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Every couple will want to put their own stamp on their wedding day, which means a lot of personalization is used. From the wedding stationery to the catering to the bridal party’s outfits and wedding favors, there are a lot of elements that make up the big day.
That also often equates to a lot of waste, much of which goes into the trash at the end of the celebrations. The wedding industry’s environmental impact is a big one, with the average wedding producing 400 pounds of garbage.
Having a more sustainable approach to life in general seems to be shifting in a positive direction for younger generations, who are taking note. Sustainability is a good way to help reduce the impact modern weddings have on the environment. With that being said, here are some ways in which the wedding industry can promote sustainability.
1. Adopt Sustainable Practices in Bridal Fashion
While it might be a once-in-a-lifetime wedding gown, it’s only going to be worn once. While suits might have some additional outings from the confines of your closet, it’s worth considering using eco-friendly materials for your iconic outfits.
Many brides nowadays are also shifting their attention to the second-hand availability of gowns, as well as rental options, in order to reduce waste where possible.
One increasingly popular choice among eco-conscious brides is organic cotton. Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, organic cotton not only offers exceptional softness and breathability but also significantly reduces environmental impact.
By choosing gowns made from organic cotton, brides can enjoy luxurious fabrics while supporting sustainable farming practices that are kinder to the planet and promote healthier ecosystems.
2. Implement Zero-Waste Catering
It’s a costly expense to feed all of the guests that attend a wedding and while empty plates are always a good sign, some wedding parties end up ordering too much and leaving a lot of leftovers that often get thrown away.
To help minimize food waste, leftovers could be donated to those who need it most. At the very least, wedding parties should be taking any and all food away with them to help reduce what gets thrown away.
There’s also the conscious effort of sourcing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to help reduce carbon footprints.
3. Choose Eco-Conscious Venues
To encourage sustainability in the wedding industry, engaged couples should consider choosing eco-conscious venues that prioritize sustainability. For example, solar-powered or LEED-certified buildings should be something to look out for. Venues with their own fruit and vegetable gardens are also great options.
Certain wedding venues will offer more in the way of eco-friendliness too. Outdoor settings are beneficial for the environment because they require less energy for lighting or heating.
4. Promote Ethical Sourcing for Wedding Rings
Wedding rings are a symbol of the couple’s love for one another but can also be another way to help improve sustainability. As a couple, selecting ethically sourced or vintage wedding rings is great because it helps by reducing the damage of newly mined metals.
Choosing ethically sourced rings means opting for materials that are mined or produced under fair labor practices, ensuring that workers are treated with dignity and respect. Many jewelers now offer rings made from recycled metals, which not only reduces the need for new mining but also minimizes waste.
Additionally, couples can consider gemstones that are lab-created or conflict-free, ensuring that their choice does not contribute to environmental degradation or human rights abuses. By prioritizing ethical sourcing, couples can celebrate their love with rings that reflect their values, making a positive impact on both people and the planet while creating a meaningful legacy for future generations.
5. Utilize Reusable and Recyclable Decor
Decor is another part of the wedding day that often costs a fortune but then gets disposed of by the following morning.
Thankfully, there are more services nowadays where wedding couples can rent or reuse decor so that it’s getting plenty of use not just for their own wedding but for many others too.
From hanging lanterns to paper floral arrangements, and beverage dispensers to wedding signs. It’s a good idea to look at how decor can be reused and then recycled when required.
6. Encourage Digital Invitations and RSVPs
Instead of spending money on physical invitations and asking guests to RSVP via mail, why not just do it all online?
One of the many benefits of the digital world is that you can reduce paper waste. There are also many platforms now that help to facilitate eco-friendly invitation options which allow wedding couples to create from scratch and hit send without too much effort.
For couples planning their wedding in places like Fresno County, California, this approach can be particularly advantageous. With its wide variety of venues, ranging from rustic barn settings in the foothills to elegant estates like Wolf Lakes Park in Sanger, digital RSVPs can make coordinating guest lists much more efficient—especially for large celebrations.
Similarly, in destinations like Asheville, North Carolina, known for its blend of scenic mountain venues and charming downtown spaces, digital invitations can simplify logistics for out-of-town guests while maintaining a cohesive planning experience.
Such platforms include Paperless Post and RSVPify, which are fantastic ways to deliver wedding invitations digitally.
7. Incorporate Sustainable Transportation Options
There’s a significant impact caused by wedding guests who travel from all over the place to get to a wedding venue. For those couples who have two locations for the wedding ceremony and reception, that ramps up the use of car emissions, especially if all wedding guests travel separately from one venue to the other.
That’s why it’s useful to explore sustainable transportation options like shuttles, public transport or even carpooling. It might not be the best option for everyone but it’s worth setting up a system to see which guests could combine transport to reduce the impact of carbon emissions.
8. Support Local Vendors and Artisans
Helping local vendors and suppliers is a great way to reduce transportation emissions by using those who are closer to the venue or the place a wedding couple calls home. From sourcing flowers, foods, and all services locally, wedding couples can make their own individual impacts when helping towards a more sustainable event.
Examples of Local Vendors to Consider:
Local Florists: Sourcing flowers from local florists not only supports small businesses but also ensures that the blooms are fresh and in season. Many local florists prioritize sustainable practices, such as using organic flowers or minimizing packaging waste, which further enhances the eco-friendliness of the wedding.
Farm-to-Table Caterers: Choosing a caterer that focuses on local and seasonal ingredients can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. Farm-to-table caterers often work directly with local farms to provide fresh produce, meats, and dairy, ensuring that the menu is both delicious and sustainable.
By prioritizing these local vendors, couples can create a more personalized wedding experience while contributing positively to their community and the environment.
9. Educate Couples on Sustainable Choices
For wedding planners, it’s their duty to do their due diligence when it comes to educating the couples they work with on sustainable options.
Instead of offering all services and materials that are heavy on carbon usage, look at providing the best workshops and resources for planning an eco-friendly wedding.
Consider how you market this in order to be appealing to the couples you work with. Make sure you’re raising awareness about the environmental impact that comes with traditional weddings also.
10. Create a Circular Wedding Economy
In order to work towards a more sustainable industry, a circular wedding economy is required. Reusing and recycling wedding items post-event is going to help keep the impact on the environment to a minimum.
There are plenty of businesses out there that help facilitate this model, offering decor and attire for resale.
Do Your Bit to Help Encourage a Greener and More Sustainable Industry
The wedding industry has the potential to help lead society, in general, toward sustainability and building a future that, hopefully, many more generations to come can enjoy.
For any industry professionals and wedding couples, embracing sustainable practices is a great benefit and one that’s worth investing in however possible. No matter how small it may be, every sustainable-conscious effort made when it comes to wedding planning is helpful for the future of the planet.
