If Nuptials Are Meant To Last A Lifetime, Why Should Weddings Harm Our Environment? Here Are Some Ways To Make Your Big Day More Sustainable Instead
While weddings are fun, beautiful, and extravagant, they can also produce a lot of waste and easily spiral into non-environmentally friendly events.
With all the food, plastic, and paper products disposed of at the end of a wedding, it creates more waste in one night than some of us would in months.
On the one hand, you shouldn’t beat yourself up too much, as any big event is bound to generate waste and many of us only have a wedding once in our lives.
However, there are some changes and adjustments to your wedding you can make in order to have more of a sustainable celebration. Here’s how to do it!
Use reusable decorations
When planning a wedding, many people pick out decorations and fun little trinkets that will only be used on one day. Then, most of it gets thrown out at once.
Try decorating your ceremony and reception with pieces and items you can use again, in your home or for another event, like glassware, candlesticks, textiles, antiques, etc.
Limit your paper usage.
Since we’re living in such a digital age, it’s a great idea to utilize all the clever wedding websites out there to take care of certain aspects, such as your RSVPs. Of course, it’s fine to still want to send out paper invitations, but consider eliminating other sources of paper at your wedding.
Tetiana – stock.adobe.com- illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
For instance, instead of printing out individual copies of your reception dinner menu for each guest, write it out on some signage placed around the venue.
You can also step up your sustainability game by printing anything you physically send out on recycled paper!
Seek out a sustainable caterer.
More restaurants and catering businesses are finding ways to create more sustainable wedding menus. Look for businesses that offer organic, local foods and consider cutting down on the amount of animal products served at your wedding.
You can also talk to these caterers about making the meals less wasteful by discussing biodegradable or reusable silverware and serving options.
Shop vintage stores or thrift your clothes.
If you’re not too attached to the idea of buying a brand-new custom-made wedding gown, look for some dresses at a thrift store!
The same goes for men in the wedding and their suits or tuxedos. Sometimes, you can find some real gems when it comes to thrifted and vintage clothing, and you’ll be giving that piece a second chance to shine.
Don’t be afraid to get creative.
When planning your wedding, think of something you want to have there, then look up ways to make it sustainable.
Do you want your guests to throw confetti after you and your new spouse exit your ceremony? Make some DIY earth-friendly leaf confetti
Want there to be a lot of cool candles on your reception tables? Head to an antique shop and see what candles and candle sticks you can use.
Don’t be afraid to use some creativity and put in a little extra effort to make your wedding look great instead of buying a bunch of stuff you won’t use again.
While it’s nearly impossible to have a wedding that is 100% waste-free, these are just some small ways you can be a bit kinder to the environment while celebrating your special day.
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