How to Make Your Wedding Eco-Friendly
Weddings are a time for love, joy, and celebration, but they can also generate a lot of waste. From single-use décor to excessive food waste, the environmental impact of traditional weddings is significant. The good news? It’s easier than ever to plan a beautiful, eco-friendly wedding without sacrificing style or elegance. If you’re looking for ways to reduce waste, minimize your carbon footprint, and make more sustainable choices, this guide will help you plan a wedding that’s both romantic and kind to the planet.
A Sustainable Celebration of Love
When it’s time to announce the big day, skip the paper waste by opting for digital invitations. Websites like Greenvelope or Paperless Post allow you to send stunning evites with no environmental impact. If you love the idea of physical invitations, consider: recycled paper or minimalist designs which use less ink, or plantable invitations made with seed paper that guests can plant to grow flowers or herbs.
One of the biggest factors in your wedding’s environmental impact is the venue, so consider choosing a location that prioritizes sustainability. Some venues even offer zero-waste wedding packages which is a great option for eco-conscious couples. Wedding décor often ends up in the trash after just a few hours, so why not choose sustainable decorations? Think potted plants, candles, lanterns or LED lights, thrifted or repurposed décor and chalkboard, wooden or reusable printed signs. After your wedding, donate, sell, or repurpose décor instead of throwing it away.
Traditional flower arrangements often require pesticides, refrigeration, and long-distance shipping, all of which harm the environment. Instead, try locally grown, seasonal flowers, dried or silk flowers, potted plants, or flower alternatives such as leaves, branches, or even fruit for a creative touch. Food waste is often one of the biggest environmental problems at weddings, so opt for a locally sourced menu, use reusable or biodegradable tableware and work with your caterer to donate surplus food to local shelters.
Additional Considerations for an Eco-Friendly Wedding
Planning an eco-friendly wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty, style, or celebration. With thoughtful choices like choosing sustainable venues, ethical fashion, eco-conscious catering, and reusable décor you can create a wedding that reflects both your love and your values. Fast fashion has a huge impact on the environment, so consider ethical choices for your wedding outfits. You’ll still look stunning, but with a smaller environmental footprint.
Vintage or Second Hand Dresses – Check out bridal consignment shops or family heirlooms.
Upcycled or Repurposed Gowns – Some designers create custom dresses using existing fabrics.
Rent or Borrow Suits – Instead of buying a tux or suit you’ll only wear once, renting is a greener option.
Sustainable Designers – Brands like Reformation, Christy Dawn, and Wear Your Love offer eco-friendly wedding dresses.
In line with mindful décor, instead of giving guests trinkets they might throw away, choose thoughtful and sustainable wedding favors. Eco-friendly wedding favors can be more meaningful and memorable than disposable ones.
Seed Packets – Guests can plant flowers in your honor.
Local Honey or Jams – A tasty, eco-friendly treat.
Mini Succulents – A gift that keeps growing!
Handmade Soy Candles – A natural and biodegradable option.
Donation to a Charity – Instead of favors, donate to an environmental cause in guests’ names.
Weddings often involve travel, which increases your event’s carbon footprint. Choose a central location, and encourage carpooling or provide group transport. If guests must fly, consider purchasing carbon offsets to counteract emissions. Your eco-friendly wedding doesn’t have to stop after the big day, consider a green honeymoon, too! Many hotels prioritize eco-friendly tourism, stay local or take a train instead of flying. A sustainable honeymoon lets you relax and celebrate while still being kind to the planet.
Historic Acres of Hershey offers a variety of wedding packages, which include microweddings, elopements, and smaller gatherings, and we can help you make your celebration of love eco-freindy. Give us a call at (717) 298-6340 to discuss your options and check out our beautiful space and availability.