Having an eco-friendly event is all the rage these days, and with good reason. We’re all trying our best to be as conscientious as possible when it comes to the environment. With an event as big as a wedding, it’s important to do your part to keep the environment healthy and intact while planning for such a monumental day. The wedding experts at Rose Hill Weddings have several ideas to help you keep your wedding as beautiful as you’ve always dreamed it would be while maintaining a responsible stance for the environment. Check it out- you may even discover a few tips that you prefer over the traditional wedding “musts.”
Eco-Friendly Venues
Choosing the location for your ceremony and reception might be one of the first major decisions you make when wedding planning. For an eco-friendly locale, consider something outdoors to make use of the natural sunlight as well as natural foliage or other surroundings. You’ll cut down on artificial decor while maximizing the environment around you. Holding your ceremony and reception in the same location also cuts down on unnecessary fuel emissions from guests traveling between the two parts of the wedding.
Eco-Alternatives to Paper Products
Reducing paper products in your wedding is a quick, easy way to save money and the planet quickly. Choose to go digital wherever possible by having a wedding website, sending e-vites instead of paper invitations and requesting digital photography instead of print. Besides reducing paper usage, you’ll also cut down on fuel costs of delivering invitations, save-the-dates and RSVPs, as well as the toxins and chemicals used to print invitations and photos. If you still have certain aspects of your wedding that require printed material (like place cards or programs) consider using vegetable-based ink and plantable paper (it includes seeds so your guests can literally plant their place card in their garden!).
Organic Flowers
Flowers are considered an essentially traditional part of any marriage ceremony, but there are definitely some great ways to include flowers responsibly. Instead of cut blooms, think about choosing potted varieties, which can be taken home and replanted, or sent home with guests! This can be done with plants and topiaries as well. Find locally-grown blooms that will be in season during the month of your wedding to reduce the cost of transporting them from elsewhere. Here are some popular fresh wedding flowers according to their seasonal availability:
Fall: amaryllis, asters, calla lilies, dahlias, marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias
Winter: daffodils, evergreens, hyacinth,and tulips
Spring: allium, freesia, iris, lilacs, peonies, tulips and violets
Summer: dahlias, geraniums, hydrangea, peonies, roses, sunflowers and zinnias
Year-round: baby’s breath, birds of paradise, eucalyptus, ferns, gardenias, ivy, lilies, orchids, statice, and stephanotis
Farm-Fresh Menus
Organic, vegan, farm-to-table catering is everywhere these days and should be a cinch to secure locally. In addition to an ethically-sourced menu, think about including reusable or biodegradable plates, cups and utensils to reduce waste. Talk to the venue managers ahead of time to be sure you can have recycling containers and a compost bin available for waste at the end of the reception. You can also arrange to have any leftover food donated to a local food bank or homeless shelter. Many caterers will even deliver the leftovers for you as a service to the community.
Eco-Responsible Vendors
When choosing your caterer, photographer, decorator, and any other vendors that will be supplying you with products and services for your wedding, consider using local businesses to reduce fuel emissions from long-distance travel. Also look for vendors who represent companies that give back- to the community, to the environment, or to some other worthy cause. Let your vendors know you’re seeking to be as eco-friendly as possible and see what they suggest- they may surprise you!
Repurposed Wedding Attire
Finally, the wedding attire for the bride, groom, and the entire wedding party can be worn with purpose and care that protects the environment as well. Choose to borrow or rent everything from tuxedos and wedding gowns to bridesmaids and flower girl dresses. Wearing something vintage, like your mother or grandmother’s wedding dress, is a great way to tie tradition and family history into your special day. Or consider repurposing a used dress to suit your personal style. Any of these options reduce the production of new material and limits unfair labor usage.
There are plenty of small adjustments you can make to your wedding plans that will keep the essence of your special day intact while taking a responsible stance on how you care for the environment in your celebration. Not only will you feel good about including eco-friendly options throughout your wedding ceremony and reception, but you will set an example to your friends and family that shows how simple it is to make little changes that matter. You’ll also be leaving a legacy for your children and grandchildren that you can be proud of. For more great ideas about turning your wedding day into an eco-friendly event, talk to the professionals at Rose Hill Weddings. We’re happy to give you more tips and advice that will transform the traditional into the forward-thinking, ethical event you’d like to host.