Eco-friendly weddings are truly special events that focus on sustainability for future generations.

One of the biggest decisions that need to be made in planning a green wedding is how to deal with the environmental impact of the ceremony and reception. This means finding out where the food comes from and what materials it was created with.  

Eco-friendly weddings can still be elegant even when you’re on a limited budget.

Here are some simple tips you can do to make sure you have a sustainable, environmentally-friendly wedding:  

1. Choose An Eco-Friendly Reception 

If you’re trying to plan an ecologically friendly wedding reception, you will want to choose a recycling program beforehand.

This way, you won’t only be doing your part for the environment, but you can also help save on costs.

Find out exactly where you stand on the recycling issue before you even decide on the location for your wedding reception. 

One of the best decisions you can make for your wedding is to hold it outdoors. When you do this, you’ll have a much better chance of having a successful wedding because you’ll be able to enjoy the sun and all the wonderful scents.

Just make sure to check the weather forecast for your chosen wedding date.  

You might also consider holding the wedding at the same location where you plan to hold the reception so that everything runs smoothly.

When you hold the wedding ceremony and reception in one place, you won’t need to pay for transportation costs, and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint.

It’s one way of saving money without your guests noticing.  

2. Choose Sustainable Bridal Bouquets  

Freshly cut flowers are not the best choice if you want to have an eco-friendly wedding. There are many sustainable bridal bouquets stores today where local florists choose seasonal flowers that bloom within your area.

These florists also work with small local farms that grow the flowers themselves, reducing the need to transport the flowers through long distances.

After your wedding, you can opt to use these flowers as compost. Make sure you talk to your chosen florist about this arrangement.  

You can also choose potted flowers like orchids and spray roses as your bouquet or flowers for your entourage and decorations.

These potted flowers can be a good memento from your wedding as you can plant them again in your home.

3. Sustainable Wedding Attire 

Fast fashion is one of the biggest waste contributors today. One of the best ways to have a sustainable wedding is to look for local, sustainable designers to reduce your waste impact.

Dozens of designers use sustainable materials in their designs, and some use recycled fabrics to create gowns.  

Another option is to use secondhand or vintage dresses. You can purchase one or rent a bridal dress, so there’s no need to buy a new one.

Not only are these dresses cost-friendly, but they also have timeless designs that will wow everyone at the wedding.

4. Use Eco-Friendly Items In The Reception 

For the reception décor, you can use home decoration items like vases, pots, glasses, and even books.

You don’t need to spend money on decorations you’ll only use during the wedding. You can even use succulents as decorations and give them away to guests as their souvenirs.  

Try to avoid using plastic utensils and cups or tablecloths. There is sustainable cutlery like bamboo you can use instead.

It would also help if you took advantage of any recycled products that you can get, such as napkins, tablecloths and tableware.

Be sure that they are 100% made from renewable resources. 

5. Go Digital 

Reduce your waste by going digital for every aspect of your wedding. In the planning stage, you can use digital envelopes to start tracking your expenses. 

To reduce costs and waste for printing wedding invitations, use digital invitations to invite people and track the RSVP.

You can also provide digital souvenirs for your guests, like sending them digital photos and thank you ecards after the wedding.  

Summary 

Having an eco-friendly wedding is a great way to start a sustainable lifestyle with your partner.

There are many simple ways you can make it stylish and luxurious, even without spending too much.

Holding the wedding and reception outdoors and in one venue saves you a lot of money, and using natural light will reduce the need to use lights and energy, thus reducing your carbon footprint.  

There are tons of sustainable materials today, from clothes to plates and decorations.

Aside from that, choosing locally grown materials and food is sustainable for the environment and the community you belong in.

You can ask your wedding planner and suppliers to get from local florists, farmers, and workers so you can support their livelihood as well.