We all want to make a difference to the planet. Lots of us have aspirations to help turn the tide on climate change. Others want to use our lives and actions to benefit nature and give back to where we live. Whether it’s looking at alternative forms of fuel or changing the items we buy for more sustainable products, lots of little changes add up. If you’re getting married though, you can still make a difference and show your guests how eco-friendly even a lifetime event can be. Let’s have a look at some green wedding ideas.
Decorations
The theme of your wedding is something that many couples put a lot of time and effort into. Your decorations don’t have to be brand new or made of materials which are bad for the environment though. Instead of throwing your glass bottles and jars into the recycling, give them an extra breath of life by up-cycling them. Turn old rags into shabby chic bunting. Buy potted plants as decorations instead of flowers which can then double up as favours for your guests to take home and plant in their garden. Pick flowers that bees will love so you’re really helping nature. Use items you already have or if you do need to buy something, make sure you can use it after your big day.
Invitations
If you don’t send invitations, nobody will know where to go or what’s happening. You don’t have to pay lots of money for these invitations though. Whilst everyone loves their own font designing or that print out that they can frame, do you really need it? With so many people online these days, why not send a digital invitation? It cuts down on the printing costs and saves lots of paper being used. If you are adamant on having physical invitations, use recycled materials to lower your impact. You could always email the save the date and then post the invitation so you’re doing a little bit of both.
Venue
Lots of people have this dream of getting married in the great outdoors. Maybe it’s in the field where you enjoyed a walk on your first date? Or by the lake where your partner proposed? Outdoor weddings are very popular and there are many ways to bring a venue to a certain location. if you’re looking for a marquee or a tipi, you’ll find many companies offering this service. If you do opt for a hotel, ask about their sustainability ethos. Many of them pride themselves on it and will often have certificates displayed in the reception.
Favours
We mentioned the potted plants above which are a really nice touch. Not only do they serve a purpose for your big day, you’re giving a gift and also not having to take them all home yourself! Along the same lines you could give packets of wildflower seeds for people to sprinkle in their gardens. If you’re gifting something else such as traditional sugared almonds, ensure you’re using biodegradable bags for your green wedding.
Check out these awesome festival wedding ideas.
Food & Drink
Often a large part of any wedding celebration, the food and drink is important. Contact a local caterer who use local produce to cut down your on food mileage. You’ll taste the difference too! If you need disposable cutlery, go for biodegradable bamboo cutlery which is readily available now-a-days. Ensure the bar tenders have a policy about recycling the bottles and cans which are used too.
Transport
Your guests need to get to and from your wedding venue. Instead of having the hassle of sorting out a field for cars to park up on, why not hire a bus for everyone? That way everyone arrives at the same time and there are less cars travelling with empty seats. It also means everyone can enjoy a drink at your green wedding without worrying about the journey home.
There are many ways to use your eco-friendly qualities on your wedding day. A green wedding isn’t for everyone but if you do care about the environment, you can show this on your wedding day as well in other areas of your life. Lots of little changes build up to a positive impact. Happy wedding planning!
