Questions to Ask Potential Vendors When Planning an Eco-Friendly Wedding

Photo provided by Sustainable Soirees.

Planning a wedding involves a multitude of details, and if you're committed to a sustainable lifestyle, considering the environmental impact of your big day is crucial. Eco-friendly weddings are a great way to start your married life with a positive impact on the planet. Selecting the right vendors who share your environmental values is essential. Here are some questions to ask potential vendors and what we ask at Chicago’s Green Wedding Alliance to gauge if they’re following eco-friendly practices:

Venue

• What are your sustainability policies?

• Inquire whether the venue has certifications like LEED or operates with energy-efficient systems.

• Do you offer recycling and composting options?

• Can you accommodate a ceremony and reception at the same location? (Hosting both events at one venue can minimize transportation-related emissions.)

• What measures do you have in place to conserve water?

Photos provided by Colvin House Events. Photos by Alaura Creative.

Caterer

• Where do you source your ingredients?

• Do you offer plant-based or vegetarian menus?

• What do you do with leftover food?

• Ask if they make their food in house to reduce food-miles and packaging.

• Do they use in-season ingredients?

Florists

• Do you use locally sourced and seasonal flowers?

• What do you do with the arrangements after ceremonies? 

• Ask whether or not they use Veriflora, Rainforest Alliance, organic and fair trade certified flowers.

• Do you use foam-free techniques for arrangements?

• Are there options for potted plants or flowers that can be replanted after the event?

Invitations & Stationery

• Ask about their recycled, tree-free and sustainably-sourced papers.

• Ask your printer about what kind of ink will be used to print the invites.

• Ask what they do with paper scraps.

• Can you provide options for minimal or no packaging?

Photos provided by BBJ La Tavola. Photos by Emily Loeppke.

Decor and Rentals

• Do you provide eco-friendly decor options like biodegradable or reusable items?

• Can items be rented rather than purchased?

• Do you reuse vintage items? 

• Do you offer alternatives to plastic straws? 

• Are there water stations, as apposed to water bottles?

• Do you reuse your packing materials?

• Ask whether or not they offer rental plates and silverware or use compostable items.

Attire

• Is the attire made using fair trade practices?

• Do you offer vintage or second-hand wedding attire?

• Can you modify or redesign existing attire to give it a new life?

• Do you have practices in place for recycling or repurposing leftover fabric?

• How do you minimize waste in the production and alteration process?
  

When planning an eco-friendly wedding, every detail counts. These questions will help you ensure that your big day doesn't just celebrate your love but also respects and protects the planet. Check out our list of Approved Vendors at Chicago's Green Wedding Alliance all dedicated to creating eco-friendly weddings and committed to taking every possible step for a greener celebration.