There is a lot of money, care, and attention invested in creating the perfect day for the bride and groom at a wedding.On your wedding day, honor your eco-savviness if you are a socially conscious couple.It is possible to have a "green" wedding, while also having a great time with your family and friends, and maintaining the elegance and sophistication you would expect from such an important event.
Step 1: You can use recycled paper for invitations.
If you use a service or make your own invitations, make sure the paper is eco-friendly.Many providers will give you the option of choosing alternative paper materials.You can make your own paper from your old newspapers and scrap paper.Pressing the petals into the paper is possible.
Step 2: You can book a calligrapher to write on your paper.
Hand-scripted invitations will be unique.The normal printing process uses energy.You can support your town's economy by using a local calligrapher.
Step 3: Paper can be eliminated where you can.
If you are willing to completely forgo paper invitations and save-the-dates, send out evites and create a personalized wedding website.Extra information about local hotels and activities can be found on your wedding website, which can include all the necessary instructions that would normally be sent in an invitation.If you want to skip the paper name placards and table signs, you can write the words on stones or other objects.
Step 4: Rent your glassware, linens, and utensils.
Rent your party items from a rental service instead of using disposable materials.Many companies commit to using green cleaning practices.Even if you can't find a "green" rental company, it's better to reuse than dispose of these items.
Step 5: There are vintage dresses, suits, and jewelry.
The smaller your environmental impact will be, the more you can limit your purchases.If you have access to a family gown and tuxedo, see if they can be altered to fit your needs.You can wear family heirlooms on your big day.Look at what people are willing to lend you.You might be able to find the perfect outfits in thrift stores if your family's collection isn't cutting it.This may take some time, but the result could be lovely and eco-friendly.
Step 6: You can rent your outfits.
Rent your gown and suit for the day if you prefer a newer style.Because others will be able to wear these outfits after you, this practice also follows your principle of reuse.Renting limits the production of new clothing and keeps you from dedicating a corner of your closet to something you will never wear again.You can wear a family member's old suit or gown.
Step 7:
While also providing you with beautiful designer gowns, there are several companies dedicated to fulfilling your rental needs.If you want to find out if local bridal shops have rental options for their dresses, check out Rent the Runway.
Step 8: Encourage your wedding party to follow you.
If you want your bridesmaids and groomsmen to wear items they already own, ask them to use a rental service.They will thank you for letting them save money if you allow them to pick from their own closets.If you are worried about having a coordinated picture of your wedding party, you can still suggest a general color scheme and style.Try to embrace everyone's unique colors and styles.It will make your wedding more fun.
Step 9: Purchase old wedding rings.
The destruction of the environment is caused by the mining of gold, diamonds, and other precious metals.You can either look in thrift shops for antiques or ask your family about heirloom wedding rings.If there is unused gold jewelry that could be melted down, please let me know.
Step 10: Limit your guests.
In addition to the environmental costs of food and other materials, more guests equals more impact from travel.If you want a more intimate affair, go for it.You will be able to spend more time with your family and friends.It's possible to start with just family members.If you have more space, give each other spots in a group of very close friends.Tell those who might feel left out why you are keeping it small, and promise them that you will celebrate the next time you get together.
Step 11: Pick a spot that is close to many guests.
It is impossible to have a wedding that is close to all of your guests, so try to identify the area where the majority or highest number of guests live.You will reduce the amount of travel your wedding causes if you have it in that spot.
Step 12: Pick a location for the reception and the ceremony.
It is important that you and your guests do not add to your travel on the wedding day.Even if you want a religious service, there are many venues that can provide it.
Step 13: There is an online chat for travel needs.
A message board or a special Facebook group is a great way to connect with your guests.Provide information and links to local public transportation options for your friends and family.
Step 14: Local farmers and growers can provide you with food and flowers.
You need to travel to get food and flowers that are out of season.If you want to gather food and flowers within a reasonable distance of the venue, you should visit local butchers, bakers, and other providers.Not all local food and flowers are organic.Ask growers and farmers if their produce has not been treated with pesticides.
