How to plan an Earth-friendly wedding
It’s no secret that we’re facing so many climate problems now. But it doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating. If you’re worried about how your wedding may impact the environment, know that there are mindful ways to hold this special event. Say “I do” to your partner and Mother Earth with these tips for planning an Earth-friendly wedding.
You can make sustainable choices for each part of your wedding.
Eco-Friendly Invitations
Start your journey towards an earth-friendly wedding by choosing sustainable invitations. It’s more cost-effective to use digital invitations. But if you want something tactile for a more personal touch, opt for recycled paper or FSC-certified papers and soy-based inks for your printed invitations. Encourage your guests to RSVP online too instead of replying via mail. This means less use of papers and inks, less use of delivery trucks hence less use of fuel that warms the planet!
Venue Selection
Outdoor venues such as parks or gardens often require fewer decorations — the place is the backdrop! But if you prefer something indoors, perhaps you’d like to look for a venue that observes green practices such as energy-efficient lighting, waste-reduction initiatives and carbon-offsetting processes.
Green Attire
Choose sustainability-focused brands for your attire.
Wear pieces that not only make you feel stunning and comfortable but also proud that you made a minimal environmental impact. Consider brands that have sustainable practices such as being 100% carbon-neutral. For the bridal party, opt for outfits that can be worn again for different occasions. Encourage guests to wear sustainable attire too and support ethical fashion brands.
Local and Seasonal Cuisine
Focus on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients for the food at your wedding. On top of supporting local growers and vendors, it also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food in long distances. You may also opt to hire caterers that prioritise sustainable practices such as composting food waste and using eco-friendly cutlery.
Aim to generate as little waste as possible.
Zero-Waste Ceremony
Instead of confetti or poppers, opt for bubbles or biodegradable materials. Consider sending out the programme for the ceremony digitally too.
Gift Registry with a Purpose
Consider adding donations to charitable organisations or contributions to eco-friendly home upgrades to your registry. If you prefer physical gifts, choose items made from sustainable materials or those that support fair trade.
Transportation Options
Encourage guests to carpool or use eco-friendly transportation options. You may also opt to organise a communal bus for guests. Think carpooling but for even more people! That means fewer vehicles on the road. If possible, choose a venue that allows for a smaller carbon footprint.
Go Local
Did you know that buying from local or home-grown brands helps with the environment too? The shorter the distance to have the product shipped, the friendlier it is to the planet. There’s the bonus that some of these brands hand-craft each piece too (like us!).
Conclusion
By incorporating these sustainable practices into your wedding, you'll create lasting memories while leaving a minimal ecological footprint.