Experts share eco-friendly tips to minimize your wedding's carbon footprint
October 24, 2023
Are you planning a wedding and looking for ways to make your special day more eco-friendly? In an era where environmental sustainability is at the forefront of our minds, why not extend these principles to your wedding? To help you plan an eco-friendly celebration, we've gathered expert tips that cover every aspect of your wedding, from the venue to fashion, decor, catering, florals, and even transportation. Let's explore these sustainable ideas to make your wedding a truly green event.
Photo above by Lo McCarville Photography
1. VENUE
Expert Tips: "You can reduce the carbon footprint of your wedding by hosting it at an eco-friendly event space. Hosting a green wedding at a LEED Platinum certified venue, like Monona Terrace, helps to minimize the event’s impact on the environment through facility-wide sustainability practices, such as carbon offsetting and composting." ~ Kassi Bridwell, Monona Terrace
"Choose a venue that speaks to the theme of your wedding all by itself! This will save cash for the couple and resources for the earth." ~ India Lawless, Portraits by India Laurenne
"Choose a venue that's as stunning as it is sustainable. Dance the night away knowing you're leaving a smaller carbon footprint." ~ Christie Forciea, Tattersall Event Center and Distillery
Why it Matters: Selecting an eco-friendly venue is not just a practical decision, it is a powerful statement of your values and dedication to reducing the environmental impact of your wedding day. It can significantly reduce the event's carbon footprint as often times, these venues employ sustainable practices like energy efficiency and waste reduction. In addition to its positive environmental impact, a sustainable venue often offers natural beauty, reducing the need for additional decor, which saves resources and adds a meaningful, eco-conscious dimension to your wedding celebration.
Beau Petersen Photography courtesy of Monona Terrace
2. SIGNAGE
Expert Tip: "Reduce waste by renting and reusing signage pieces. Seating charts and other signage written on ornate, gold mirrors are stunning and come with zero waste!" ~ Shi Norman, Lettered by Shi
Why It Matters: Creating new signage for an event requires the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and packaging, all of which have environmental impacts. By reusing existing signage, you reduce the demand for these resources. It is also often times a budget-friendly approach and can offer the opportunity to infuse your wedding with some personality by creatively upcycling.
Anya Kubilus Photography courtesy of Lettered by Shi
3. RENTALS & DECOR
Expert Tips: "Not only is renting reducing your carbon footprint by not contributing to more waste compared to buying new, you can also get more high-end pieces for a better price." ~ Constanza Liborio, Velvet Rentals
"So much of the decor on a wedding day is used only once. Borrow from a friend or use the decor your venue provides to save on cost and waste!" ~ Taylor Pastel, Barnwood Events
"Instead of buying and building your own centerpieces and decorations, use items from previous weddings." ~ The Team at Twig and Olive Photography
"So much of the decor on a wedding day is used only once. Borrow from a friend or use the decor your venue provides to save on cost and waste!" ~ Taylor Pastel, Barnwood Events
"For the past 10+ years, Relics scoured the Midwest to bring to you the most insane stash of heirloom china, ridiculously unique tabletop accessories, and one-of-a-kind furniture and decor that you have ever seen." ~ Jessica Thill, Relics Rentals
Why It Matters: Opting for rentals and reusing decor items saves resources, reduces waste, and lessens the environmental impact of your wedding. It shows that you're conscious of the finite resources on our planet and are making a conscious effort to minimize your footprint.
Renting wedding decor and rentals instead of buying offers cost savings, reduces waste, provides variety, and minimizes storage issues. Not only is it convenient but it also ensures quality, and allows you to adapt to changing trends without commitment, making it a practical and flexible choice for wedding planning.
Meghan Lee Harris courtesy of Relics Rentals
4. WEDDING ATTIRE
Expert Tips: "Pronovias has taken it upon themselves to reduce their carbon footprint through their #WeDoEco program. They use locally sourced sustainable materials in their gowns, beads made from recycled glass, and eco-friendly packaging." ~ Lydia Semo, Tie the Knot Bridal Boutique
"Loulette Bride offers gowns that are handmade using recycled poly linings and natural fabrics. Plus, every bride that purchases a Loulette gown has a tree planted in their name through the organization One Tree Planted!" ~ Kylie Vanderhoof, Miss Ruby Bridal
"Instead of purchasing a new wedding gown, find one in a resale shop." ~ The Team at Twig and Olive Photography
Why It Matters: Renting or reusing wedding attire can offer a significant cost savings as this important line item, particularly for the bride and groom, can be a substantial expense. Additionally, it helps reduce the environmental impact as the production of new wedding attire consumes considerable resources and energy. By choosing to rent or reuse, couples lessen the demand for new garments, extending the life of these pieces and making a more eco-friendly choice.
Khaki Bedford Photography courtesy of Miss Ruby Bridal
5. CATERING
Expert Tips: "Consider adopting a farm-to-table catering approach for your wedding. This choice involves sourcing locally grown, seasonal produce and ingredients, supporting local farmers, and reducing the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation. Furthermore, minimize waste at your wedding through effective waste reduction strategies. Twisted Radish Catering is dedicated to reducing food waste by meticulously planning portion sizes and creatively repurposing leftovers whenever feasible." ~ Twisted Radish Catering
Why It Matters: Selecting a sustainable caterer holds immense importance for both the environment and the overall wedding experience as they prioritize sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, which minimizes the transportation and energy required to bring food to the wedding. Additionally, their commitment to sustainable and organic produce supports responsible farming practices, conserving resources, reducing pesticide use, and protecting natural ecosystems. This environmentally responsible choice plays a substantial role in mitigating climate change and decreasing the overall environmental impact of the event. And the cherry on top is that guests are treated to a distinctive dining experience that not only tastes great but also leaves them with a lasting impression of a wedding that thoughtfully considered its impact on the planet.
Photo courtesy of Twisted Radish Catering
6. FLORALS
Expert Tips: "Choose a florist that landfill diverts by composting the leftover blooms and stems. Additionally, consider donating your flowers after your wedding. My in-house team works with local (Medicaid accepting) nursing homes to bring flowers after your event to people who would not typically receive flowers." ~ Sally Vander Wyst, Milwaukee Flower Co
"Using things that are in season will increase the likelihood that things are sourced locally. Out-of-season floral needs to be sourced from other parts of the world usually, thus creating shipping costs and increasing environmental impact." ~ Heather Farr, Heather Farr Events
Why It Matters: Selecting a florist who is eco-conscious supporting organic and sustainable growing practices, local sourcing, and waste reduction strategies. Typically, they offer a diverse selection of unique, seasonal blooms, allowing couples to create distinct arrangements that align with their values and the local environment. Also, consider donating your flowers after your wedding as not only will it minimize floral waste but will foster a sense of goodwill.
Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Flower Co
7. TRANSPORTATION
Expert Tip: "Have your ceremony and reception at the same place - reduces driving and CO2 emissions from guests driving from the ceremony to the reception." ~ Heather Farr, Heather Farr Events
Why It Matters: Transportation, especially for large events like weddings, can be a substantial source of greenhouse gas emissions. Opting to shuttle guests or select a local venue vs one wherein guests will have to travel a far distance is another way to reduce an event's carbon footprint and contributes to the fight against climate change.
