For most of us, your wedding will be one of the biggest ( and most exciting!) events of your life. With vendors to secure, invitations to send and a year’s worth of planning to complete, calculating your big day’s carbon footprint probably isn’t the first thought on your mind. When it comes to large scale events, the amount of waste produced can be overwhelming; from scrapped paper goods to unrecyclable florals, and leftover food destined for the landfill. Before you start panicking, demand for eco-friendly event practices has surged over the last few years, making it easier than ever to find event professionals that align with your vision of sustainability. Follow our tips to get your dream wedding all while managing your celebration’s environmental impact!

1. Be Selective with your Vendors

Spending a little extra time to research your vendors will certainly pay off in the long run! We suggest sourcing professionals that are not only transparent about their practices but also promote sustainability as part of their image. This could come in the form of a caterer that plans their menus using seasonal and local ingredients or a venue that runs completely on renewable energy. 

2. Go Where Your Guests Are

Once you have narrowed down your guest list, determine where the majority of your attendees are based and look into holding your celebration locally. This will not only make it easier for your guests to attend but will also cut down on the amount of travel required. You can even encourage carpooling or promote transportation that is provided throughout your wedding night!

3. Send Your Invitations Virtually or Sustainably

Save money and paper by sending invitations virtually. Your guests are likely to receive these in a much more timely manner, plus it takes the stress out of compiling and sending dozens of invitations. However, if you prefer a formal invitation for your affair, there are plenty of eco-conscious paper options. Seed paper is one of the best stationery options today, for paper goods that you can plant! 

TIP: Create a wedding website on sites like The Knot or Zola for guests to refer to for additional details about your wedding. This will cut down on the number of inserts needed in your invitations. You can even have guests RSVP online to avoid additional paper usage and postage. 

4. Look for a Venue With Built In Decor

Once you decide on your wedding aesthetic, set up venue tours at locations that not only fit your style but also include existing decor. This will limit the number of rentals that you will have to source, and simultaneously let your venue’s unique design elements shine! Check out lush gardens, art museums, and wineries that can all make for stunning backdrops. 

5. Rent, Don’t Buy

Even for venues that have it all, there is likely going to be something that you will have to rent. Lounges, table numbers, and even faux floral centerpieces can be rented, usually at a discount compared to the purchase price. This will save you from having to figure out what to do with all of your wedding-themed decor after the fact. 

6. Donate Untouched Meals and Ingredients 

Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to your event’s environmental impact. Find a caterer who takes sustainability seriously such as, using local and seasonal ingredients that are completely compostable. When vetting caterers, ask if they partner with local food donation centers to give away any untouched meals or if they will allow guests to take home any leftover meals. 

7. Be Conscious of your Florals

Throw away the idea of cut-flowers and instead, opt for potted plants that will last long after your wedding day is over. At the end of the night, you can bring the plants with you to fill your home with memories of your big day! Still, cut-flowers can be difficult to eliminate from your wedding day entirely. For arrangements like your bouquet or boutonniere, find florists who will rearrange the flowers after your event to give them a second life and break them down into a compostable form. 

TIP: Inquiry with companies like Repeat Roses and Garbage Goddess so that you can decorate with florals responsibly. 

Still not sure where to start with your eco-friendly event rentals? Fill out our pre-consultation form to connect with one of expert Event Specialists!