Tying the knot the green way—5 tips for planning a sustainable wedding

Behold, the elegance of a sustainable soiree. Let us indulge in the finest, most practical sustainable wedding ideas that will surely make our environment beam with pride. As you prepare for the grandest day of your life, remember that each decision you make holds great weight, especially when it comes to the impact your celebration has on the planet.

Ah, the often resulting wastefulness of weddings—tossed paper goods, excessive food waste, and neglected flowers. Fear not, my lovely bride and groom, for you have the power to set a new standard of eco-consciousness. Do not let thoughtlessness sully your special day. Embrace sustainability and host a green wedding that will leave a lasting impression, or shall we say a not-so-lasting impact on your carbon footprint.

But before you get overwhelmed by the task of planning a green wedding, here are five sustainable wedding ideas that will inspire you to make a positive impact on the planet without much fuss. From sustainable decor that exudes luxury, to ethical cuisine that tantalises the taste buds—these ideas will prove that sustainability and extravagance can harmoniously coexist.

Let’s start with invitations
If you're wondering how to incorporate this planet-loving arrangement into your wedding planning, worry not. The answer is simple—start small. Like, choosing eco-friendly invitations for your next event. Believe it or not, there are tons of options available when it comes to sustainable invitations. 

One great option is choosing recycled paper invitations, made from post-consumer waste and other recycled materials. Another fantastic choice is upcycled invitations, which are made from repurposed fabrics or leather, giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Alternatively, virtual invitations are another eco-friendly option worth considering. We can now craft breathtaking digital invitations that are also easily shareable. This option not only saves paper but also eliminates the need for shipping.

Destination that’s eco-friendly
The next consideration is finding a wedding venue that's down with the sustainability programme. These eco-friendly hotspots have all sorts of options that will make your wedding day both stunning and eco-friendly. You can go for cool recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, locally sourced food that's totally delish, and even biodegradable decorations that won't hang around longer than your bouquet toss. Who knows? You may even inspire your friends and family to make eco-conscious choices in their own lives.

Find space that’s all-built-in
When it comes to planning your perfect wedding, every single detail matters. From the venue to the little decorative touches, every piece contributes to bringing your vision to life. But, have you ever stopped to consider the environmental impact of your wedding decor?

That's where the latest trend comes in—selecting a venue that already matches your desired wedding style. Rather than hauling in decorations from afar, why not take advantage of the natural beauty of your location? By choosing a venue that already complements your aesthetic, you not only save money, but you also reduce the need for additional resources.

Upcycle, don’t discard
One of the biggest culprits of waste in wedding décor is flowers. After the big day, many couples end up throwing away their floral arrangements, not realising that there are organisations that will gladly take them off their hands and donate them to local hospitals, senior centres, and homeless shelters. By donating your flowers, not only do you avoid waste, but you also brighten the day of those who may be going through a tough time.

But what about the extra décor that can't be donated? There are still ways to keep them from ending up in the trash. Consider gifting extra decorations to your venue's service staff or your guests. This not only saves your décor from being wasted but also gives your guests a lovely memento to take home with them.

Incorporating sustainable practices into your wedding planning can seem daunting, but with a little creativity and effort, it's easier than you might think. 

Conscious effort for the feast
It's easy to get carried away with the extravagance of the spread, but have you ever considered what happens to the leftovers? Buffet dinners are often one of the biggest culprits of food waste, and the extra chicken in the chafing dish can end up in the trash post-service.

As a conscientious host, you can make a significant impact by reducing food waste. One simple approach is to opt for plated dinners instead of buffets to avoid excess food. If you do choose to go for a buffet, communicate with your caterer about saving leftovers.

If local regulations allow, you can donate the remaining food to a nearby food bank or homeless shelter. However, it's essential to have all the necessary details ahead of time to ensure that the food is adequately packed and ready to go. Not only will this initiative reduce food waste, but it can also contribute to your local community's well-being.

Feature Image: @diamirzaofficial / Instagram