how to plan a sustainable wedding
So, you're curious how you can say "I Do" while showing your love for the planet too?
The wedding industry as a whole is full of un-sustainable practices and habits. But, that doesn't mean you can't make smart decisions along the way to minimize your impact on the planet when planning your special day!
Keep scrolling to discover all the different ways you can plan & create an eco-friendly wedding for you and your guests!
Every little bit counts...
Support Local
The best way you can cut down on your wedding carbon footprint is supporting local vendors. No matter where you decide to get married, the least amount of travel your vendors do will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your event (or photoshoot). Not to mention, local vendors know the venues, locations, and the insider scoop the best.
Invitations
Go completely carbon-free and send your invitations electronically! Create a custom website where your guests can RSVP, and learn the details of your event. If you'd still like to send a physical invitation, consider these options when shopping around. Print on post-recycled paper, or cut down on paper use and work with Zazzle. Their "all-in-one" designs eliminate the need for a separate envelope, and include tear-off RSVP post-card for your guests to send back to you!
Transportation
Lots of travel goes into getting guests to your wedding venue. Whether they're driving to the ceremony and the reception, or flying on a plane. Offering your guests transportation is a great way to reduce carbon emissions. For example; buses that transport from ceremony to reception, or from a pickup location to your wedding venue. If your guests are flying, encourage them to purchase carbon offsets, to counter the emissions created during their flights.
Ditch the Plastic
Let your planner know you'd like to cut out plastic from your gatherings whenever possible. The majority of the waste left behind during big events comes from single-use plastics like water bottles, utensils, balloons, and confetti. Luckily there are many brands who are creating eco-friendly alternatives to choose from.
Florals
Just like your guests, consider how far your flowers are traveling before they're in your hands, walking down the aisle. You can cut down on your wedding's carbon footprint by supporting a local flower farm & florist. Or, after the festivities have ended, give your florals a second life. Local restaurants, coffee shops, and nursing homes can all reuse your florals for days to come.
KEEP IT SMALL
Keeping your guest list short, or eloping are great ways to keep your celebrations eco-friendly. Not to mention, creates a unique space for you two as a couple to create a day that feels perfect for you. I help my clients plan and photograph their perfect elopements with rad local vendors here on Maui and abroad.
