Weddings, as we all know, have a tendency to be a bit over the top, and perhaps, excessive. All of which can and should have a place on your big day if that’s your style. But with a growing climate crisis, we’re consistently thinking of how we can be more friendly to our planet and your wedding day can be a great opportunity to showcase your love for a sustainable lifestyle as a couple. To help get you started on how to make your big day more friendly to the earth, we compile our top 4 ways:
1. Plan your menu around what is in season.
Not only will this likely help lower your costs, since out of season produce is normally more expensive, it’s also more delicious! Choosing to eat and form a menu around what is fresh and ripe right now will lead to bolder, more fresh flavor for you and your guests. If you are a health conscious couple, this also helps share your values with guests, leaving none of that icky too full feeling post-dinner. Lots of good fuel for a night full of dancing!
2. Be picky with your wedding favors
Giving succulents as a wedding favor has been a trend for a bit now, and we are totally on board. But another idea along the same thread, give seeds! We recommend that you chose them from a heritage seed saving company like our local Seed Savers Exchange. Another idea would be to donate in everyone’s name to a tree-planting campaign such as Earth Day’s
3. Use lavender or rose petals as confetti
We love the look of rice, confetti or sparklers, but honestly, lilac or rose petals are more friendly for the environment. As bonuses, they smell great and photograph just as good, if not better!
4. Donate any left over food, and limit single-use plastic
Make sure your venue does not use plastic silverware, glasses or plants. Lovely mismatched china can be rented from wedding vendors such as http://www.resourcevintagerental.com and this is another great way to make your wedding Eco-friendly. And this can even extend to the beverages being served – are they in glasses, glass bottles or plastic? Do you have a choice in what you buy or rent from your venue? If not, you can ask and ensure that your venue recycles. You can also check with your local food bank or homeless shelter if they would accept your leftover wedding food in order to prevent food waste. Sometimes even animal shelters will take some food scraps or bones. Doesn’t hurt to ask!
What other ways can you think of to make your wedding greener? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Photo Credits: #1: https://www.loveandlavender.com/2017/02/guide-to-lavender-wedding-ideas/ #2: http://prod-cdn.thekrazycouponlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/seasonal-produce-wide.png #3: By Amy Chen on Unsplash #4: https://www.loveandlavender.com/2017/02/guide-to-lavender-wedding-ideas/