Weddings, for the most part, have excess and over-the-top extravagance baked into them. When couples have a goal of creating a show stopping affair with elaborate floral arrangements, exotic locations, or a bespoke wedding dress, they are in environmentally unfriendly territory which not only hurts our planet but hurts their wallet. Conscious couples are looking to reduce the inherent waste of weddings and seek alternatives in every aspect of their big day. There are areas of improvement to go green that begin with a mindset tweak. A focus on the core reason for the celebration instead of an Instagram event in the making. If there is any one-upmanship or competition, it should be the couple with the most eco-friendly wedding wins! Small changes make a big impact and are easier than you think.
When Sabine Poisson, Event Producer, Designer & Wedding Planner first meets with a couple who requests a sustainable wedding she kicks into gear with her full database of resources. She easily offers eco-friendly options for every aspect of the event. “I first recommend a venue that prioritizes sustainability, such as a farm or a green-certified building. Then I propose hiring a caterer who uses locally sourced, bio-organic, and seasonal products to minimize food waste by planning appropriately portioned meals,” she recommends.
Blue Hill at Stone Barnes in Tarrytown, New York is one venue choice that has local and seasonal food sourced from their farm and is in the Metropolitan area.
Wedding attire is a big category of inherent waste, but small fixes can keep couples looking fabulous and not advance climate change. Here men seem to be less guilty than women since they are accustomed to the idea of tuxedo rentals. Bridal gowns are big ticket items that are worn once which is wasteful and expensive. But purchasing a vintage gown or renting one are options to consider. Giving new life to a family member’s dress not only saves money, materials, and labor but also reminds us that we are all part of the circle of life.
Many retailers that have a section in their shop of preloved or vintage gowns. The Real Real, has well-loved designer confections on their site ready to be re-loved. Kleinfeld’s offers a marketplace for buying and selling bridal dresses. Consider selling your dress afterward and paying it forward to other brides.
Supporting local and small businesses keeps money within your community while also being green. Less travel, less jet fuel, less greenhouse gases. Try your best to buy from local sources in every aspect of your planning.
Décor and flowers that are discarded after the day, need attention to keep your wedding green. “With regards to décor, I recommend using eco-friendly options like reusable or biodegradable decorations, such as potted plants or natural elements like wood and whimsical wildflowers,” says Poisson.
Consider an outdoor venue within a floral natural setting so that it’s not necessary to add arrangements at all. If you do use items like vases, candles, and other table décor consider donating them afterward so that the circle of love continues.
For invitations, Poisson suggests going digital or using recycled paper and soy-based inks to reduce environmental impact. “This is the strategy that allows me to create an environmentally responsible, sustainable, and memorable wedding for couples,” she adds.
Destination weddings are the cause of a big carbon footprint. Just the flights for friends and family alone are the source of producing greenhouse gases from burning fuel emissions. Keep your event closer to home to be more sustainable and save the flights for the honeymoon.
You don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics or quality to have a mindfully conscious event. The health of our planet is driving couples to sustainable vendors that take a carefully thought-out approach to the inherent waste of the past. Couples willing to get back to basics will reap the benefits environmentally and financially and may inspire others to take the same path.
