Even if you’re committed to minimising waste in your normal life, a wedding can make all your sustainability intentions go out the window. Planning a wedding will present you with countless small (and not so small) choices with environmental implications. Don’t let this intimate you into thinking a green wedding can’t be done. Rather, see each choice as an opportunity to keep the impact of your big day to a minimum. While you may not be able to cover every eco-friendly base, these tips will help you score some easy wins.
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Eco-Friendly Confetti
Confetti is one of those charming wedding traditions that has no real point or usefulness, and yet… it’s arguably the best part of the nuptials. And let’s be honest: the moment you step out into the blizzard of confetti is also the moment you’re going to get your most beautiful wedding photo (you know: the one you’ll use on your thank-you notes). While it’s easy to get carried away by the joy of this moment, tossing polystyrene or paper all over the show isn’t exactly great for the planet. Go for water-soluble or biodegradable options, or skip the traditional stuff and go with living confetti. Get creative with rose petals, lavender flowers, or even herbs, choosing fresh or dried, depending on what’s in season.
The All-important Dress
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that the bride’s dress is the most important part of a wedding. True, but this makes the dress a contentious issue in environmental activist circles. On the one hand, if your dress is the most important part of your wedding, then shouldn’t you make a sustainable choice? On the other hand, you’ve been planning your wedding dress since you were like ten years old… shouldn’t you have the dress of your dreams? Luckily, you may not have to choose between the dress your ten-year-old self would love and one that’s kind to the environment. Pick up a custom-made vintage piece from an ethical wedding dress designer like Usines Art Ivory. Hot tip: a brand you think is on point with other issues you care about, like gender equality and sexual identity, is likely to adopt best-practices when it comes to sustainability as well.
Photo by Douglas Gianini from Pexels
Don’t Go to The Moon And Back
Getting everything you need for your wedding (including guests) to your chosen location can rack up air miles if you aren’t careful. Minimise the travel for all involved by choosing a local setting rather than jetting off to the other side of the world. Of course, this is harder for International couples, and nobody is going to blame you for wanting your family and friends to be there. Sourcing your wedding catering, flowers and as many décor items as possible from local producers and artisans will also earn you mega brownie-points when it comes to environmental impact. Not only will buying local reduce your travel miles, but it’s a great opportunity for you to support local brands and help beat out the larger outlets that are currently wreaking havoc on the environment.
If you’re keen to live your values even on your big day, these tips will set you on course to an eco-friendly wedding. And don’t go Bride-Zilla on yourself if you can’t find a sustainable solution to every little thing. Just do your best! Mother Nature will thank you for it.