration. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a globally recognized green building certification system that promotes sustainable practices in construction and operation.

Opting for a LEED certified venue means you are supporting spaces that prioritize sustainability through energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. These venues often feature advanced technologies such as solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and systems designed to reduce waste. By hosting your wedding at such a location, you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also contribute to the growing movement of eco-conscious businesses.

6. Create a green wedding registry

Opt for registry platforms that focus on fair-trade products. Websites like The Little Market, Seven Hopes United, and Ten Thousand Villages offer ethically sourced items that support artisans and communities around the world.
Instead of traditional gifts, ask guests to contribute to experiences such as a honeymoon or adventure activities. Platforms like Honeyfund allow guests to fund specific experiences, reducing waste associated with physical gifts. Set up a donation option where guests can contribute to charities or causes that matter to you as a couple. This can be done through various registry sites or by having a donation box at your wedding.

Select registry services like Zola or Thankful Registry that allow you to mix traditional gifts with cash contributions or experience gifts. This flexibility helps minimize waste and allows for more meaningful gifts. If you do want physical items, request ethically made versions of products you need, such as sustainable home goods or locally sourced kitchenware.

7. opt for a plated dinner service

When planning your wedding, one of the most effective ways to minimize food waste is by opting for a plated meal service instead of a buffet. Here’s how this choice can help you create a more sustainable celebration:

With a plated meal, guests receive predetermined portions that are tailored to their selections made during the RSVP process. This means you can accurately gauge how much food is needed, significantly reducing the likelihood of leftovers.

Buffets often lead to an overabundance of food as couples try to cater to every guest’s taste. By offering a limited selection of dishes for the plated meal, you can focus on quality over quantity and ensure that each dish is enjoyed rather than wasted.

8. Shop sustainable wedding attire

Sustainable wedding attire encompasses a variety of options that prioritize eco-friendliness, ethical production, and often, the potential for re-wearability. Start by exploring heirloom dresses, which can add a personal touch and reduce waste by utilizing family garments. If you’re looking for something unique, consider recycled or second-hand wedding dresses from thrift stores or consignment shops; you might find stunning pieces at a fraction of the original price.

Another fantastic option is to shop from brands that specialize in sustainable fashion, such as Reformation, which offers stylish gowns made with eco-conscious materials. By opting for sustainable wedding attire, you not only make a statement about your values but also inspire others to think about their choices when it comes to fashion and consumption. Remember, every small step counts towards creating a more sustainable future!

9. Plan a Green Honeymoon

Consider destinations that promote local economies and have initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. For instance, cities with extensive public transportation systems or bike-friendly streets allow you to explore while minimizing your carbon footprint.

Select hotels or bed-and-breakfasts that implement green practices. Look for establishments that use energy-efficient lighting, recycle materials, and encourage guests to minimize waste. Before booking, inquire about their sustainability efforts to ensure your stay aligns with your values. Experience the local culture through its cuisine by dining at restaurants that source ingredients from local, organic farms. This not only supports the community but also reduces the carbon emissions associated with transporting food over long distances. If you anticipate leftovers, bring biodegradable containers to avoid single-use plastics. Take advantage of natural attractions by visiting parks and reserves that focus on conservation efforts. Participate in activities like hiking or kayaking that allow you to appreciate nature without causing harm.

Photographer: Brynna Kathleen Photography

10. Hire Local Vendors

By choosing vendors who are based in your area, you minimize the distance that goods and services need to travel. This reduction in transportation leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions, which is crucial for combating climate change.

Local vendors often source their materials and products from nearby suppliers, creating a ripple effect that benefits the community. When you hire local florists, caterers, or photographers, you’re investing in your community and helping small businesses thrive.

Local vendors typically have a deeper understanding of the area’s culture and resources. They can provide unique offerings that reflect local traditions and styles, making your wedding more personalized while also being eco-friendly.

10 Tips for a Sustainable wedding

Use local seasonal floral