Eco-Friendly Simple Changes to Make Your Wedding

By Gabrielle Tieman-Lee

Avoid Paper And Plastic On The Big Day

Your Pinterest board may be filled with balloon arches and floating paper lanterns, but it is important to remember that both materials, while eye-catching, are harmful to the environment. This also includes plastic wine glasses and single use cutlery – all of which end up in landfills and are rarely biodegradable.

Alternatively look for built in décor when choosing a venue: floral draped pergolas, permanent light fixtures and gardens. And opt for the real deal at your bar and during appetizers – glass may be more expensive, but rental options will save you money and save waste.

Donate Or Compost Flowers

Food and flower waste are said to make up a large amount of the trash on wedding days. Talk to your caterer and decorator about what they do with any remaining food and flowers and make sure there is a plan in place to either donate or compost both. Flowers can generally be donated to local hospitals or retirement homes or given to your guests to take home.

… OR CHOOSE POTTED PLANTS OVER ARRANGEMENTS

A potted flower or plant [think succulents or orchids] can make a striking centerpiece over a cut bouquet. Plus, they are resilient: guests can bring a plant home and remember your wedding day for years to come – minimizing waste and prolonging the life of your investment.

Order Kegs Over Cases

Every bar is filled with waste – including excessive glassware, packaging and canned drinks. When possible, choose a draft beer or a mixed drink by the keg. Choose to support local is possible; many craft breweries will sell kegs for occasions.

Skip Paper Wedding Invitations

Opting for a digital invite over the traditional stationary will not only save paper waste, but will also save you money. Websites like Paperless Post, Greenvelope and Evite offer a wide variety of designs and customizable options, allow you to send a digital invitation and print a few as keepsakes.

Choose Favours People Will Use

Brides spend hours choosing the perfect themed favour for their guests to commemorate the day. But in reality, most favors are generally forgotten and left on tables for staff to throw away at the end of the night.

Instead of packaged mints or monogrammed coasters, choose a favour that if your guests leave behind, you will still be able to use en masse – since even the most environmentally conscious favour can still be left behind. Think, packets of seeds or tree saplings [Let Love Grow] that would be a nice edition to a garden – your guests or your own. Or, choose a favour they can enjoy that night: like a ‘Smores kit with accompanying fire pit at midnight.