Most couples agree that their wedding was the party of a lifetime. These parties are all about celebrating love and the union of two people, but like any great party, this experience can be far from eco-friendly. However, if you love living a sustainable lifestyle, then an environmentally safe wedding may take priority in your planning. Lucky for you, we’ve got some must-know tips for planning an eco-friendly wedding!
Carefully Consider Fashion
Wedding dresses aren’t cheap, and the fashion industry is one of many rapidly polluting our environment. Many brands don’t use ethical practices when making their dresses, resulting in overworked and underpaid employees. When you wear a second-hand dress, you cut down on these practices.
Your gown isn’t the only dress you have to worry about. Eco-friendly brides go about choosing gowns for bridesmaids in a few ways. While some search out brands using suitable fabric, other wives-to-be allow their bridesmaids to pick their own dresses. If you do this, remember that even though everyone won’t look uniform, you can still request they wear similar outfits to create visual cohesion.
Consider Lab-Made Diamonds
Some couples are lucky enough to inherit family heirlooms, which adds to the sentiment while also being eco-friendly. Relying on hand-me-down jewelry isn’t your only option, though. Many couples shop for lab-grown diamonds, and these differ from mined diamonds because obtaining them is ethical and does less harm to our planet.
Change Up Invitations
You’ll need to send out invitations to your guests and inform them of the time and place of your wedding and how to RSVP for the big day. While you could send out virtual invitations, for some, these e-invites feel too easy to miss or accidentally delete. With romantic heart-shaped invitations made of recycled paper, you can still send out physical invites without harming our planet. Including seed paper even gives your invitees an eco-friendly souvenir!
Celebrate Outside
When it comes to picking out the perfect venue, strive to pick a location where you can celebrate outside. If you need ideas on the ideal location, consider renting space at a(n):
- Botanical garden
- Campground
- Old barn
Some couples also create an intimate feel by hosting a backyard wedding. As you decide on your venue, make a plan for any party waste, including leftover food. Some couples allow guests to take leftovers home to keep the food out of landfills.
Think About Décor
A list of tips for planning an eco-friendly weddingwould be incomplete without mentioning decorations, so think carefully about your chosen decorations. You could incorporate natural elements or upcycle your décor! Many decorate with old wine bottles or glass jars because it gives old material a new life. If you want to take things one step further, you could donate or resell any items you purchased, such as linen tablecloths and napkins. By donating decorations and other wedding essentials, you pass down the love for the planet and allow like-minded couples to celebrate their big day.