How to Have a Sustainable Wedding Without Compromising Your Style

Did you know that the average wedding produces 400 to 600 pounds of trash? This stat from The Green Bride Guide is hard to believe, but the good news is a lot of that waste can be avoided by making environmentally-focused decisions while planning your destination wedding. Here are 6 tips to help you make sure your special day isn’t just great for you and your guests, but the planet as well!

Vendors: Photographer: Tori Kelner Photography; Venue: Indian Trail Club; Planner: BelFiore Bridal; Florist: Laurelwood Designs; Invitations: Lace and Belle; Furniture: Cedar and Sage Rentals

• Take textile waste into consideration. “Fashion is the number two global pollutant. $460B is lost each year from the tossing or burning of clothing. Consider purchasing your bridal attire and accessories, and those for your bridal party, from online wedding resale or re-commerce stores and then resell those items after your wedding to keep the merchandise alive and out of the global landfill. You’re sure to save money and protect the planet without compromising your style.” – Maya Holihan, Founder & CEO, EWedded

• Start with your venue. “Green is IN! And we’re not just talking about stunning color schemes and lush foliage. Having a green wedding is a great way to do your part when it comes to protecting and preserving the planet. Set the stage for your eco-friendly event by hosting your wedding at a venue that cares for the environment and contributes to social causes. Whether it’s a nonprofit venue that uses your rental fee to support a charitable organization or a LEED-certified venue, it’s possible to find a stylish location for your wedding that also gives back.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide

Vendors: Handkerchiefs: The Handkerchief Shop & Photographer: Love Me Do Photography

• Use environmentally friendly materials. “Environmentally-friendly materials like reusable options are always a safe bet! Handkerchiefs are both a sustainable and an elegant way to wipe those happy tears!” – Colleen, The Handkerchief Shop

• Incorporate repurposed florals and paper goods. “The great thing about sustainability is that it doesn’t have anything to do with your personal style. Choosing rentals over disposables ensures that your carbon footprint is smaller. Chat with your florist about the importance of sustainability with your day. They can potentially utilize something from another event at yours, or repurpose your florals into arrangements to sell out of their shop the next day. Paper goods can even be done in a “plantable” paper with seeds, meaning that literal flowers will grow from your love in the grounds of whoever decides to bury their invites. Always loop your planner in on what’s most important to you — we can help connect you to LEED certified venues as well as other vendors that have a strong focus on sustainability.” – Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events

Vendors: Photographer: Tori Kelner Photography; Venue: Indian Trail Club; Planner: BelFiore Bridal; Florist: Laurelwood Designs; Invitations: Lace and Belle; Furniture: Rentals Cedar and Sage Rentals

• Talk to your vendors so they know you want to take the sustainable option. “Having a sustainable wedding can be difficult but doable. One of the ways to have a more sustainable wedding is to let your vendors know that you’d like to have that front of mind so that they can work with you on those aspects. For example, ask your florist if she can forgo using any floral foam and make it easy for guests to take florals home at the end of the night so they are repurposed. Another great way is to ask your florist if they can be composted at the end of the event. Secondly, provide real glassware, plates, china, etc, versus using disposable items. It saves so much on trash at the end of the night that’s not going straight to the landfill and it elevates your event to make it more classy!” – Kari Dirksen, CEO + Lead Planner for Feathered Arrow Events

• Rent your décor pieces to reduce waste. “You can easily reduce your impact on the environment while still elevating your wedding design by renting décor pieces. Think non-personalized items, such as table numbers, linens, charger plates, stemware, and flatware. Opting for mirrors to use for your seating chart, welcome sign, or even tabletop signs is also a great way to reduce paper waste. Look inside your home first to see if you have anything you can potentially incorporate into your wedding and if you do, hire a local calligrapher to write on them for you. The best part is, you’ll be able to erase the lettering after the reception ends and then continue to use them throughout your home for years to come.” – Meghan Shaughnessy, Lace and Belle

Vendors: Photographer: Alissa Noelle Photography; Planner: Feathered Arrow Events; Florist: Inessa Nichols Design; Rentals: Baker Party Rentals