April 3, 2024
How to Celebrate Your Wedding Ethically and Sustainably
Weddings are spectacular celebrations, but they can also be a source of significant waste. However, with a bit of mindful planning, you can easily reduce your wedding’s environmental impact and create a celebration that’s both memorable and sustainable.
Floral Magic: Local and Seasonal Blooms
Embrace the beauty of natural elements by sourcing locally grown, seasonal blooms for your wedding decor.
This supports local growers, reduces your carbon footprint, and ensures your flowers are fresh and vibrant. Consider alternatives like potted plants that guests can take home or greenery arrangements for unique touches.
Get Creative: Repurposing and Upcycling Decor
Unleash your DIY side and create unique decorations from thrifted finds, vintage items, and repurposed materials.
Transform mason jars into candle holders, old picture frames into table numbers, and fabric scraps into bunting or table runners. You could also consider renting decor items if you don’t want to keep them long-term, reducing waste and storage needs.
Delicious Choices: Sustainable and Locally Sourced Food
Delight your guests with consciously chosen food. Partner with caterers committed to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
- Prioritize vegetarian and vegan options alongside a limited selection of sustainably-sourced meat or fish.
- Consider a family-style menu to reduce food waste and create a convivial atmosphere.
- Compost food scraps and minimize single-use packaging throughout the catering process.
Waste Reduction Strategies
- Opt for reusable plates, cutlery, napkins, and glassware to eliminate disposables.
- Encourage electronic RSVPs and consider digital solutions for invitations or wedding programs.
- Select eco-friendly wedding favors like potted succulents, seed packets, or donations to environmental charities.
- Set up clearly marked recycling and composting stations for guest convenience.
The Dress: Embrace Pre-loved, Ethical, or Vintage Options
Explore the world of pre-owned wedding dresses and consider stunning vintage or consignment finds.
Seek out designers who prioritize sustainable fabrics and ethical manufacturing practices, or look into dress rental options for a one-time wear.
Transportation Considerations
Choose a venue that’s easily accessible by public transportation or within walking/cycling distance for some guests.
Encourage carpooling and consider providing shuttle services for larger weddings. For destination weddings, explore offsetting the carbon footprint of guest travel through donations to reforestation or renewable energy projects.
Celebrate Your Wedding Sustainably
A sustainable wedding isn’t a compromise — it’s a celebration of conscious choices that reflect your values. Let your wedding day be a testament to celebrating beautifully and responsibly.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
For more inspiration and practical tips on planning a sustainable wedding, see 77 Diamonds’s excellent and comprehensive Guide to Sustainable, Zero-Waste, Ethical Weddings.
Craig Jonathan Todd – Freelance writer with a passion for tech, trends and simplicity.
Connect with Craig via X.
