Preserving the environment has never been more important than now, so if you consider yourself to be environmentally conscious, then why not host a wedding that will show how much your care not just about your significant other but about the planet as well? This might seem like too much work at first, but it’s much easier than it sounds, and there are plenty of ways to do it. If you like the idea of organising an earth-loving celebration to mark to your big day, here are some ideas that should help you make your dream wedding green as well.
Words: Brigitte Evans
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Invitations
When it comes to the invitations, the most eco-friendly option would be to send out well-designed email invitations and not use paper at all. However, we all know that such option is not always the most reliable one, as there are still people who don’t check their emails that often or are simply not that tech-savvy. Therefore, if you can’t avoid using paper, consider using recycled one, and don’t worry ‒ it doesn’t mean your invitations’ quality or appearance will suffer. True, they might not work best for all white weddings, but you can surely find another fitting colour for the paper.
2. Think about the Food
Going green does not mean the food has to be any less delicious. Healthy, tasty, organic food is more accessible than ever before. It might cost you a bit more though, which is why you should try to serve in-season, locally grown products. This way, your food will be fresh, it will require less fuel for transport, and you will keep the cost within your budget. Finally, if you really want to impress your guests, consider decorating the tables with herb plants that your guests can add straight to their plates, like basil for example.
3. Enjoy the Flowers
Instead of cut flowers, consider using potted ones, as they will live long past your wedding ‒ and they look just as beautiful, if not even more so. If you don’t like this idea, you can always make your flower arrangements last longer by donating them to the local hospital, nursing home, or some other facility that could use them. Moreover, if you truly love flowers, you can use them to tell your story by customising them and arranging them in unique ways ‒ just don’t forget to hire a reliable and experienced event planner who will make everything look exactly the way you’ve imagined it.
4. Consider the Decor
A natural theme works best for eco-friendly weddings, since it can include linen made of organic cotton, nicely patterned mason jars, and candles that will help you save on electricity. There are also many items that can be reused, like Swarovski crystals, candleholders, and similar decorations, so encourage your wedding designers to search through their inventory for such items. Do some research on recycled glassware too, as you might find some quite original and beautiful recycled glassware that could be perfect for your wedding.
5. Give Out Eco-Friendly Favours
To match the theme, consider giving out eco-friendly favors, like tree-planting kits or biodegradable seed packets. They are affordable, fun, and truly fitting for any eco-friendly event. If you prefer something simpler, you can also go for something edible, like cupcakes, coffee beans, or candy. Or, you can make your centerpieces double as favours by choosing small cacti planted in small pots as name holders. Either way, such tokens of appreciation won’t cost you much, and we all know that wedding favours often end up being thrown away or gathering dust in some drawer. This way, you know they will serve a purpose, even if that purpose is being eaten.
Having an eco-friendly wedding is a great way to show your loved ones how much you care about preserving the environment. And who knows, by showing that it can be done without sacrificing the appearance of your decor or the taste of your food, you might inspire others to go green when organising similar events as well.