These days, eco-friendly options abound for everything from household appliances to major corporations. For the most part, individuals do more than they used to about being environmentally responsible, from recycling to reusing whenever possible. So when it comes to planning a big event like your wedding, it only makes sense to create an eco-friendly day that everyone can enjoy without concern. While many traditional wedding practices don’t necessarily take the environment into account, it’s not too difficult to make some small adjustments to transform your wedding into an eco-friendly event that you and your guests will be proud to enjoy. The wedding experts at Marco Island Weddings have a few suggestions that will help your eco-friendly wedding planning go a little smoother. And who knows? You may even discover some ideas you prefer!
Photo: Gulfside Media
Eco-Friendly Venues
Choosing the venues for your ceremony and reception are often one of the biggest and earliest decisions you’ll make in the wedding planning process. Think about opting for an outdoor ceremony in a natural setting, like the beach, a local park or botanical garden, or even a local preserve. Not only will you reduce the energy used by capitalizing on natural lighting, you will also find you need far less decor because the surrounding area provides plenty of natural beauty. If you have guests traveling from far away, book a block of rooms for them at a hotel that uses ethical environmental practices. You can also hold your ceremony and reception at the same location, reducing the amount of fuel emissions from guests traveling back and forth between venues.
Eco-Alternatives to Paper Products
Reducing paper products in your wedding is a quick, easy way to save money and the planet quickly. Choose to go digital wherever possible by having a wedding website, sending e-vites instead of paper invitations and requesting digital photography instead of print. Besides reducing paper usage, you’ll also cut down on fuel costs of delivering invitations, save-the-dates and RSVPs, as well as the toxins and chemicals used to print invitations and photos. If you still have certain aspects of your wedding that require printed material (like place cards or programs) consider using vegetable-based ink and plantable paper (it includes seeds so your guests can literally plant their place card in their garden!).
Organic Flowers
While it may sound funny, there is such a thing as organic and non-organic flowers. The main difference is that organic blooms are grown responsibly without relying on heavy chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers for the growing process. Choose organic flowers from a local vendor that are in season for your bouquets and boutonnieres. This will keep your florist from flying them in from other regions and give you peace of mind about the source of your blooms. Use potted plants, flowers or topiaries as centerpieces or even as favors for guests. Here are some of the most popular wedding flowers listed by their seasonal availability:
Fall: amaryllis, asters, calla lilies, dahlias, marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias
Winter: daffodils, evergreens, hyacinth,and tulips
Spring: allium, freesia, iris, lilacs, peonies, tulips and violets
Summer: dahlias, geraniums, hydrangea, peonies, roses, sunflowers and zinnias
Year-round: baby’s breath, birds of paradise, eucalyptus, ferns, gardenias, ivy, lilies, orchids, statice, and stephanotis
Farm-Fresh Menus
Many caterers offer organic or vegan options, along with farm-to-table fare that will keep your menu locally-sourced and eco-friendly. Choose to invest in reusable china, flatware and glasses instead of disposable wherever possible, or opt for biodegradable versions of these so recycling is a breeze. Pre-arrange to have recycling containers and compost bins available at the reception so guests can dispose of their food and containers responsibly. Talk to your caterer about donating any leftover food to a local food pantry or shelter- some may even be willing to deliver for you after the reception ends.
Eco-Responsible Vendors
When choosing your caterer, photographer, decorator, and any other vendors that will be supplying you with products and services for your wedding, consider using local businesses to reduce fuel emissions from long-distance travel. Also look for vendors who represent companies that give back- to the community, to the environment, or to some other worthy cause. Let your vendors know you’re seeking to be as eco-friendly as possible and see what they suggest- they may surprise you!
Repurposed Wedding Attire
Just like grooms and groomsmen often rent tuxedos, consider renting or borrowing your wedding gown and other dresses for your wedding day. The pictures will still be just as special, and the fabric and labor used to make your dress will go much further as it’s shared. Other ways to repurpose wedding gowns and dresses is to buy vintage styles or re-design your mother’s or grandmother’s dress to keep the tradition alive from generation to generation.
Making your wedding eco-friendly does not have to mean a complete overhaul on all of your wedding hopes and dreams. Just a few small changes here and there can be the difference you’re seeking while keeping tradition and your vision of the perfect wedding alive. Plus, having an eco-friendly wedding ceremony and reception will be a great example to your friends and family, and leave a lasting positive legacy for your children and grandchildren. To talk about your specific wedding details, call the professionals at Marco Island Weddings. We will love to help you choose more ethical, earth-friendly options that will delight you and your wedding guests.