How to have a more sustainable wedding.
It may sound impossible, but I promise it isn’t! With a little creativity, some compromise, and a willingness to help this ol’ earth, it can happen.
Ring shop responsibly.
Did you know that diamonds actually really suck? There are so many better options out there, and they’re way more unique and awesome, tbh.
Moissanite is an amazing alternative and some even look just like a diamond! There are some incredibly beautiful and unique ones like this that are far cheaper than their diamond cousin.
Oh yeah, did I mention that diamonds are way too expensive for no real reason? Yeah. that’s less than cool.
Raw gem rings are also gorgeous and significantly cheaper than a diamond. Get your partner’s birth stone for an added sentimental element! Or just ask what their favorite stone is.
If you’re set on a diamond, or your partner is, try to get it at a pawn shop or vintage shop. You can also find them on, you guessed it, etsy.
Go digital.
E-vites are totally a thing again. And they’re actually cool! It also means all your rsvps are digital. Which is a super extra awesome score. Greenvelope.com has beautiful designs and an easy user template.
They even listed out a few reasons why you should go digital here. I can’t agree more!
Use plant paper.
If you’re still wanting to go with paper, use a recycled or plant paper.
Paper culture is very transparent with their commitment to more sustainable products and business ethics.
Ditch the registry.
Or just include the things you really actually need. Like money.
JK. Sort of.
Ask for things that are reusable, are an investment, or will replace something in dire need of replacing.
A honey fund is a great option! Most wedding website/planning services allow you to have a honey fund option instead of a traditional registry. You can use it for your honeymoon, a down payment, or whatever you want!
Find an eco-friendly venue.
Venues are hard, man. They’re already pricy as you-know-what. Then to find one that isn’t just guzzling the earth’s resources and giving nothing back? Oof. But here’s some ideas:
Check out the Green Building Information Gateway for locations that may be wedding-appropriate.
Search for hotels and event spaces with LEED certifications and energy star ratings. if you can’t find it on their website, call and ask! get it in writing so you can verify.
Take your shindig outdoors! Make sure you follow all leave no trace guidelines and get permits if you’re getting married in a national park. Oh, and don’t try to hog locations. That’s rude.
If you’re into a destination wedding, check out this article and plan that dream wedding!
No confetti, rice, or plastic.
Rice just isn’t that great of an option to begin with. But I’m not one for tradition so who am I to say. The main reason I would stay away from it is because it’s a falling hazard! Seriously, look. It’s also super difficult to clean up and you’ll have it in your bra and underwear for like, ever.
Dried lavender, leaf confetti, and flower petals (get some from your florist that are being discarded!) are really awesome alternatives. And they don’t smell like stale rice!
Nix the traditional wardrobe.
Don’t cancel me yet!
Hear me out. let’s talk about dresses first. then suits.
There are some awesome rental options for wedding dresses. Ask your local dress shops, even if they don’t advertise rentals. or check out this and this. You can save a massive chunk of change, and not have to carry around a wedding dress for the rest of your life.
But I get it. You want your dress.
So let’s talked pre-owned fits.
Buying a used gown is like buying anything else used. You save some money, but it’s not brand spankin’ new. Here’s the thing: Once it is professionally cleaned, tailored to fit you like a dream glove, it is going to be perfect. No one will know unless you tell them.
For my last option, find a sustainable dress designer!
Now for the masculine folk.
Literally everyone has heard of Men’s Wearhouse. like, everyone. seriously. Is it obnoxious? yes. but do they know what they’re doing? yes.
There’s another option from Generation Tux. I don’t have personal experience with them, but they make it really convenient and easy, and it looks like they’ve got nice stuff! It’s definitely worth trying.
Another option is to wear what you have! Most masc folk have a suit by the time they’re having a wedding.
And, yep, thrifting. You’d be surprised what you can find. Have a little tailoring done, boom. Runway ready.
Rent a bunch.
You might be surprised at what you can rent! From tents, chairs, and tables to cups, cutlery, and linens. You’re covered! Definitely look for local rental spots so you can support small business and avoid that travel fee (and there’s less fuel emissions!). Shameless plug: check out my rental options! I have disco balls galore.
Check out Facebook groups and FB Marketplace for people who have a bunch of stuff from their wedding and rent it out for a cheaper price than standard rental companies.
Thrift.
If you know me, you know I’m a thrifting freak. Like, I could go daily if my wallet and home allowed it. I love love love finding cool vintage things, diy projects, and sometimes brand new items I can flip!
If you’re having a vintage themed or eclectic wedding, find really amazing plates and give those as favors to your guests! If you’re having a small wedding, keep them and make them your version of family china. boom! Generational heirloom.
Blankets, textiles, cake stands, tables, chairs, you can find it all with a little bit of effort and time.
Keep it simple, sweetheart.
Only you will remember all the details.
No, seriously. So keep it simple! Make it more about the experience and less about the stuff. After all, it is literally all about the experience!
Botanicals might get tricky.
We all loooooove the look of beautifully curated floral arrangements. The fresh flower smell is unmatched, let’s be honest.
But sometimes that’s not the best option!
Check out thrift stores for silk and dried flowers (you’d be surprised what you find sometimes!). Ask around and see if anyone has any dried or silk flowers they would be willing to loan you!
Consider potted plants, and send them home as gifts! Or hoard them all like I do and end up with a beautiful jungle inside your home.
If you reallllly want to stick with fresh cut flowers, look for local flower farms and local florists so you can support them!
We all have to eat, right?
Food is one of the most expensive things at a wedding. and coincidentally, sometimes the most wasteful!
Consider a potluck. or, as the fancy folk say, a community dinner. You can put on your invite “join us for our first family dinner. bring your favorite _____ and make sure to leave the recipe!” (Make sure you have backups in place though)
Go vegan! You can have delicious, filling, non-tofu, nutritious meals and not have any animal by-products! Check out pinterest for some awesome vegan wedding spreads.
If you’re catering, ask your caterer if they have a focus on minimizing waste, reducing their footprint, and if they source locally and sustainably.
Talk to your caterer (or whoever is in charge of food) about saving leftovers. Give them to the wedding party and family as they’re leaving, and take some with you.
That late-night-post-wedding-meal hits different.
Opt out of favors.
Most people don’t even take the favors unless it’s edible and they eat it at the wedding!
Also, side note: those weird almond things everyone gets as favors? Make it stop. Those are the worst things ever.
Anyway.
If you still want to give favors or you’re having a smaller wedding and you know people will take them, avoid plastic things!
Local honey in small jars, homemade jams, seed packets, herb satchets, or just a handwritten card (on seed paper!) will be much more appreciated by your guests, I promise!
You can also give them a bamboo straw with a note telling them to use it at the wedding and make sure they take it home and use it all the time.
At the end.
Now you’re done. The wedding has happened. It was over in the blink of an eye, right? I know… it’s insane.
Now it’s time to pack up the leftovers, return the rentals, donate items (or sell), and start your married life!
Take the time to organize the décor and items you aren’t keeping. Take the time to clean them, package them up to be ready for donation or renting yourself.
And now you’re married. You did it! Be proud. Pat yourself on the back. Grab a stiff drink. And look at that. You made it more sustainable and I bet you had a great time doing it. Enjoy those cool new family heirlooms you have, and just imagine how stoked some other couple will be to rent or borrow those super unique items you found and made!