Photo by Photos by Lanty on Unsplash

Contributed by Magnolia Potter

Weddings, unfortunately, often have a huge carbon footprint.

Fortunately, incorporating sustainability into your wedding doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming.

After all, you’ll need to save plenty of energy and time to choose the perfect outfit and taste-test the cake! With a little planning, you can have an eco-friendly wedding that is both memorable and easy on your wallet.

Why an eco-friendly wedding?

Everyone greatly needs to be environmentally conscious in today’s climate change-affected world. Pollution, rising sea levels, and eroding land threaten the well-being of all life on the planet. Efforts you make today can shape the world for the next generation.

Making eco-friendly choices on your wedding day helps to further the evolution of sustainability.  And though your efforts may not seem like much, every little bit counts. You may even inspire guests who are planning weddings of their own to make eco-friendly decisions. Opting out of environmentally harmful wedding day traditions can make a statement and a difference.

Choosing the right venue

Anyone who has planned a wedding knows that it can be difficult to manage your wedding finances on a budget. A venue is often one of the biggest costs of your wedding day, so choosing wisely matters.

When it comes to being eco-friendly, not all wedding venues are created equal. Compare and contrast wedding venues to find one that meets all your criteria.

When looking for an eco-friendly wedding venue, an outdoor location is best. This option will decrease costs because you won’t be utilizing as much indoor space or energy. Electricity, heat, or air conditioning won’t be much of a factor if you choose the right season and time of day. This option also provides your guests a chance to connect with nature.

A venue that grows its own flowers allows you to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of your wedding. No transportation or extra water needed! It’s also wise to use caterers who incorporate locally grown food into your wedding menu.

Your venue can set the tone for the entire day. When you feel inspired by your venue, you can easily build a wedding around it.

Reducing waste

Once you have your venue, think about ways you can reduce waste and support your local community. Virtual invitations will cut down on unnecessary paper use. Natural table decor such as flowers or wood can be returned to nature when you’re finished.

Picking reusable items goes a long way to reducing waste. Reusable dinnerware is a great place to start — avoid single-use plastics at all costs. Instead of purchasing wedding-specific outfits, choose clothing that your wedding party can wear again.

Finally, buying supplies in bulk will cut down wedding waste. Work with local vendors whenever possible so items aren’t shipped long distances to get to you. When the big day is over, use non-toxic products to clean up.

Having an eco-friendly wedding doesn’t have to feel like a chore. A few small changes on your end can make a big difference down the road. Your budget and Mother Earth will thank you.

About the author: Magnolia Potter is a muggle from the Pacific Northwest who writes from time to time and covers a variety of topics. When Magnolia’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a good book.