All over the world, society is paying more attention to environmental protection and sustainability. In recent years, there has been an influential trend to protect the environment – to reduce the use of plastics and apply the principles of zero waste, also in the wedding industry.

To lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle and support a sustainable future, we should re-think the way we celebrate weddings, without compromising the splendour of the event. To organize an eco-friendly wedding, all aspects of the wedding must be planned and considered, focusing on understanding nature-friendly practices.

Sustainable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly decor

Wedding decorations are one of the most important details that reflect the style of the wedding and create the desired mood that characterizes the couple themselves. Large flower arrangements, balloons, stationery, confetti, and other decorations are often thrown away after the celebration. The solution is to choose less and recyclable products that will not harm nature.

One example is confetti from the environmentally friendly material, which decomposes in the soil. This is very important because, for example, in celebrations organized on the lawn or meadow, it is practically impossible to clean up this decorative joy. As you know, wedding venues often do not allow the use of confetti for this reason.

Before choosing decorative items that will be used only once, think twice. Instead, you can choose other accessories for your wedding decorations, creating a different atmosphere, and replace the cut flowers with potted plants. Flowers in pots can also be used to decorate a wedding table. Achieve an eco-friendly celebration by embracing minimalism at a wedding, for example, by eliminating table cards, which increase paper consumption.

The benefits of daylight

If the wedding venue is far from the city, it is useful to consider the benefits that will play a role in wedding planning. An eco-friendly wedding can be held in the first half of the day or even at sunrise to take advantage of daylight, under the open sky or in a glass shed. Outdoor weddings will have better lighting, which will save electricity and reduce the energy consumption of air conditioning.

Daylight is the best light for beautiful photos – a positive benefit for wedding photographers!

A wedding venue closer to the wedding guests

Every couple planning their wedding wants to find a new and unusual wedding venue further away from the city. Often, countryside venues are also more appropriate for their wedding budget. If the wedding venue is far from the city, guests will most likely prefer using their vehicles to get to the wedding venue. This will increase carbon emissions and fuel consumption. Choosing a place strategically, and easily accessible to everyone, you will emit fewer carbon emissions; it also means savings for wedding guests.

Recommendation: rent a bus for guests and provide comfortable and environmentally friendly transport to the wedding venue.

Organic wedding menu

Research the wedding venues that use organic products and create organic menus. It is also worth thinking about what to do with food that will be left over after the wedding. It is necessary to agree in detail with the caterers in advance and make sure the required amount of food is prepared. Often, the food is left over, which can then be sorted and donated to an animal shelter.

Many environmental companies recommend using informative cards made from organic paper: “Food that is not consumed at this wedding will be donated to animal shelters. For the safety and health of our little friends, after the meal, please place toothpicks and similar items in prepared containers.” Such information can also be decoratively placed on the party table, adapting to the wedding style.

Electronic or digital wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are at the top of the list of important details that reflect the wedding concept and atmosphere. Instead of printed invitations, for an eco-friendly wedding, you can choose sustainable and, at the same time, original invitation alternatives. Instead of printed invitations, you can use the new generation of video invitation services or create an online invitation.

Eco-friendly wedding dresses and suits

Is it possible? Yes! The wedding dress and suit can be created from an organic or environmentally friendly fabric that can decompose in nature. Renting or resewing can also be an option.

Photo: JORDAN WOTH

Author: LIENE PALENA