If you didn’t already know this about me, I’m super passionate about our environment and being sustainable and environmentally cautious not just in my everyday life, but when it comes to the wedding industry too. I follow an eco-friendly lifestyle both in my personal life as well as in my business.
In the wedding industry, we are starting to see couples embrace environmentally friendly weddings, and so it is no surprise that the desire to incorporate sustainable choices into weddings is growing! (YAY!) In this blog post, I will share some ideas for how you can incorporate eco-friendly elements into your wedding, to make your day even more unforgettable(for you, your guests, and the earth)!
#1: Find an Eco-Friendly Wedding Venue
First, I would encourage you to look into wedding venues that have eco-friendly values. Look for locations that prioritize sustainability by using renewable energy, recycling waste, and conserving water. Outdoor venues, such as gardens, parks, or even private properties with scenic backdrops provide an amazing opportunity to embrace nature and reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional indoor venues.
Check out just a few shots of this stunning sustainable venue right here in Maine, Wanderwood. By selecting an environmentally friendly venue, you can reduce your ecological footprint right from the get-go.
#2: Embrace Eco-Friendly Decorations
Try to incorporate nature-inspired decorations into your wedding theme! Use locally sourced flowers and plants that are in season, or even use wildflowers or dried grasses! They not only add to the beauty of your decorations, but can also showcase the local flora.
Take these weddings for example, as they used local florals and even Maine blueberries! One of the brides below utilized local wildflowers and dried her own arrangements along with flower petals for her guests to throw as they ran down the aisle as newlyweds! Dried flowers are not only wonderful for the earth as they decompose, but they make gorgeous arrangements, clearly look beautiful when thrown down the aisle, AND last forever! I too did this for my wedding and just asked a florist for their leftover pedals, they were so happy to not see them go to waste!
Below you’ll see dried flowers with thrifted vases and books, dried pedals in compostable paper cones, and bamboo plates!
Couples can also opt for reusable or biodegradable materials, such as wooden or recycled paper invitations, eco-friendly confetti, and natural fabrics for table linens. By bringing the outdoors in, you can create a visually stunning and sustainable ambiance.
#3: Support Local and Ethical Vendors
One of the biggest ways you can make your wedding more eco-friendly is to use local vendors. For example, you can choose caterers who use locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients to create an amazing menu. Or, partner with eco-conscious wedding planners, florists, and makeup artists who prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
By supporting local businesses, you can reduce your wedding’s carbon footprint, while also contributing to the growth of the local community. It’s an opportunity to make a positive impact that goes beyond just your wedding day!
Looking for a florist who sources their own flowers from home? Check out, Falmouth Town Flower Co., Bad Rabbit Flowers, or Eden on Edes Falls!
#4: Opt for Eco-Friendly Favors and Gifts
If you’re doing favors, why not try something that is more eco-friendly than the traditional gifts!? Here are some ideas:
- Personalized seed packets
- Potted plants
- Thrifted vases filled with flowers as centerpieces that guests can take home at the end of the night!
- Reusable and recyclable items like bamboo straws
- Organic cotton tote bags
- Local syrup or honey in glass containers
These all can make thoughtful and environmentally friendly choices! Encouraging your guests to take home these sustainable keepsakes promotes the eco-conscious message beyond the wedding day, and can even inspire others to embrace sustainable practices in their own lives.
#5: Find an Eco-Friendly Photographer
Hey, it’s me!! Hehe, and I’m sure and hopeful that there are many others as well. 🙂 Now this could be a bit tricky to find just by looking at photographers from the outside. A good indicator however would be if you’ve seen them mention or have listed on their site that they are “leave no trace” verified. This means they value leaving nature as it is and caring for it while they’re at work! They also probably agree that no photo is worth endangering wildlife.
Another example of how I instill eco-friendly practices within my business, is only sourcing non leather albums within my print shop. So while the prints and albums might be a bit pricer, it’s because I’ve selected only sustainable companies that I and you can trust!
I’d love to help you capture your eco-friendly wedding and incorporate sustainability into your day. Reach out to me here if you’re looking for an eco-friendly photographer!
Plan your Eco-Friendly Wedding
So there you have it! By incorporating eco-friendly elements into your wedding, you can celebrate your love while also making a positive impact on the planet. From choosing green venues and embracing nature-inspired decor to supporting local vendors and opting for eco-friendly favors, every small step towards sustainability counts. Together, let’s capture not only the beauty of your love but also the beauty of a more sustainable future! <3
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