How to Plan an Eco-friendly Wedding

Make your dream wedding a green wedding! After all, what could be better than beginning a new chapter in your life with your betrothed while celebrating love for mother nature?

While the mere thought of hosting an eco-friendly wedding tantalizes the eco-conscious couples, things, if not planned perfectly, can spin out of control on your big day in no time. Because, let’s face it, planning a wedding is too much leg work, let alone an eco-friendly one.

From sending invites to choosing your wedding ring, we will help you live your “wed-me-green” fantasy in the most earth-loving way! Here are some insightful tips on making an eco-friendly choice at every step of your wedding planning journey.

Nothing can beat taking marriage vows amidst nature with a breathtaking view. Outdoor venues like hilltops, vineyards, botanical gardens, refurbished farms, beaches offer a splendid location and help you cut down on electric lightings as the sun provides all of it. Additionally, you can decorate your reception tables with candles to create a romantic ambiance.

If you’re looking forward to an indoor wedding, choose a hotel that is dedicated to sustainability. Narrow down your options with these eco-chic wedding venues.

Save trees with save-the-dates! Make an eco-conscious choice, use recycled paper for your invitations, menus, and thank you cards. Take it up a notch and use vegetable-based inks for printing. Moreover, you can reduce the number of inserts in your invitation by requesting the invitees to look for extra details, like directions, on your wedding website.

Wedding planning can begin as early as finding the ethically perfect ring! When heading out for ring shopping, look for a dealer who will design you a bling ring with unique diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals but in a socially responsible and eco-friendly manner. Explore options like Tiffany & Co. , Brilliant Earth , Ash Hilton that offer ethically fine jewelry.

Imagine walking down the aisle wearing the vintage gown of your mom. It’ll not only add a touch of elegance to your nuptial but also cut down on consumption. To reflect your style, you can get the dress re-designed by a seamstress. For accessories, you can incorporate family heirlooms.

However, if you prefer donning a brand new dress, look for a design that’s made using sustainable fabrics like silk or organic cotton. Reformation , Wear Your Love offer chic and sustainable wedding gowns! You can also shop for used wedding dresses at Once We Wed.

Become a part of the popular farm-to-table movement and ask your caterers to serve organic food whose ingredients are sourced locally. This way the guests will be served with fresh food without any compromise in taste.

Make arrangements with the help of your caterers to donate leftovers and unserved food from your reception to food banks. You can find a local food bank near you on Feeding America.

Go with edible favors like jams or seasonal delicacies canned in mason jars. You can present them in eco-friendly jar bags by Everything Bags Inc. It’ll be a sweet gesture, and the guests can reuse the bags for years down the line.

Recently, guests at the royal wedding were presented with goodie totes. The bags carried essentials like a water bottle, a gold chocolate coin, fridge magnet, and some other stuff to keep the attendees hydrated and nourished. Inspired by this idea, you too can gift goodies, like candy bars or signature beans from local coffee shops, in eco-friendly drawstring bags or totes imprinted with your initials. Everything Bags Inc. offers chic personalized burlap bags for wedding favors.

Small steps lead to a big change. What are your ideas for hosting an earth-loving wedding? Share with us in the comments section below.