From the invites to the gifts on the registry and the wedding cleanup, eco-conscious couples can still have the wedding of their dreams — all it takes is just a little bit of thought and a mindset to go green.
Eco-conscious weddings have a thoughtful approach to the environment, lessening the over-consumption and wasteful aftermath of the big day while still keeping the essence of the celebration.
The good news is that this “less is more” approach is not only better for the environment but good for a budget.
First, go with an event planner who understands the importance of less waste without sacrificing on style.
“My clients are all socially conscious in one way or another,” says Leslie Price, a boutique wedding planner and founder of In Any Event. Last month, one of her select clients chose to offset the carbon footprint of their wedding.
“Most of my clients have stopped handing out favors,” she says. “Instead, they make donations to their favorite charity — one couple made a donation to the National Arbor Day Foundation so that for each guest in attendance, a tree was planted in a national forest. We mention it on the bottom of the menus or on the back of the programs so guests can appreciate the gesture.”
Since reducing the carbon footprint is the goal, source locally and insist that your vendors do the same. You may want to enlist a caterer who works with local farmers and has a farm-to-table practice. Check whether they have a system in place for leftovers through composting or food donations.
Price recommends choosing wines that follow responsible, biodynamic farming practices, perhaps from a wine club like Dry Farm Wines which only selects pure artisan wines from sustainable farms.
Amy Egan of Modern Rebel started her event-planning business with the intent of helping couples cut out the traditional excess. She has noticed an upswing in eco-friendly options.
“We don’t offer sparkler exits anymore. They are wasteful and dangerous,” she says. “Instead, we encourage compostable confetti.”
In the same vein, Brooklyn-based Garbage Goddess is on a mission to compost, reuse and recycle everything from a wedding for a zero-waste event.
“In New York, especially, there is a peaked interest in individuals’ environmental impact,” says founder Liza Lubell. “More people are in search of creative solutions to counterbalance their celebrations, and are eager to do something positive and earth supportive.”
Llama love
Take steps to keep your home clean despite wedding guests trekking in dirt and debris. This llama doormat is made from 100-percent recycled coir. $16.99 from WorldMarket.com
Ring in the new
Decorate the table with accessories that you can feel good about. This set of six gingko-shaped rings are incredibly versatile (use as napkin rings or name-card holders) and made of recycled iron metal, available in three finishes. $49 from VivaTerra.com
Food for thought
Indulge in a basket of goodies like artisanal salt and olive oil paired with a trio of organic cotton kitchenware including an oven mitt, apron and tea towel. $108 at PloverOrganic.com
Priority mail
Wasteful multi-layered invites be gone — this “Floral Burst” all-in-one invitation with detachable RSVP is simply chic and printed on recycled paper. 25 for $66 at Minted.com
Sweet dreams
Sleep soundly on plant-based bedding, made of woven Eucalyptus fiber and naturally dyed with gardenia, turmeric and walnut. Comforter covers from $80 at Buffy.co
The Gift of Giving
Another way for newlyweds to give back is to forgo a gift registry and instead have guests donate to an organization of their choice. One distinctly apropos charity is Wish Upon A Wedding. Founded in 2011, this national organization provides grants to couples faced with a terminal illness. They are now approaching their goal of gifting up to 24 weddings annually.