Tips for Planning a Sustainable Elopement
Planning an elopement offers the perfect opportunity to embrace sustainability while celebrating your love in an intimate and meaningful way. By making intentional choices, you can reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing beauty or romance. This guide, provided by Designed and Detailed, a Chicago-based wedding planner and proud member of the Green Wedding Alliance, offers expert tips to help you plan a stunning, environmentally friendly elopement. Whether you're dreaming of a lush garden vow exchange or a cozy city hall ceremony, these ideas will ensure your special day is as kind to the planet as it is unforgettable. Special thanks to Emma Petersen Photography (a Green Wedding Alliance photographer) for providing these stunning elopement photos!
Choose a Local or Natural Venue: Opt for a location that doesn’t require a lot of travel or heavy infrastructure. Consider national parks, nature reserves, or scenic local spots (AKA Chicago city hall!).
2. Go Digital: Skip paper invitations and save-the-dates. Instead, send out digital invitations or create a wedding website where guests can find all the information they need.
3. Limit the Guest List: Keep it small, whether it's just the two of you or a few close friends and family members. This reduces transportation needs and waste from catering.
4. Select Sustainable Fashion: Look for sustainable wedding attire or consider renting your dress or suit. You can also shop vintage or upcycle existing garments.
5. Minimalist Decor: Take advantage of the natural beauty of your venue, and opt for simple decor—think dried flowers, minimalist signage, or candles that can be reused. Or ditch the decor altogether!
6. Offset Your Carbon Footprint: If you do need to travel, consider compensating for your carbon emissions through carbon offset programs.
7. Support Local Vendors: If you hire vendors, support those who prioritize sustainability in their work—whether that’s florists who use locally grown flowers, photographers who have eco-friendly practices, or caterers who use organic ingredients.
Sustainable elopements are not just a trend—they are a reflection of a growing desire to celebrate love in a way that respects both the planet and the couple's values. By opting for a smaller, more intimate celebration, couples can create a truly meaningful experience that leaves a minimal environmental footprint. Plus, the beauty of an elopement is in its simplicity; it's about the love you share, the moment you create, and the memories you make—not the amount of stuff surrounding you.
If you're looking to make your wedding day as impactful as possible, a sustainable elopement might just be the perfect way to begin your journey together—honoring not just each other, but the world around you too.
