10 Planning Tips for an Earth-Friendly Wedding
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey filled with countless decisions, and for those committed to sustainability, it’s an opportunity to make eco-friendly choices that benefit both the planet and the local community. Whether you're tying the knot in the vibrant Chicagoland area or elsewhere, there are numerous ways to ensure your special day is as green as it is memorable. From collaborating with eco-conscious vendors to rethinking traditional wedding staples, every choice can reflect your commitment to the environment. Take a look a the following list we’ve put together, full of Earth-friendly wedding planning tips:
1. Work with wedding vendors who are committed to sustainability.
Guess what - you’ve come to the PERFECT place! Especially if you’re getting married in the Chicagoland area, peruse the “Approved Vendors” section on our website. This will provide you with the best jumping-off point in terms of finding the right vendors who are talented AND committed to sustainability. You’ll find a variety of different eco-friendly vendors like wedding planners, caterers, photographers, music services, event rentals, florists, and more.
Photo provided by Wildheart Weddings
2. Reduce paper usage.
Save the dates, traditional wedding invitations, ceremony programs, escort card tables, place cards, guest books, menus… they’re all usually made from paper. If you aren’t particularly attached to any of these paper goods, forego them! For example: some couples like to send digital save the dates or even digital wedding invitations instead of paper ones. It’s the 21st century, after all! In terms of ceremony programs, many couples ditch them altogether due to having a short ceremony. Feel free to do the same!
3. Consider reusing, renting, or thrifting when it comes to wedding attire.
Many times wedding attire is purchased brand new to only wear once. This is such a waste! Don’t forget that renting and buying vintage are great options as well. When it comes to wedding party/bridesmaid’s dresses, consider choosing a color palette as opposed to having every person wear the same exact outfit/dress. This will increase the likelihood that your wedding party member will be able to reuse a dress/outfit from another occasion rather than having to purchase a brand new one.
Photos provided by Emma Petersen Photography
4. Use caterers who offer local, organic fare.
Serve locally sourced and organic food - this reduces carbon footprints and supports local farmers. Not to mention, it also makes for a more yummy culinary experience! You may also consider offering a vegetarian or vegan menu to reduce your event’s carbon footprint as well. We’ve got so many amazing caterers as part of the Green Wedding Alliance. Make sure to check them out first: Big Delicious Planet, Food For Thought, Catering by Michaels, Lula Cafe, Catered by Design, and Paramount Events.
Photos provided by Paramount Events
5. Incorporate reusable or rented decor into your wedding.
Use decorations that can be reused or recycled. Think about renting items like glassware, linens, furniture, and more. We recommend checking out GWA members Arcana Vintage Rentals, Anew Vintage Rentals, and BBJ La Tavola. Another cool option is using potted plants in your decor - which can last for years to come! If you do end up purchasing items to be used for your wedding, consider attending our Wedding Recyclery to pass your wedding goods on to the next couple planning their wedding.
Photo provided by Arcana Vintage Rentals / Sean Cook Photography
6. Encourage sustainable transportation.
Encouraging guests to carpool, use public transport, or utilize shuttle services can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your wedding. Not only does this minimize carbon emissions, but it also makes transportation more efficient and can even enhance the overall guest experience. Start by including transportation details on your wedding website or invitations, highlighting the benefits of carpooling and public transit options available near your venue. Organize a shuttle service to pick up guests from central locations or hotels, which can be both convenient and eco-friendly. Consider collaborating with local transportation companies to provide group rates or discounts for your guests. By taking these steps, you'll reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and create a more enjoyable and sustainable celebration for everyone involved.
7. Give your guests green wedding favors.
To make sure your favors are not a waste of both money and resources, consider thoughtful, useful, personal, or delicious items, which are much more likely to be appreciated and used. We think offering a delicious consumable item, like a treat from Katherine Anne Confections or artisanal finishing salt from Keep It Savory Salt Co, is the best way to go!
Photo provided by Keep It Savory Salt Co.
8. Make sure to include sustainable waste management like recycling and composting.
Incorporating sustainable waste management practices such as recycling and composting into your wedding is a crucial step towards reducing your event's environmental footprint. Begin by setting up clearly labeled recycling and compost stations at your venue to ensure that guests know where to dispose of different types of waste. Provide separate bins for recyclables, compostables, and landfill waste, and consider adding signage with examples of what can go into each bin. Coordinate with your caterers and vendors ahead of time to make sure they are aligned with your sustainability goals. Ask them to use recyclable or compostable materials for food and drink service, and request that any leftover food be composted or donated to local shelters when possible. In the Chicagoland area, you have access to excellent composting services like The Urban Canopy and WasteNot Compost. These companies can provide compost bins and even pick up the compostable waste after the event, ensuring it is processed correctly. Partnering with such services not only simplifies the process but also supports local green businesses.
9. Think green when it comes to your wedding registry.
Having an environmentally-conscious wedding registry is a fantastic way to extend your commitment to sustainability beyond your wedding day. Traditional registries often focus on material goods, which can contribute to environmental waste and excess. By opting for a more eco-friendly approach, you can make choices that reflect your values and support a sustainable future. One option is to create a registry that features sustainable products. Look for items made from recycled materials, eco-friendly household goods, or products from companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Consider practical and durable items that will stand the test of time, reducing the need for future replacements and waste. Examples include bamboo kitchenware, organic cotton linens, and energy-efficient appliances. Alternatively, you can ask your guests to make charitable donations in lieu of gifts. Choose causes that are meaningful to you as a couple, such as environmental organizations, local community projects, or global initiatives aimed at sustainability and conservation. This not only helps reduce the environmental impact of physical gifts but also supports efforts that align with your values. Additionally, consider experiences or services as part of your registry. Request contributions towards a honeymoon fund, eco-friendly travel experiences, or local activities that create lasting memories without generating waste.
10. Plan a local wedding.
Destination weddings, though trendy, are unfortunately not the most eco-friendly option. Many times this means asking all of your wedding guests to purchase a plane ticket and to fly across the country or even world to attend your wedding. Sadly, it’s a well-known fact that airplanes are one of the biggest culprits of carbon emissions. Especially if you live in or near a fantastic city like Chicago, we encourage you to host your wedding locally. This often means that some (if not most) guests are able to drive or carpool to your big celebration.
Planning a wedding with sustainability in mind is a rewarding endeavor that not only creates a beautiful and meaningful celebration but also contributes positively to the environment. By making thoughtful choices, such as working with eco-conscious vendors, planning a local wedding and encouraging green transportation, you can significantly lessen the environmental impact of your big day. These steps, though simple, can make a profound difference. With careful planning and a commitment to sustainability, your wedding can be a joyous occasion that reflects your love for each other and your respect for the Earth. Make sure to use the Green Wedding Alliance website as your guide during the wedding planning process, and you’ll be sure to host the sustainable wedding of your dreams!
