One of the issues with modern wedding traditions is the large quantity of waste generated. From plastic bubble favors to hundreds of printed papers to dresses worn once, there are many "wedding trends" that aren't very environmentally responsible. With a bit of planning and mindfulness, your wedding can be made more socially and environmentally conscious while still retaining the fun, beauty, and elegance you're looking for on your Big Day.

Invitations

Your invitation sets the tone for your entire wedding! There are companies that create beautiful invitations made from recycled materials. If you desire to leave no footprint, you can always send a digital invitation. Just because an invitation is online doesn't mean it has to be basic or bland - environmental friendliness is becoming more common, so e-invite companies are listening and upping their invite games.

Wedding Pamphlets

If brochures or pamphlets are must-haves for your wedding, consider using small ones or ones that have multiple functions. Long programs filled with quotes and bios are lovely, but that information could easily be placed on your wedding website and your program could be kept simple and short. Additionally, you could have a program that functions as a menu, or a menu that is also a table number, or a program that works as a fan.

Local Flowers

Use local growers and seasonal flowers for your wedding. Also consider using live, flowering plants in your floral arrangements! Succulents, small plots of flowers, and small trees can all be used as centerpieces. These can be given away as favors or planted in your own garden!

Fair Trade Garments

When outfitting your wedding party, seek clothing from fair trade garment companies. To be even more environmentally conscious, repurpose a family member or friend's dress. You can also rent your dress!

Don't Do Disposable

Ditch anything that's disposable in favor of reusable items. This is expensive, but so worth it when you consider how many plates, napkins, cups, and pieces of silverware are used at a wedding and then thrown away! Choose real dishware and glassware as well as real silverware and linen napkins. If your budget doesn't allow for all reusable items, have plenty of well-marked recycle bins at your wedding with signs stating what should be recycled!

Donate to Charity

In lieu of gifts, accept donations for your favorite charity, sponsor a child’s education, or build a well for clean water. You might not need another throw blanket or set of formal china!

Support Local Businesses

Find ways to support local businesses through your wedding. Serve wine from a local winery or beer from a local brewery and seek caterers that source ingredients from local growers. Encourage your out of town guests to stay at an Airbnb or Bed and Breakfast instead of a large hotel. Also check with your venue to see if they can donate any leftovers to a shelter.