Step 15: There is a honeymoon here.
You will cut down on your impact if you are able to honeymoon without a plane.There are many options for a relaxing honeymoon.You will be able to use the money you would have spent on a plane ticket for yourself.If you want to travel longer distances, make it part of the fun and keep it eco-friendly.You can travel by train or boat.It is possible to travel to a green honeymoon destination.You can use websites like GreenGlobe.travel and GreenPearls.com to find a spot.
Step 16: Natural lighting is beneficial to a venue.
If you can plan an outdoor wedding during the day or early evening, you will be able to enjoy a completely lit wedding.If you want an indoor affair, try to book a spot with large windows and encourage the organizers to limit the use of electrical lighting.The natural light may not be enough for both indoor and outdoor weddings.If you want to do this in a lovely way, light different sized candles and spread them throughout the space.
Step 17: A low-meat or meat-free menu is a good idea.
Red meat production has a high environmental cost.While satisfying your desire to help the planet, there are many vegetarian options that can be enjoyed by your guests.Consider pasta dishes, salads and elegant but meat-free finger foods.It is possible to make your menu meat-free from start to finish.Goat cheese, risotto balls, and an elaborate platter filled with cut vegetables are what you should start with.There is a caprese salad and some portabella mushrooms for the main course.There are side options such as baked polenta that can be added to the meal.
Step 18: Purchase ethically grown food, drink, and flowers.
Many workers experience exploitative conditions when they harvest vegetables, flowers, and other items.Do you know if the providers you use adhere to fair and equitable work standards?The non-profit Fair Trade USA is a reliable certifier of suppliers both in and outside of the United States.When purchasing at farmer's markets, be sure to ask your suppliers questions about the working conditions of their laborers, as well as the organic and local quality of the food.
Step 19: Potted plants can be used as a centerpiece.
Instead of decorating the tables with flower arrangements that will die in a few days or weeks, choose potted plants and flowers that you and your guests can plant at home.Attendees can enjoy your wedding decorations for years to come.
Step 20: Alternative materials can be used for your bouquets and centerpiece.
Instead of flowers, consider materials that could be recycled or thrown away safely.Try a bouquet of unique and colorful vegetables that could be eaten after the ceremony, and place stones and pebbles on the tables.
Step 21: Pick bakers with plans that are friendly to the environment.
Be aware that the baker and the caterer will use decorations on their food.Ensure that there is a minimal amount of leftover food.You will want to hire providers who compost all of their waste.
Step 22: Donate or freeze food.
Ensuring that nothing is thrown away that could be used is the most important goal of your wedding day.When food can be given to those in need, it is often thrown away.If you and your guests take home leftovers, it could save you a few nights of cooking.
Step 23: Take your photographs with a digital camera.
A photographer who uses a digital camera will commit to giving you prints instead of paper.If your photographer is willing to use a printing lab that is certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council, you can ask.Don't give disposable cameras to your guests.This is a sweet and cute idea, but it is not eco-friendly in the age of phones.
Step 24: There is a green bridal registry.
There are many online services that can be used to set up a green registry.Guests will be able to purchase eco-friendly items as gifts.Even eco-friendly production has an impact so try to limit your registry to what you need.If there is a store that sells eco-friendly products but doesn't have a bridal registry, ask if they can set one up for you.The store needs to do it regularly.
Step 25: In lieu of gifts, request charitable donations.
If you want your guests to make donations instead of buying you gifts, consider choosing charitable causes.Your guests can support environmental, educational, or social causes with a variety of options.
Step 26: The wedding's environmental costs should be offset.
The exact impact of the wedding can be determined using a carbon calculator.How many guests you have and their travel needs can be taken into account.The budget of the wedding should include the cost of carbon offset.You can use online services to calculate and purchase your carbon offset.
Step 27: There is a need to go green at the wedding.
It is important to commit to eco-friendly practices at your wedding.Adding information about your intentions to your invitations or on explanatory cards on the tables can help you do more.If you want to send it out digitally, be sure to use recycled paper.