As we know, there is a lot of planning involved with having a wedding. But, at the end of the reception, once all of the guests have left, do you have any idea how much waste is created from one event? Just googling the waste amount reports that anywhere between 400lbs and 600lbs can be produced by a single day of wedded bliss. In the last few years, we’ve seen an upward trend of more eco-friendly or sustainable weddings. Sometimes, even making the smallest changes or swaps can help lessen the effect on the environment. So join us, as we discuss how to implement a sustainable wedding, with it still being the wedding of your dreams.

Choosing an Eco-Friendly Wedding Venue
One of the biggest parts of planning is your wedding venue. Not only will you spend most of your budget on your venue, it will also most likely house most of the waste produced from your event. When looking for a venue there are a few guiding questions that you can research if you’d like to plan a more eco-friendly affair. 

• Are rentals included in the venue? 

• Does the venue have onsite composting or recycling bins for the caterers? 

• Are sustainable operational methods a part of the venue’s day-to-day operations?

• If your venue is outside, is it a conservation area?

A budget-friendly tip is to use nature as your wedding day backdrop. We’ve seen more and more outdoor weddings and weddings that use landscape as their focal point. Couples have hiked to their location, said their vows in nature reserves, or even used a friend’s backyard. Check outside, look at reviews, find a good trail to explore and take the plunge to an outdoor wedding. And if you choose to elope, or use mother nature as your venue, be sure to consider how to reduce waste. A good hiking tip is, you carry out what you carry in. 

Be Our Guest
Not only does having a smaller guest list cut down your wedding budget, but it also helps reduce the waste and carbon footprint produced from your big day! Sometimes it can be nerve wracking creating a guest list. Working together with your partner to be intentional about the guest list is key. Now, when it comes the time to send out save the dates and invites, this is a great way to swap for more eco-friendly alternatives. There are so many different invite companies that have moved towards using recycled paper for invites. One of our favorites is The Minted and Paper Culture. If you want to completely swap out paper, check out invitations, check online to send invitations via text or email. 

Finding the Right Vendors
Vendors play a large role in the overall experience of your day. As you carefully select your vendors, choose individuals that can be sustainable as possible. Here are some tips to help make an eco-friendly decision. 

• Speak with your caterers, baker, and DJ. What are their plans for clean-up, disposing of trash etc.? 

• Working closely with your caterer to make sure it’s eco-friendly. Swap out plastic utensils and plates for washable or biodegradable alternatives. Ask your caterer how they dispose of the left-over food.

• Can catering donate the food to a local organization or shelter? 

• Is your caterer sourced by local farmers or farm to table? 

These are just a starting point for selecting eco-friendly caterers. You and your partner will need to work closely with your vendors through the wedding planning process so be intentional with hiring and ensure that your overall views are aligned for the wedding day. 

Say “I Do” with Ethical Rings 
One of the more trendy ways to make an eco-friendly swap is choosing a jewelry company that has ethically sourced gems. Many couples are choosing to swap the traditional diamond for a gemstone such as sapphire or emerald. Stones such as moissanite have become increasingly popular with its affordability. Moissanite is comparable to a diamond, even down to the dazzle and brilliance. You and your partner can even check out local vendors and small businesses for alternatives to traditional wedding rings. If choosing a conflict-free gem is a swap you’d like to make, Brilliant Earth provides thousands of options to customize your wedding day bling. 

Sustainable Decor
Decor can be one of the biggest areas of waste. Sometimes you can go down the wedding decor hole and purchase odds and ends that you don’t even end up using. Be intentional with what you’re purchasing and look for ways that you can reuse or recycle your decor. A popular way to buy upcycled wedding decor is through Facebook Marketplace and once you’re through with your wedding decor find a new couple that can utilize it. 

Cutting down on flowers is another way to be eco-friendly. Depending on the types of flowers or greenery you chose, flowers can be spendy and can often go to waste. If you have centerpieces, give them to guests at the end of the night or donate them to a retirement home. Think of other options besides throwing your florals in the trash. If you’re planning on using real flower petals down the aisle way, especially if you’re eloping in mother nature, be sure to pick up all of the petals when you’re done. 

If you and your partner want to plan an eco-friendly wedding, start researching and be intentional with hiring your wedding vendors. Be intentional with the items and areas in which you can make sustainable and more eco-friendly swaps and explore your options. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in order to make your wedding day not only beautiful but sustainable. If you’d like to discuss how to incorporate more eco-friendly wedding details, reach out to our wedding planning team! 

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.