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Your wedding day is a time to celebrate love, but it’s also an opportunity to make a statement about protecting our planet. With the current state of Mother Earth, it’s more important than ever to make sustainability a priority, especially when planning such a momentous occasion.
Planning a sustainable wedding isn’t as hard as you might think—in fact, it can be fun and enjoyable! With a little extra effort and planning, you can have a beautiful and meaningful wedding that makes a difference. Not only will you be doing your part to protect the planet, but you’ll also be setting a good example for others to follow.
If you’re ready to get started on planning a sustainable wedding, take a look at these six tips to help get you going in the right direction.
1. Select an eco-friendly venue
When it comes to planning a sustainable wedding, choosing an eco-friendly venue is a big deal. But what exactly does that mean? Essentially, it’s a venue that is committed to reducing its environmental impact.
For example, they may use renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, or they may have recycling and composting programs in place. And when it comes to the materials used in the construction and decor of the venue, they may use sustainable materials like reclaimed wood or low-VOC paint.
When you’re checking out venues, don’t be afraid to ask about these things. And if a venue has certifications or awards for their sustainable practices, that’s a great sign that they’re committed to being environmentally friendly.
It’s also important to consider the location of your preferred venue. Choose a venue that’s easily accessible by public transportation or carpooling options. Not only will it make it more convenient for your guests to attend, but it will also help reduce their carbon footprint.
Be sure to check out this curated list of sustainable Melbourne venues for your wedding. With a variety of options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect venue that aligns with your values and style.
2. Choose sustainable wedding catering
Food is such a big part of any wedding, right? We all know that delicious food is a must-have at any wedding, but have you thought about making it sustainable too? One easy way to do that is by choosing a caterer that uses locally-sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
Think about it, by getting ingredients from local farms and producers, you’re not only getting the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. You’re also supporting local businesses and minimizing the environmental impact of food transportation!
You can also make your wedding catering more sustainable by reducing food waste. Instead of a buffet, you can serve plated or family-style meals, encouraging guests to take only what they can eat. Or, you could offer guests the option to take home leftovers, which reduces the amount of food that goes to waste.
Another great option is to choose a vegetarian or plant-based menu. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also typically healthier and more affordable. Plus, it’s a great way to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions.
And let’s not forget about disposables! While disposable plates, cups, and utensils may be convenient, they’re not environmentally friendly and contribute to pollution and waste. Instead, opt for reusable or biodegradable options like bamboo utensils and palm-leaf plates.
Want a sustainable wedding menu? Contact Elizabeth Andrews Corporate Catering today. We can help you craft a delicious, sustainable menu to make your special day memorable! Let’s team up and make your big day both tasty and responsible.
3. Reduce waste, use recyclables and digital options
Weddings can generate a lot of waste, from paper invitations to flowers and decorations. But there are ways to minimize this and make your big day more environmentally friendly.
First things first, let’s talk about invitations. Sure, traditional paper invitations are fancy and all, but they can be a real waste of trees. Instead, why not send digital invitations? Not only is it better for the planet, but it’s also easier on your guests. They can RSVP with a click and you can keep track of who’s coming in real time. Plus, you can still make ’em look fancy with a killer design.
RSVPify is one of the best tools for simplifying the wedding invitation process. The website offers a powerful, easy-to-use online RSVP system, electronic invitations, and guest list management tools. This makes it easy for you to keep track of all your guests’ responses and manage your guest list with ease. You can also customize your electronic invitations to match the theme of your wedding and keep guests informed about important details such as the dress code and any special requests.
Next up, flowers. You wanna make your wedding more sustainable? Choose locally-grown flowers. Not only do you get to support local farmers, but you also reduce the environmental impact of transportation. Or, instead of cut flowers, consider using potted plants or succulents. Not only are they sustainable, but they also make great gifts for your guests to take home.
Decorations can also be a real waste generator. But not to worry, you can still have beautiful decorations without buying new ones. Many companies offer rental options, so you can have the decorations of your dreams without the environmental impact of buying new items. Plus, it saves you money as well!
4. Encourage sustainable transportation
Many of your guests will have to travel to attend your big day, so it’s important to encourage them to choose sustainable options.
Carpooling is one of the best ways to reduce the number of cars on the road and lower the overall carbon footprint on your wedding day. Encourage your guests to carpool by providing a list of attendees with contact information, so they can coordinate with each other.
If your wedding venue is easily accessible by public transportation, you can encourage guests to take the train or bus instead of driving.
5. Opt for sustainable wedding attire
While it’s easy to get caught up in finding the perfect dress or suit, it’s essential to also think about the impact your clothing choices will have on the environment.
One way to make your wedding attire more sustainable is to opt for vintage or secondhand dresses and suits. By opting for pre-loved or up-cycled clothing, you not only conserve resources but also give a garment a renewed purpose and a new story to tell. Plus, vintage clothing often has a unique and timeless quality that can add character and charm to your wedding day look.
Another option is to choose clothing made from natural or organic materials. These materials are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, making them a more eco-friendly choice. Some examples of natural materials that can be used for wedding attire include linen, cotton, and silk.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option for your wedding attire, check out Love Me Twice. They specialize in pre-loved or up-cycled designer wedding attire, and they’re based in Melbourne.
When it comes to accessories, there are plenty of eco-friendly options available. For example, instead of buying a new pair of diamond earrings, consider renting a pair from a sustainable jeweler. You can also use a hair accessory made from natural materials such as flowers or shells.
Here’s a video tutorial that will teach you how to make your own flower crown that you can use on your wedding day.
6. Go for sustainable wedding favors
Wedding favors are a great way to thank your guests for sharing on your special day, but they don’t have to come at a cost to the environment.
One popular option for sustainable wedding favors is seed packets. This is a great way to give guests something that they can plant and enjoy for years to come. Not only do they make for a beautiful and thoughtful favor, but they also promote environmental stewardship.
Potted plants also make for a beautiful and long-lasting favor that will remind guests of your special day every time they see it. Plus, plants are known to have a positive impact on mental and physical well-being, so you’ll be giving your guests something that will benefit them in more ways than one. Just make sure to choose plants that are native to your area and easy to care for, so that your guests will be able to enjoy them for years to come.
Beeswax candles are another great sustainable wedding favor option. They are made from natural beeswax which is biodegradable and non-toxic, making them an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional paraffin candles. Beeswax candles also burn longer and cleaner, so they are a great way to reduce waste.
You can also give out reusable items like stainless steel straws, bamboo utensils, or cloth napkins. These are functional and serve as a reminder to your guests to reduce their environmental impact.
In addition to choosing sustainable wedding favors, you can also take the opportunity to encourage your guests to give you sustainable wedding gifts. One way to do this is by setting up a registry that focuses on eco-friendly options. This could include things like reusable household items, sustainable home decor, or even donations to environmental organizations.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding is a perfect opportunity to make a meaningful impact that goes beyond this special day. As a couple, you can use this occasion to showcase your commitment to sustainability and make a positive impact on the environment. By choosing eco-friendly venues, vendors, and products, you can reduce the environmental footprint of your wedding and inspire your guests to make more sustainable choices in their own lives.
Let’s make a pledge for a more eco-friendly future and demonstrate that love and responsibility can go hand in hand. Here’s to a stunning, sustainable wedding!
