Five Tips For Hosting a Sustainable Destination Wedding

For couples dreaming of an eco-conscious celebration of love, a sustainable destination wedding offers a perfect blend of romance and responsibility. As the world embraces a greener mindset, more individuals are seeking ways to minimize their environmental footprint, even on their special day. If you’re considering a destination wedding with sustainability in mind, here are five tips to guide you toward a celebration that cherishes both your love and the planet.

1. Choose an Eco-Friendly Venue

When selecting the backdrop for your nuptials, opt for a venue that embraces sustainable practices. Look for locations that prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction, and those that support local communities. LEED-certified resorts, like The Westin Nashville ensure everything they do, down to water conservation and LED lighting throughout the resort, is sustainably focused.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a worldwide certification program. Supporting energy and water conservation are just the start. The Westin Nashville even launched a bike reserve program last year, encouraging guests to get active and reduce their carbon footprint. 

2. Embrace Nature-Inspired Decor

Let Mother Nature be your muse when it comes to wedding decor. Opt for natural, biodegradable materials such as bamboo, recycled paper, or organic fabrics for your design elements. Incorporate local flora and fauna into your centerpieces, bouquets, and boutonnieres, celebrating the unique beauty of your destination.

For lighting, choose energy-efficient LED candles or solar-powered options. Avoid single-use plastics, balloons, and other non-biodegradable items that can harm the environment. By embracing nature-inspired decor, you not only reduce waste but also create a stunning, organic ambiance for your celebration.

Selecting a venue where the setting needs no additional adornment is the ultimate way to embrace sustainability in your decor. Naturally gorgeous backdrops at venues like St. Regis Deer Valley, where you are ensconced in towering pines and beautiful rock walls, make it easy to forgo extensive flower displays.

3. Go Digital with Invitations and RSVPs

Say goodbye to paper waste by opting for digital invitations and RSVPs. There are countless online platforms that allow you to design beautiful, personalized wedding invitations and track RSVPs seamlessly. Not only does this save trees, but it also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with printing and shipping.

If you prefer physical invitations, choose recycled paper options and consider providing guests with details on local sustainability initiatives or eco-friendly activities they can participate in during their stay.

4. Support Local, Sustainable Catering

Food is a central element of any wedding celebration, and opting for locally sourced, organic cuisine adds a deliciously sustainable touch to your special day.

Select a venue like Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront that embraces locally sourced ingredients in all of their wedding menus. Serving organic produce and artisanal cheeses, these farm-fresh ingredients not only taste amazing but also support local farmers and promote sustainability. Complement your meal with organic wines, locally brewed beers, or signature eco-friendly cocktails for a sustainable toast to your future together.

5. Encourage Eco-Friendly Transportation

Help your guests reduce their carbon footprint by providing information on eco-friendly transportation options. Suggest carpooling, public transit, or biking for local travel, and consider arranging shuttles for guests between the ceremony and reception venues. If your destination allows, host activities such as nature walks, beach clean-ups, or tree-planting ceremonies to give back to the environment and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Encourage guests to offset their travel emissions by donating to environmental organizations or planting trees in honor of your union.

By incorporating these tips into your planning, you can create a destination wedding that not only celebrates your love but also leaves a positive impact on the planet. From choosing sustainable venues to embracing nature-inspired decor and supporting local communities, each decision brings you closer to a wedding day that reflects your commitment to a greener, brighter future together.