In recent years, there has been an apparent shift toward sustainability in all areas and industries, including weddings. You can no longer see the shabby-chic affairs of old, sustainable, and eco-friendly weddings getting all the hype.
Jill Garrett, secretary for the Green Wedding Alliance (GWA), says,” This shift [toward sustainability] seems to have picked up momentum in the past three years.” This Chicago-based organization brings together eco-conscious wedding and event vendors. Planners are also supporting this. Paige Fox is an event planner and founder of Paige Events which she launched in 2018 and partners with couples to create enthusiastic weddings in California. Her company is getting so much love because it is one of the few in the US that focuses mainly on sustainability at the front. She says, “I believe you can create any look while staying sustainable. You just have to have an open mind to things you have not thought about previously—and it may end up even better than you envisioned.”
How to plan a sustainable wedding?
Sustainable weddings are in vogue for many reasons. Both Garrett and Fox believe that the topic of sustainability is vague. Garrett says, “Wedding sustainability is more of a general term, as events at their core are not sustainable; there will always be waste generated from any event. “So, how do we make weddings and events less impactful on our planet? The GWA was formed to help create weddings that produce less waste, and the only way to truly do that is to hire vendors who prioritize sustainable business practices, starting with an eco-minded planner to help guide the way and make those connections on the client’s behalf.”
Fox noted that it is about “creating less waste and not using items that will only be used for six hours and thrown away.” It is also important to have a simple conversation with vendors about how your values align. She added, “I would recommend couples ask their vendors on the initial phone call what steps they take to be more sustainable. Depending on their responses—and if they even have a response—it will give you an idea about who is thinking about sustainability and trying their best.”
To bring some eco inspiration, with the help of these two professionals, of course, we bring you 13 tips for couples to be more mindful of the environment throughout wedding planning. From the proposal to the post-event, you are gonna love these thoughtful ideas for your big day. Be mindful that it is not an all-or-nothing pursuit. Fox notes, “You can be sustainable in every aspect of your wedding, or you can pick and choose aspects. Everything you do can make a difference, so we just hope we can open people’s eyes to make educated decisions and [get them] thinking of the impact they are making.”
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Choose an ethical ring
Let’s start going green by opting for a vintage ring or non-conflict lab-grown diamond. Etsy offers a wide selection of vintage engagement rings and we are in awe of some of the deco pieces from NYC-based seller The Idol’s Eye.
But if you’re not a fan of vintage pieces and want a modern piece or a big diamond, a surge of lab-grown diamond purveyors makes it easy to source ethical diamonds. For instance, you can check out the collections of HauteCarat, Brilliant Earth, or VRAI. While Brilliant Earth uses renewable energy to make diamonds, VRAI creates zero emissions. You can get sustainable options for men as well. Check out the brand named Ring Bear which makes carbon-neutral wedding bands from recycled gold.
2. Be mindful of selecting your venue
One of the most important aspects of a sustainable wedding is to be mindful of the venue. Garett suggests a few things to keep in mind while searching for one. She says, ”A beautiful space that includes many design features or LED lighting options can minimize the amount of décor you need to add or light you need [to bring in].” Outdoor venues do not need many cut florals. For this, you can check out Blue Hills at Stone Barn in New York, Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, or Big Delicious Planet, an urban farm in Chicago. Garett says, “For buildings, a LEED certification is a great indication of an efficient building.” You can enquire whether the composting and recycling programs for vendors to use are available, rentals included with the venue, and locations convenient to public transportation.
3. Earth-friendly invite
E-invites may be more environmentally friendly. However, luxe invitation suits are a stunning wedding detail many couples would not want to let go of. If you’re thinking paper, there are a few options to keep it friendlier for the earth. Opt for recycled paper. (Paper Culture is a great online option or you could also collaborate with a local stationer to get the right materials), and choose a rubber stamp or embosser to add the return address. Collaborating with a calligrapher for gorgeous hand-addressing rather than printed labels. It is a great way of showing support to small businesses.
4. Register responsibly
As you register for things for your new life together, be mindful of looking for items that are natural, sustainable, or that are recycled. If you’re wondering where to start, Everlastly is a great place to start. This registry site is a great place that does the eco-curation for you by tapping environmental scientists and data analysts to assign each available product an “Evergrade” based on factors like carbon footprint, predicted durability, and packaging. The idea is to encourage couples to make a sustainable choice that is great for their lives and homes as well. An organic bamboo sateen duvet cover from Ettitude, ceramic mezcal cups made from local clay, and an upcycled cotton table runner have to be some of our favorite products.
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However, you have to be honest about what you want. If you have been living together with your partner for a while and do not need new items like dinnerware and towels, opt for donations to your honeymoon or home renos instead through Everlastly’s Cash Fund or services like Honeyfund.
5. Shop sustainably
Just keep in mind that your wedding dress and your bridesmaid dresses do not have to be brand new. Fox says, ‘‘Consider buying a used wedding dress and other attire. There are incredible boutiques that create the same dress shopping experience, and you are saving money and the planet at the same time.” If you’re convinced, Rowley is an online shop that is popular for pre-loved wedding attire; it boasts some seriously chic—and barely worn—pieces. It is our favorite pick for all your ancillary events like a bridal shower midi, a sparkly minidress for the afterparty, a reception gown, or a sexy bachelorette night-out look.
You could also collaborate with sustainably-minded designers for a luxurious and eco-friendly big-day look. Bricolage Bridal reinvents archival gowns and uses vintage fabric to create modern and stunning wedding dresses. Another designer named Nordeen is a bridal label that draws inspiration from nature and is committed to preserving it. The brand focuses on using natural fiber materials, and collabs with manufacturers that believe in responsible production practices. Their items are crafted by skilled artisans in New York City and Los Angeles.
And why just the dresses? There is a great way to shop wedding eco-friendly accessories as well. You can check out Verstolo and Aveil for fine jewelry and even the latest Jimmy Choo handbag.
6. Glow with candlelight
If you’re concerned about electricity, there are countless ways to cut on its use and emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of your wedding. It can even heighten the vibe of the evening. You can try using candlelight instead of electric string lights to make the event more romantic. However, it is necessary to discuss options with your venue beforehand because some venues don’t allow open flames for safety reasons while others need candles to be contained in glass hurricanes. Have an open discussion with your vendors earlier.
FAQs
Q: What is a sustainable wedding?
A: A sustainable wedding is any wedding where the couple plans to decrease the ecological impact of their special event on the planet. Couples plan their weddings by integrating eco-friendly alternatives, such as eco-friendly invitations, flowers, dresses, photography, and more.
Q: How do weddings affect the environment?
A: It is no secret that weddings generate a huge amount of waste. There is a lot of pressure to have the perfect picturesque day. That comes with the impulse to buy and waste a lot of products. Wedding waste is just as harmful as any other type of waste, however, for contributes to higher carbon emissions.
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