Your wedding day is meant to be extremely special. But it can also end up being quite wasteful with all the plastic, paper, food, and flowers that get thrown away. For the sake of the environment, consider an eco-friendly wedding celebration.
An eco-friendly wedding, also called a green or sustainable wedding, is all about the couple trying to make their big day kinder to the planet by reducing how much it impacts the environment. This isn’t just a trend but also an amazing idea to share with your partner and guests. Looking after nature on your big day fosters love for everyone.
When you think about sustainable weddings, it might seen overwhelming with all the plastic traditionally involved, plants that will likely quickly reach the bin, guests traveling and rubbish galore. Luckily, there are ways to overcome these problems with a bit of imagination.
Rice Paper Lanterns Instead of Balloons
Traditionally, most weddings incorporate balloons. They are typically available in various colours, which add vibrancy to a more traditional wedding. They can also come in one or two colours for a more simplistic approach.
But you can also ditch plastic balloons in favor of sustainable wedding alternatives. Rice paper is reusable, and lanterns are available in all shapes, sizes, and colours. From many points of view, they’re nearly identical to classic balloons, but they are more sustainable. They’re also biodegradable, so they won’t linger in a landfill for generations.
Classic balloons can also be biodegradable if they’re made of natural latex. And believe it or not, there are quite a few companies providing this alternative.
Beeswax Candles for Accent Lighting
Not interested in random lights all over the place? Opt for 100% pure beeswax candles and your wedding will suddenly become greener. They also have a light scent of honey. It is not an overpowering scent, so don’t worry if honey is not a personal favorite.
Generally speaking, these candles will last for hours without putting too much pressure on the environment.
They really elevate the atmosphere of your celebration, especially if you’re saying “I do” at a charming ranch or farm venue. The warm glow of beeswax candles compliments the rustic setting perfectly, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance.
Utilize Artificial Nature
You do not have to opt for natural flowers. While they are biodegradable and that’s fine, they can also be a waste. They’ll last for a few days and they’ll make it straight to the bin. How about a fake flower backdrop? Imagine the flowers and leaves you would save by utilizing an artificial alternative.
The same goes for artificial flower vases.
In theory, the idea is not very sustainable because they’re made of plastic. But if they’re used over and over again, they become a friendly option for the environment. Moreover, since they’re not natural, such alternatives provide a series of options in terms of looks, design, shapes and colours.
Artificial options offer a natural look, without putting a strain on the environment. Consider giving them to friends and family, and donating them after your big sustainable wedding bash.
Bamboo Trends, a Good Looking Trend
Based on the design, you won’t even be able to tell the difference. Classic acrylic plates are difficult to manufacture, cost more and are not sustainable. Plastic plates will also hit the bin as soon as they’re used, so it’s not a great idea either.
Bamboo plates, on the other hand, can make a difference. They come in different shapes and sizes, but they can also look like classic acrylic plates if you want a more traditional look.
You can take this idea even further and invest in bamboo cutlery too. Throw in some washable cloth napkins over paper napkins and you have the perfect eco friendly wedding scenario. It is an especially great idea if you have a garden or outdoor wedding.
Corn Straws Over Plastic Straws
Everyone knows how plastic straws come and go. Each person will most likely use a different straw for each drink. Based on how many guests you have and how many drinks they have, you do the calculations. It is an enormous quantity of plastic.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on metallic straws, though. Instead, use reusable straws. They’re often made of corn and will last for ages. Put glasses full of straws around the venue, so people can grab one as needed.
Not only are they good for the environment, but they’re also solid and sturdy. They won’t break down and dissolve in your drink like paper straws, and they won’t affect the taste either. Most importantly, they’re compostable and environmentally friendly.
Environmentally Friendly Favours
No matter what favours you’re about to give out, there’s always at least one environmentally friendly alternative.
For example, if your favours go in bags, opt for biodegradable bags. It makes no difference what you plan to stick in there, from wildflower seeds to magnets.
Tea? Go for small glass bottles. No matter how posh your tea is, a glass jar with a cork cap and a paper tag will make it look even better. Biodegradable materials aren’t just good for the environment, but they’re also associated with luxury these days.
Even when it comes to name tags or cards for your guests, opt for paper. Even better, some companies make seed paper, meaning your guests can keep the tags and plant them later on for some new plants in their gardens.
Simply put, you have a name tag and a favour that will most likely bloom after your wedding, what else can you ask for?
Opt for eco-friendly venue
The simplest way to have an eco-friendly wedding is to pick a wedding venue that really cares about the environment and sustainability. You can search for the venue with certifications like Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design and Energy star ratings.
With plenty of gorgeous venues going green, you can be eco-friendly without compromising on style. Another good option is to choose an outdoor venue to connect with nature on your special day.
Final words
Adding eco-friendly elements to your wedding planning allows you to create a memorable and beautiful celebration that matches your values and positively impacts the environment. Embrace being eco-friendly, make smart choices, and let your love story sparkle in the charm of a green and sustainable wedding.