How to Have a More Sustainable Wedding

Hey earth muffins! The wedding industry is one of the biggest industries in the world. But, as with any big industry or event, it can also end up not being great for the environment. In between the food waste, things such as favors being left behind, and all the people traveling from around the country (or even the world) to attend your wedding, it can have a pretty big impact on the global footprint. A study found that a single wedding can produce as many emissions as five people would in an entire year – which is an awful lot for just one single day! In order to have the best day of your life (because after all, that is what weddings are all about!) but get rid of some of the guilt, there are some things you can do to make your wedding day that bit more eco-friendly. Here are some top ways to make your wedding more sustainable.

1. Think carefully about your favors.

Wedding favors are something that everyone gives out but can actually be pretty wasteful. Most favors tend to be left behind at the end of the wedding or create extra plastic waste. In order to avoid this, it is a good idea to think of favors that can be consumed at the time or something that is eco-friendly. One example of eco-friendly favors includes giving out little plants or seeds that can be planted. You could also give out shots or food in glass jars which prevents over-production of plastic and can be recycled or used again. I personally have a massive mason jar collection, so I’d love the memories associated with a special person’s wedding every time I use that jar.

2. Choose a venue that is committed to being sustainable

When choosing your venue, speak to them and see if they have a commitment to sustainability. Make sure to do your research into if they care about things such as recycling, the air quality of the building (you could suggest DUCTZ air duct cleaning), and if they have a commitment to reducing food and water waste. Remember to avoid any greenwashing as much as possible and do your own research on the venue too! Some hotels suggest guests put their towels in the bath if they want them to be cleaned, otherwise, they won’t clean them. Using a towel more than once can greatly reduce water waste! Venues might also grow their own food on-site or compost food waste, which showcase their commitment to the environment too.

3. Use eco-friendly confetti

Confetti is another wedding staple that can end up being bad for the environment. Traditional confetti is usually made out of microplastics and can have metallic elements which are made of metal. These materials can wash down drains or be blown into the air and left in the countryside which can cause damage to all sorts of wildlife. Birds, sea creatures, and animals can all be harmed if they ingest this type of confetti. Because of this, one of the best types of confetti you can use is to stamp confetti from leaves or dried flower petals. Plus, just imagine the cute pictures!

4. Encourage shared transport

With a wedding, you have multiple people all traveling to the same destination which isn’t great for Mother Earth. Instead, why not look into shared transport? You could hire a minivan or a coach and then everyone can travel up together. This can end up being more cost-effective and also means there are a lot fewer cars on the road all heading to the same place. It will also be a fun way for you to all get-together and catch up and get excited about the upcoming wedding!

5. See if you can get items second hand

There are many websites where people will sell items that they have used in their wedding but don’t need anymore. After all, once your big day has happened, it is unlikely you’re going to need 12 centerpieces again in a hurry! Second-hand items prevent them from being wasted and give them a second life. It is much better for the environment and you are likely to grab a bargain with them too! Check out sites such as eBay, Facebook marketplace, or even borrowing from a friend. This doesn’t just apply to decorations; you could also use a family wedding dress as well! Getting an already made gown tailored to your liking is much cheaper than buying a new one. Plus, you will get exactly what you want and have a unique dress that no one else has.

These are just a few simple ways that you can have a more sustainable wedding. By doing so, you will reduce the carbon footprint that weddings can bring while enjoying your “best day ever”. Do you have any tips for a more sustainable wedding?

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