I love weddings (obviously!), but I don’t love the implications that they can have on the environment. And when you multiply this over the entire wedding industry, the impact is substantial. I’m certainly not trying to place all of the responsibility for the world’s sustainability crisis on individuals; like everything else, it is a systemic issue that needs to be addressed at a systemic level. However, if you are interested in making sure your event is more eco-friendly, you can minimize unnecessary waste and lessen your environmental impact by intentionally making a few key decisions while planning and designing your wedding.

1. Consider Location and Transportation

Usually one of the first decisions you make, your wedding location will impact all of your other decisions. It can also greatly increase or decrease the degree of sustainability you can achieve. While destination weddings are adventurous and dramatic, you can reduce your carbon footprint by choosing a place that doesn’t require the majority of attendees to travel great distances. If your ceremony and reception are in separate locations, using a shuttle to transport your guests back and forth is another excellent way to reduce the amount of cars putting carbon emissions in the air. Also consider the location of your venue to the location of the vendors you are hiring. The shorter the distance the vendors have to travel, the more you can further reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint.

2. Eco-Friendly Wedding Venues

When choosing all of your wedding vendors, but especially your venue, consider the values of those companies. Eco-conscious couples are choosing businesses that value community involvement and are committed to sustainability in business. In your search for a green wedding venue and vendors, feel free to ask about a facility’s recycling programs, energy efficient practices, and Energy Star ratings. You can also look for LEED or Greentree certifications, both of which are globally recognized symbols of sustainability. Outdoor spaces can be another option as eco-friendly wedding venue because the sunshine provides energy-free lighting sources, but consider if that is enough to offset the impact of bringing in more vendors that are required for an successful outdoor event and the stress that holding your event may have on the local environment.

3. Go Green With Your Wedding Invitations

As personalized wedding websites become the norm these days, going green for communicating with your guests is becoming more and more acceptable, and popular. Using digital RSVPs makes everyone’s life easier. If stationery isn’t a high priority for you, perhaps even consider digital invites for the majority of your guests and saving traditional paper invites for your sentimental VIPS. Skip the paper items like ceremony programs (unless you have an especially unusual or detailed ceremony) and reception menus; if you decide not to skip them chose a more eco-friendly option like recycled paper or even a creative twist with seed paper that degrades into flowers when planted in soil. The flowers will serve as a beautiful reminder of your day!

4. Eco-Friendly Wedding Registry Ideas

Wedding gift registries give couples who are just setting up house an avenue to request sustainable gifts that reflect their values. Items like silicone baking sets, glass food containers vs. your mom’s plastic Tupperware, along with bedding and towels made with certified organic fibers are all responsible choices for an eco-friendly gift registry. You can even take it a step further by choosing to register with stores who support environmental initiatives. Fair-trade committed stores also make great sources for unique items to fit your style, your environmental, and your ethical concerns. Also, these days most guests consider it perfectly acceptable to set up a honeymoon fund for donations or simply request a monetary gift instead of more “stuff”.

5. Consider Requesting Donations

If you’ve been co-habitating for a while, or already have the items you need for your home, you can request that guests contribute to an environmental cause in lieu of gifts.

6. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Of course the fun part of the wedding is planning the decor and there is no shortage of eco-friendly wedding decor out there! Start by considering the decorations that are already in place at your locations and think about how to incorporate those elements to reduce cost. The Facebook Marketplace and the Pittsburgh Wedding Flea Market (online Facebook group and the the in person event) are wonderful local options for gently used or excess items that are friendly to the environment and your wallet. And not just for decor! Consider pre-loved dresses, shoes, suits, anything that you can avoid buying new will have a positive impact on the environment, and, most likely, on your budget’s bottom line. Don’t forget to register to sell your items after your wedding to make some money back.

7. Use Rental Items When Possible

Rental companies are another goldmine for the couple who has sustainability in mind. Rented linens, plates, silverware are not only earth-friendly serving choices, they lend an extra air of elegance to your special day. Also keep in mind that some venues offer rentals that are included in your rental fees or available for an additional fee. Be sure to ask when you are selecting your venue.

Vintage Alley Rentals is one of our favorite sources for unique and special rental goods of all kinds. *Photo by* *Wild Native Photography*

8. Source Local Flowers or Alternative Materials

If you are using real flowers, choose a florist who prioritizes sustainable sourcing and design practices, such as foam free arrangements and composting of debris. Or, instead of fresh cut flowers that are often shipped in from far-away places, use sustainably sourced dried florals which are both energy and cost efficient. Wood flowers or high quality silk florals are a great option that will last for years and can be blended into your home decor as a wonderful everyday reminder of your wedding day. Another alternative for venue decor is potted plants like orchids, herbs, and even small trees are sustainable decor choices that can be appreciated long after the party is over. Some nurseries and gardens will even rent them for the duration of your event!