Weddings can be a huge day of overconsumption, so wanting to cut back on the carbon output and have a more sustainable day is totally understandable. Even if sustainability isn’t your main priority, there are a few easy steps you can take to cut back the waste on your big day.
Florial Ideas
While silk flowers are the more cost-efficient option, they create about 2.5 times more greenhouse gasses than real flowers. If you want to go this route, look into renting silk flower arrangements instead of buying them for a single use.
Using real flowers is definitely the more carbon-neutral option here, but to go a step further you can request only local flowers be utilized, thus supporting local farmers and decreasing carbon outputs. Consider minimal flowers like only a bouquet and boutonnière for the couple or the bridesmaids carrying a single flower.
Another option is to request foam-free floral designs. Floral foam is made of micro plastics and is harmful in several ways. Talk to your florist to see if they’re comfortable designing this way.
Details
While some say the little details are what make a wedding memorable, many of those details end up in the landfill. Custom cocktail cups, napkins, stationary, drink stirs– they’re all trendy and definitely great for photos, but what purpose do they serve other than mostly aesthetic? If you’re heart is set on these, then by all means, use them! But, if you’re looking for ways to make your day more sustainable (and cut down on costs) then these are a few areas you can cut out and not even miss.
Dinner
Talk with your caterer about sustainable serve ware. Using china and silverware instead of disposable plates can create a huge difference in the amount of waste at the end of the night. If this isn’t feasible, consider compostable options.
Additionally, consider plated style dinner service instead of buffet. Plated dinners are portioned out, while buffet styles can cause mass amounts of uneaten food. Avoid the waste and go with the plated option!
Wedding Exit
Instead of rice or sparklers, go with an eco-friendly exit toss. Bird seed is a great option as well as dried flower petals or biodegradable confetti! Make your own packets for guests or purchase them on Etsy.
Eco-Friendly Paper
If stationary is a nonnegotiable for you, like it is for many brides, consider using a more eco-friendly paper option. Many printing services offer recycled paper for a slight up-charge. Another great option, while a little pricy, is plantable seed paper. Use one of these or a combination for save the dates, invitations, and day of stationary like programs, menus, and seating charts. Purchase the place cards shown below from OliviaMorganLtd on Etsy!
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke Virginia, Richmond Virginia, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia or in Charlottesville/ Lynchburg Va. we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
