PLANNING A SUSTAINABLE WEDDING DOES NOT HAVE TO BE OVERWHELMING
There are several elements you can incorporate to ensure your wedding is eco-conscious.
HAVE A VIRTUAL VENUE TOUR
Don't go driving around to several places looking at venues, there are several venues that offer online virtual tours. This will save you gas and reduce carbon emissions.
HAVE YOUR WEDDING DURING THE DAY
This will not only save you money but it will also reduce the amount of electricity you need to use. If there is no option for a day time event, use LED lights and soy or beeswax candles which are less harmful to your health and the environment.
HAVE YOUR WEDDING OUTSIDE
Several outdoor spaces will make the perfect backdrop for your wedding. Natural trees and flowers will take the place of single-use decor. Historic sites also make a great eco-sustainable venue.
USE WHAT YOU HAVE AROUND YOU
Reach out to your family and friends for old milk bottles, mason jars, wine bottles, or teapots. If this doesn't get the number of accessories you need, check out your local thrift store or antique shop. You can also check on swap and sell groups on Facebook to get your hands on decor that has probably been used less than three times. Don't be afraid to mix and match, it will only add to the design and make your celebration truly unique.
SHOP LOCAL
Get flowers, food, and beverage from local farmers and wineries around you. Visit a greenhouse or farmer's market for ideas. If you're thinking a wooden guestbook will work with your design, reach out to a local carpenter, and support your local artisans.
LOSE THE PROFESSIONAL DJ
If you want to have great entertainment for your event but do not want to use a ton of electricity on the music, opt for an acoustic band.
GIVE PHILANTHROPIC FAVOURS AND GIFTS
Instead of giving your bridal party and guests gifts, give back to a local charity or fund in their name. This can include the World Wildlife Fund or the Canadian Cancer Society. If you still want to show your appreciation to your guests an edible favour always goes over well.
PLAN AN ECO-TRIP
Go on a honeymoon that helps contribute to the local community. Ideas could range from feeding and bathing elephants in Thailand to visiting and staying at an orphanage to help teach young children to read. These honeymoons will be life-changing to you and will make a difference to others. If your event is a corporate retreat, you can incorporate team-building projects that help make a difference in the community such as building homes for the homeless.
USE A WEDDING WEBSITE
You can share important information and keep track of your R.S.V.P.s. You can also email your invites but if you must send something in the mail, use seed embedded paper that your guests can plant later.
BUY CARBON OFFSETS
This is always the last resort but if you’re having a destination wedding you can buy carbon offsets to 'offset' the number of emissions used. Even if you feel like your local wedding is becoming less green then this may be an option for you.
Keep in mind no wedding will ever be completely green but there are always elements you can add to any wedding to reduce waste and consumption. Try to use vendors that follow sustainable principles and ask about their environmental policies.
If you are looking to plan a sustainable wedding and are unsure of where to start, please contact us.
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