While having a wedding is one thing, making sure that it has the least impact on the environment is a main preoccupation for many people. Eco-friendly weddings don’t have to be exotic or expensive, however. In this article, we’re going to give you five easy tips that everyone can follow to make sure that they have the most eco-friendly wedding ever.
Reuse Clothing
Your great grandmother probably wore her Sunday best for her wedding. You could learn from this example and select a white dress you already own to wear for the wedding, supplemented by a veil you wear only for this occasion. Consider wearing an heirloom wedding dress from a family member tailored to fit you, instead of buying a new dress you’ll ideally only wear once. Or rent a dress from the rising number of stores that rent bridal dresses in addition to tuxedos.
Don’t forget the bridesmaids. The ideal case is finding dresses they already own that everyone can wear, instead of demanding they wear dresses for just that one day. Another option is visiting consignment shops and thrift stores for worn-once prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses and picking out what you want. Consider it recycling, with a good chance the proceeds will go to charity, too.
Minimize Travel
Say no to the destination wedding that requires everyone in the wedding party and otherwise attending to fly so that you don’t have to travel to the honeymoon location after the wedding. Not only is refusing to make more people travel than necessary eco-friendly, it is kinder to those who care about you. Demanding that everyone spends hundreds or thousands of dollars to travel because you want a shorter trip also requires them to spend hundreds or thousands they don’t have to come to your wedding.
Instead, find a venue that minimizes travel for friends and family. Ideally, you should spend a week and honeymoon at a local resort instead of flying halfway around the world for the “dream†getaway that marketers say is a must. Don’t forget to plan for the wedding reception to take place at the same location as the wedding to minimize travel and logistical hassle for all involved.
If you hold the wedding at an outdoor location like your backyard or a family farm, you can rent a commercial restroom trailer to ensure everyone’s hygiene needs are met.
Choose Local Food That Doesn’t Need to Be Cooled
Select locally produced foods for your reception. In the ideal situation, the finger foods don’t need to be refrigerated. This not only saves energy, but eliminates the risk of food poisoning for guests, as well. Don’t forget to skip the imported wine and find another beverage to toast the union.
Use Fresh Flowers for the Season or Ones That Last Forever
Skip the Peruvian roses flown in from abroad and ask the florist to make bouquets from locally sourced suppliers. You could select a bouquet made from silk flowers; this creates a unique keepsake you’ll enjoy long after the ceremony. Arrange for silk flowers to be used in centerpieces unless you opt for candles, dried flowers or other decorations. If you are getting married around Christmas, consider using Christmas poinsettia as decorations. If getting married in the spring, consider using Easter lilies kept in the church foyer as decorations.
Pare Down the Wedding Registry
Only ask for what you need on the wedding registry, and be clear to gift givers what you already have so you don’t have to figure out how to recycle four new toasters. Consider asking for cash to save for a down payment on a new home or pay down debt.
If you want to limit your impact on the environment, keep the above tips in mind.
